Four Things People in Recovery Wish You Knew
Four Things People in Recovery Wish You Knew
If you have a loved one in substance abuse treatment, it might be hard to understand what they’re going through. It’s not uncommon for drug addiction to cause a rift between relationships, and repairing this is a process that involves both sides. At Quest Recovery Center, we work with individuals who require addiction therapy in the Akron, OH area. Through our years of experience, we know what people in recovery wish their loved ones knew. Read on to learn these four things, and then learn more about the services we offer for drug treatment.
Addiction is not a choice. Although it may be hard to understand someone went down the path of addiction unwillingly, years of research tell us that substance abuse is a disease. It is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite the harmful consequences. It is a brain disease because it affects the structure and function of the brain. Addiction can happen to anyone and can begin with something as common as a prescription from a well-meaning doctor. Many people associate addiction as the result of making poor choices, however, the risk is increased by factors such as genetics, mental health problems, environmental factors, and trauma history. Ending the stigma around substance use disorder is the first step to understanding what your loved one is going through in recovery. While your loved one is working hard in addiction therapy, we know you might feel the urge to dive into the past. Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual, but everyone around them too. Our team of counselors encourages supporting and helping your friend or family member in drug recovery to focus on the future, rather than dwell on darker times. Once they are in a secure place, that can be a good time to discuss the past. Substance use disorder alters naturally occurring brain chemicals and will eventually lead to physical dependence, and that’s what makes them so addictive. As a result, their behaviors may change. The team at Quest Recovery Center understands that it is hard to mend relationships after addiction, but we know that our patients in recovery wish their loved ones knew that they never wanted to hurt or disappoint any of the people they care about.
They Didn’t Choose to Become Addicted
It Can Happen to Anyone
Don’t Bring Up the Past While They’re Rebuilding
They Never Wanted to Hurt or Disappoint You
Substance use disorder, or addiction, is often surrounded by stigma and shame. For some people receiving addiction therapy at our facility in Akron, OH, it’s hard to get their support system to understand their experience. Taking the time to listen, research, and understand the process of drug recovery can make all of the difference. Learn more about Quest Recovery Center’s substance abuse treatment plans today.