Convincing yourself to go through the work of detox and treatment can be extremely challenging, especially if you are prone thinking of addiction as a weakness or something of which you should be ashamed. However, once you have made the move into detox and treatment, you will find yourself at the mercy of forces that you can’t control. Working out how to let go of control to hold onto recovery starts there.
Your move into detox may have been forced upon you by relationship damage or legal problems. In such as instance, you may find that you are not in control of your circumstances or your reactions. During detox, you may find that your water and food intake, as well as your physical output, may need to be measured. Blood may need to be drawn. You may be asked intrusive questions, or be given a medication you didn’t ask for to address dangerous withdrawal concerns. All of these things can be frustrating and frightening.
Facets of an Addictive Personality
You learn a lot about yourself when you go through detox and get into treatment. Sadly, there are people who believe that addiction is a choice made by people who are weak willed. However, rigid personalities who may justifiably think of themselves as being strong willed can also develop addictions.
Because rigid personalities find comfort in habits, you may be in the habit of stopping for a drink on Friday. Eventually you need a drink on Friday, and get a drink on Thursday to connect with friends. Even illegal drugs can be justified by a personality that believes they are always in control
If you grew up in a home that was impacted by addiction, you may think of yourself as an anti-addict. Because you are vehemently opposed to addiction, you may have a belief that admitting that you’re an addict means that you are now a failure, a bad parent, a destructive spouse, or simply unworthy of assistance. You may be mentally opposed to admitting that you are powerless about anything.
To that end, it could well be that a 12 step treatment program will not suit you. If you are emotionally beating yourself up, your detox will be even more miserable. If you have any control over the facility you enter and the counselors you work with, ask for a treatment program that is not based on the 12 steps. Addiction changes your brain. If you have been trying to manage it by yourself and have not been successful, you are already struggling to accept helplessness. Avoid further pain in this arena by seeking private counseling, group therapy and family treatment that doesn’t require you to admit helplessness.
Regarding family counseling, understand that your entrance into detox and drug treatment may trip some triggers. You may have siblings that are dealing with their ow trauma. Your courage may help you them to focus on their own challenges, or to deal with tough emotions surrounding the addicted parent. Depending on the number of siblings and step-siblings in your family, you may find that some embrace you while others reject you. As possible, focus on your path and let folks linger on their own.
Too often, families divide on lines around addicts based on their view of addiction. Getting some folks into family counseling may be more of a burden than you can manage. If you feel overwhelmed, say something to your therapists. Your therapy work is critical to you. Do not bear the burden of the judgment of others! It’s too big for any one person to carry and you have enough to do.
Take the time to study up on different treatment paths that you can participate in. As you move through detox and into treatment, you may find that it’s easier to free up your thinking. To that end, talk to your therapist about getting approval to do some private work. For example, if you have always been a Type A Go-Getter personality, learning to meditate can greatly expand your brainpower. Your brain’s reaction to addictive products and activities creates paths that quickly lead to pleasure. Meditation is a simple, private way to build a new path to a calm, soothed brain. As you find this place of calm, you will start to see new ways to maintain mental flexibility. Being flexible and open to ideas increases your chance of success. We can help, call now at 833-497-3812.