Common Obstacles to Recovery
Once you have taken your first steps on your path to sobriety, the road may smooth out for a while. As you move forward and start to integrate yourself back into the swing of things, you will begin to notice that you face more challenges. The decisions you make concerning your recovery will determine your success. While many of the obstacles and challenges you face will be easy to overcome, some may not. It will be up to you to find the solutions that will work best for you and your situation.
Poor Environment
In most cases, a poor environment is one of the factors that influenced your addictive behaviors. Friends who readily offered drugs or alcohol are often one of the biggest reasons people begin to experiment in the first place. Another factor may be that you worked in an environment where both were easy to find or always available. Your environment is the foundation for your recovery. In order to stay on your path, you may need to change your environment. Find new friends who are into the same things you are. Look for a job where you can expand your horizons and build a better future.
Easy Access to Drugs and Alcohol
If you are in recovery, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to minimize your exposure to drugs and alcohol. Whether it be in your home environment or your workplace, the fact that they are readily available may be an obstacle that is just too big to overcome. Instead of trying to force the issue, make changes that will allow you to move away from the triggers that you know will have a negative effect on your recovery.
No Positive Support System
Many people fail on their sobriety path because they do not have anyone in their immediate circle to offer support and encouragement. Family members either don’t understand or simply may not know what you need from them. When building your support system, take the time, to be honest with those you love and trust. Let them know how important their encouragement and support is to your continued success. Invite people into your support system that you will be a positive influence on your recovery. They are the ones you will be relying on when times get tough. Choose them wisely.
Few Recovery Resources
Individuals who have few recovery resources often find themselves feeling isolated and alone. If you have successfully completed a substance abuse treatment program, you may be able to find useful resources through the facility. If you are looking for other types of resources, look into groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. Whether you choose to join a group or not, the individuals you meet while visiting may be able to point you in the right direction.
Obstacles to your recovery will pop up unexpectedly. It’s essential that you be ready to face them. Always remember your journey and take the steps you need to move past each challenge. Make changes when needed. Sobriety is a journey that you must walk on your own. Even though you are the only one who can take the steps, you can guide your journey along pathways that will help you succeed. It’s up to you to face each day with a positive outlook and the determination to succeed.
