People sometimes decide to stop using drugs before they go to a treatment program out of the desire to make their first few days easier. While you should always be careful trying to end an addiction on your own, you might be feeling good about your ability to wean yourself off of drugs in the days leading up to your stay. Now that you are sober, you might be wondering if it's even worth going to the program after all. The truth is that you are still in the earliest phases of your recovery, and there is still a serious risk that you could fall back into your old patterns. When you are feeling tempted to cancel your plans, read through this list to remind yourself of why you still need to seek professional help with your addiction recovery.
Get Away From Temptation
It can feel amazing to get off of drugs for a few days. However, your willpower can begin to fade as you get back into your normal routine. For example, you might find it hard to avoid using drugs once the weekend rolls around and you have more free time on your hands. It is also possible that negative influences such as your friends who you use drugs with could show up at your door. One of the main benefits of going to an addiction recovery center is having the ability to shake up your routine and step away from the pressures that you face in life. Just being in a place where drugs are not accessible helps you to stay sober for longer.
Improve Your Mental Health With Counseling
There are likely reasons why you developed an addiction in the first place. Quitting drugs gives you a starting point for beginning to think about your mental health, but it is not always enough to help you deal with serious issues such as depression or trauma. Addiction recovery counseling allows you to work with a professional who understands how your mental health influences your addiction. You'll also receive counseling that helps you to begin putting your life back together if you have family conflicts or need assistance with getting back to work.
Lower Your Risk for Relapse
Addiction recovery continues for the rest of your life, but you are most likely to relapse during your first several weeks of recovery. Your visit to a treatment facility helps you to learn about the common pitfalls that people encounter in their early recovery so that you can recognize them when they happen. Feeling supported and having a team of professionals available to talk to helps you to feel even more confident about your ability to achieve long-term sobriety.