Is there anyone who does not want to leave behind the feelings of misery caused by addiction as quickly as possible? The question arises: “Why does treatment take so long?” It’s crucial to understand that the time lost during addiction cannot be regained overnight. Rushing the recovery process can lead to neglect of essential steps, increasing the risk of relapse. Patience is not just a virtue; it’s a vital component of your recovery journey, allowing for a thorough recovery without overlooking crucial aspects.
Continuing your life and treatment are not mutually exclusive. Treatment is not a roadblock but a crucial part of moving forward. It’s the key that helps you overcome obstacles that may hinder your progress. To advance, you need a stable foundation, and that’s exactly what recovery-focused treatment aims to provide. Investing the necessary time and resources into this process is vital for improving your chances of success. Time is critical in building this stable foundation, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Some aspects must also be considered. Many dependent individuals who seek help have struggled with addiction for years. During this time, addiction becomes a central aspect of their lives, affecting their thoughts, relationships, beliefs, emotions, behaviours, choices, and decisions. If these addiction-related factors are not taken into account when starting a new life, they can significantly hinder the recovery process.
Research has shown that the brain may need at least three months to return to the state it was in before addiction (assuming there is no irreversible damage). In many cases, even more time is needed. Additionally, other evidence suggests that a minimum of five years of “sobriety” is necessary to develop the resilience required to deal with various stressors (the stressors that may lead to a relapse in the future). This does not mean undergoing treatment for five years, but rather receiving adequate support during the most critical stages to create a solid foundation for long-term recovery.
The tendency towards addiction has likely developed unconsciously, which may mean that you are unaware of how vulnerable you are. Treatment will help you recognise and label this feeling that has taken root over time. It is unrealistic to expect this core sense of vulnerability to disappear quickly. For this reason, the term “cure” is generally not used, as it implies a finality that does not correspond to the ongoing recovery process. Treatment is just the beginning of changing your mindset and approach to life.
Particular caution is needed regarding the elevated moods that arise after overcoming addiction. This phenomenon is also known as the “honeymoon phase” or “pink cloud.” The conclusion of this significant process (which may involve medical detoxification) typically leads to a strong sense of improvement, convincing the individual that they have overcome addiction and are ready for any life challenge. However, addiction does not cease with mere physical detoxification or behavioural changes related to mood alteration; that is only one part of the issue.
Impulses, attitudes, and thought processes associated with addiction often persist after the cessation of substances and behaviours, hindering treatment efforts and early recovery attempts. The desire for instant gratification, seeking easy solutions, avoiding discomfort, and wanting to escape reality are behavioural patterns of dependent individuals. To achieve recovery, one must be prepared for the opposite approach.
So, let’s reframe the question: “I want to continue my life. What steps can I take at this stage of the recovery process to improve my chances?” For individuals struggling with gambling addiction, this question might be: “I want to regain control over my gambling habits. What steps can I take to improve my chances of recovery?” By actively participating in your recovery, you can feel more in control and empowered, turning the recovery process into a journey of self-discovery and growth.