Common Fears During Recovery & How to Conquer Them

A familiar feeling among addicts who are starting recovery is fear. And they shouldn’t be ashamed of it because it’s natural. For the human brain, trying something new is often uncomfortable. We are all humans, and the fear of the unfamiliar or different is programmed inside of us.

The fear of recovery is about something that might or could happen but hasn’t happened yet. It’s a reaction to rather an imagined than a real event. However, in spite of being a figment of the imagination, fear can sow doubts and confusion, interfering with recovery. Addressing this issue is one of the significant steps in addiction treatment.

Common Fears in Addiction Recovery

Fear can stop you from making the first important step – getting help and going to a rehabilitation center. A call to rehab numbers addictionresource.com can make you closer to the decision to seek treatment. A conversation with a supportive, non-judgmental operator will encourage you to quit taking illegal substances.

While there’re a lot of places where an addict can receive help, different types of fears stop people with substance use disorder from taking actions and getting involved in a treatment program:

Fear of Withdrawal

Withdrawal syndrome includes physical (ache and pain, headache, vomiting, etc.) and psychological (cravings, anxiety, insomnia, etc.) symptoms. Addicts often worry that they won’t cope with the harsh withdrawal symptoms.

Fear of Sobriety

For people on the road to a sober life, it’s not about fear of success, but rather about their feelings and emotions without substance abuse. Often, they haven’t been dry/clean for a long time. And the ultimate experience of sobriety might have been traumatic. Perhaps, the person started using some substance to cope with negative feelings or even symptoms of mental disorder. If they stop, they’ll have to face those uncomfortable feelings again.

Fear of Failing

You may feel motivated to quit bad habits and ready to go to rehab. But your favorable decision may be overshadowed by a fear of relapse. The idea of leaving illegal substances for some time in rehab only to go back to it after returning home is discouraging and alarming.

Fear of Stigma

Addiction stigma is often harder to get past than the addiction itself. Many people associate substance abuse with a shallow moral character. Stigma generates shame, blame, and hopelessness in addicts.
One of the common concerns in recovery is that staff or other patients in a treatment center will judge them. That is especially true when it comes to those who have managed to hide their habit up until now.

Fear of Rejection

Some addicts are afraid that family members or friends will reject them. In reality, they only lose their buddies, which is not bad since they may prevent a recovering person from pursuing a new healthier lifestyle.

Fear of a New Life

Going from taking illegal substances to maintaining sobriety involves several significant changes in the lifestyle. It can include taking up new hobbies, developing healthy habits, and building a new social circle. It may seem overwhelming at the beginning of the journey.

Fear of Loss

Some addicts avoid treatment as they think of it as something that leads to losses. They are afraid to lose their friends, job, and even identity. In reality, continuing to abuse illegal substances leads to injuries, but not quitting.

According to the 2014 National Survey on illegal substances Use and Health, 14 percent of people who needed addiction treatment didn’t seek help just because they didn’t know where to find it. With a help national illegal substances abuse hotline, you’ll get to understand treatment options for your specific needs and solvency. You can also get rehab numbers.

Dealing With Fear in Addiction Recovery

One of the essential skills patients learn in rehab is coping with their fears. Here’s a list of techniques used to deal with this emotion at all stages of recovery:

• Ease withdrawal symptoms with medically-assisted detoxification. Detox procedure should be done in a rehab where you will get constant close monitoring, support, and medical intervention.
• Get psychological consultation. Every rehab offers some form of therapy. Therapists can help to discover the root of the fears and get rid of uncomfortable feelings.
• Rely on your support network. This network says a problem shared is a problem halved. Accept help and support from your close people. It can make the difference in your progress.
• Face your fears. Therapy sessions are useful because they allow investigating what exactly it is a patient is afraid of, adopt a positive view of fear, and verbalize the concerns. Research demonstrates that the simple act of putting your worries into words taps into the brain’s parts responsible for logic and emotional regulation, decreasing fear and anxiety.
• Keep a journal. It’s an opportunity to get your fears down on paper. That will help to analyze them and find a solution.
• Create a positive environment. Sober and pleasant people and settings can have a significant impact on your success. Determine your triggers and try to avoid them.
• Use relaxation techniques. These techniques don’t let your fear transform into a panic. They are aimed at stress reduction and are believed to improve overall well-being.
• Revisit the goals you set while in treatment. When you feel tired and unmotivated, think of why you decided to quit in the first place. Your addiction may be a barrier to achieving the things you want. It’s also a good idea to create a vision board.
• Consider some aftercare program. Join one of the 12 Step fellowships. At the meetings, you’ll talk about your fears and see how others cope with them.
• Take advantage of addiction hotline anonymous. Relapse often happens when a person gets into a difficult situation and can’t reach a sponsor, or a close person for some reason. The lack of support makes them consider returning to illegal substances. Don’t forget that you can always use an addiction help hotline.

Healing is always possible as long as you want it. You are going to make positive changes, so go for it!