Deciding to make a fundamental change in one’s lifestyle is scary. We can easily understand why those embarking on a career change, contemplating marriage and starting a family, or moving to a different city or country might be deeply anxious, uneasy, or even terrified. But when it comes to entering recovery, many allow their fear of beginning the process of starting a new life to paralyze them. To shed light on how to overcome these barriers which deter thousands from seeking badly-needed treatment, let’s take a look at common fears for those contemplating putting an end to their addictions, and the ways they can be overcome.
1) Fear Of Change
Everybody you know fears change. Our brains are hardwired to seek comfort and avoid uncertainty. And faced with a dramatic change in lifestyle, everyone becomes anxious. In order to put this fear into perspective, it can help to reflect on all of the necessary changes and evolutions we undergo in our lifetime. Graduating from school, starting your first job, getting a driver’s licence, and moving out of your parents’ house were all massive life changes that broadened your horizons and enriched your life. Getting sober is a huge change, but it is going to be a positive change, which opens the door to a world of possibility.
2) FOMO
For those of you over 40, FOMO is an acronym for “fear of missing out.” Many worry that the fun times they associate with consuming alcohol and drugs will come grinding to a halt if they enter treatment. In recovery, you probably will spend less of your time at bars, parties, and nightclubs. But if you are at the point where you’re contemplating treatment, it’s time to admit that your substance use is no longer a bit of harmless fun. Once you get sober, you’ll realize that being present and aware while taking part in the activities you love is its own reward.
3) Fear Of Sobriety
This is an underrated fear that can only be understood by those who have grappled with addiction. The substance you depend on is a crutch, a friend, and a lifestyle. Addiction is often a response to physical and emotional pain, and the substance you rely on is the only thing that can make your pain manageable. You just won’t be able to make it through a day without your fix.
While these things might be true today, they don’t need to be true forever. That friend is a false one who is isolating you from everyone else you know. The crutch of addiction isn’t actually helping you to stand up, it’s stopping you from regaining the strength to live without it. Gaining and maintaining sobriety won’t be easy, but professionals and peers can guide you through treatment, and help you find the strength to deal with life and end your dependence.
4) Fear Of Powerlessness
Everyone who abuses substances tells themself and those around them that they’re in control. We’re conditioned from an early age to believe that we’re capable of controlling ourselves and our lives, and admitting that we can’t causes a great deal of shame. But there’s no shame in needing help to overcome addiction, and drawing strength from others is never a sign of weakness. There is a reason why Step 1 of 12 Step programs forces members to publicly admit that they’re powerless over their addiction: it forces participants to open themselves up to advice, criticism, and most importantly, accepting help.
5) Fear Of Embarrassment
It’s difficult to admit to yourself that you have a problem and you need help. It’s another thing to share that with everyone in your life. In spite of the progress we’ve made, addiction is still heavily stigmatized. You might feel like those around you will be whispering about how you’re a failure, a loser, or a low-life. And it’s possible that some people you know will do just that. But those who truly care about you will celebrate your strength and courage in facing up to your problem and doing what needs to be done to regain control over your life. As you progress in your recovery journey you’ll be amazed at the way shame will turn to pride in what you’ve accomplished, and the new life you’ve built for yourself.
6) Fear Of Failure
“I could stop if I wanted to” is a common refrain among those who abuse substances. But if you’re seriously considering treatment, you have probably realized that this may not be true. And it isn’t. Relapse rates are high for those dealing with addiction and substance abuse. But thinking that it’s worse to try and fail in rehab than to keep abusing substances is asinine. With the menace of fentanyl lurking in every pill and powder, your physical and mental health progressively growing worse, and your finances and personal relationships falling apart, treatment offers both the chance of a new, healthy and fulfilling life, and at the very least a temporary respite from addictions assault on your well-being.
7) Fear Of Self
This may sound a little odd, but it’s a legitimate fear shared by the majority of substance abusers. There are multiple levels to this one. At it’s most shallow, it’s the fear that you’ll be boring, or that your life won’t be any fun without drugs and alcohol. The next level is a fear of the unhappiness that you’ve been masking with substances. But while to the addicted sobriety never feels good, you’ll notice once you’re sober that your body and mind will respond positively to the absence of intoxicants.
The next level of fear of yourself goes a little deeper: for many suffering from a dual diagnosis, substances offer relief or escape from the symptoms of PTSD, severe depression, or another chronic mental illness. While in the initial stages of use you might have derived some benefit from drugs and alcohol, by the time your use has become problematic, the substances you’re dependent on are likely exacerbating your symptoms, and more importantly, preventing you from dealing with these underlying issues. Recovering your sobriety will allow you the time and energy to get to the root of these problems and treat them successfully.
Recovery is scary. It’s intense. It’s hard work. It can cause painful withdrawal symptoms. It forces you to grapple with the worst things you’ve ever done. But even with all of these caveats, it’s infinitely better than the alternative, of continuing to destroy your body and mind while those around you suffer. There really is nothing to fear but your fear of life, with all of its complications, potential, and joy. If you’re ready to look your fear in the face and take control of your life, get in touch with Tabula Rasa Retreat today!
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530