Addiction neither defines a person nor does it discriminate. The society stereotypes the people with addiction as druggies or alcoholics for the rest of their lives.

It happens, even if they complete their recovery tenure. The media also portrays them as abusers and law-breaking elements. Yes, social stigmas are firmly attached to addiction.

The disturbing fact is that, with these prevailing social misconceptions and myths, self-stigmatization also increases.

People with addiction agree with these stereotypes and are reluctant to change even if they are disappointed.

Despite pushing them forward, our behavior and negative attitude force them to drive away from the mainstream and make their life more impervious.

Here are seven things people in recovery wish to tell you about themselves and their lives during this process of recovery.

1.  They are equally disappointed.

A person can feel the extensive damage of substance use only during the time of recovery.

Their severe mental conditions, unpredictable behavior, and emotional turmoil can affect them, as well as people surrounding them.

Nevertheless, expressing disappointment becomes a source of showing 'tough love' by their loved ones.

Their family, friends, and closed ones want to help them, but these harmful interventions can baffle them.

Positive encouragement is the only way of interaction with people recovering from addiction.

This will strengthen and build the relationship bond and help them to focus more on their complete recovery.

2.  They have a story and an experience to share

There are different reasons for a person to turn an addict. Family history, grief and agony, mental disorders, prolonged medications, and many other reasons can push a person towards addiction.

Every addiction thus has a story behind it. And with every recovery, there is an experience attached as well.

People with addiction are the living examples of how a person can turn their downfall to triumphant. They can show others how life can hit hard, but to bounce back is the real essence of life.

3.  They need your support all through.

The recovery process is one of the most challenging phases and time taking processes.

Depression, anxiety, pain, and other physical and mental issues creep in and jeopardize the whole process of recovery. Sometimes people can't take anymore and tend to relapse.

To make these exasperating efforts fruitful, the people undergoing recovery need the support of their loved ones.

Your constant emotional support can make their lives easy, ever encouraging, and non- judgemental.

It will create a healthy and positive environment of recovery and surely can reduce the time taken for the same. 

4.  They want you to get educated about addiction.

Most of the people facing addiction remain undiagnosed and untreated for a long time.

Family and friends discourage substance use, but they are clueless about visiting a medical practitioner or a rehab on time.

They are not even sure how to positively interact with such people during recovery. It is imperative, therefore, to have proper knowledge about addiction.

Whenever you get the slightest hint about substance use, research about it.

Try to find a therapist or doctor, learn about what to do during an overdose, and any other useful piece of information like a nearby rehab.

Always keep in mind that facilities like Rehab101 can make this journey towards sobriety life-changing and effortless.

By this, you will extend your support towards the person suffering from addiction by fighting this tough time together. 

5.  Addiction is a disease and can happen to anyone.

Studies say that addiction is a disease or disorder. Prolonged use can even affect the memory, learning capabilities, and decision-making abilities of the mind.

Therefore, addiction requires a proper medical diagnosis and treatment. The given fact also supports the notion that addiction can happen to anyone and at any time.

All social guidelines, like financial status, education, age, race, etc. prove to be a myth when it comes to addiction.

6.  They are 'Them'

Drugs have a mind-altering effect on the body. When a person consumes a drug, a chemical known as dopamine increases that has a pleasurable and motivating impact on the brain.

Dopamine encourages the repetition of the drugs to enhance this pleasure. Addiction thus makes people high and ultimately changes their ability to discriminate between right or wrong.

Although addiction may be a matter of choice, labeling a person to be drug-addicted, and an offender can downturn their morale and discourage them from changing.

You should remember that it is the person that matters rather than their addiction.

7.  Past is past

Getting into rehab is an extremely stressful decision for a person who decided to come over an addiction.

It requires a great deal of motivation and strength to bear the problematic treatment procedure. People at this time are generally in a vulnerable state of mind.

Therefore, bringing out the past when a person is recovering is like pushing him back to point zero. This can have adverse effects on mental health and create resentment.

The best way to deal is to focus on the present and try to find the solution to the recent problems keeping in mind that what's past is past.

The Conclusion

Recovering from addiction is arduous for all the people who involve in this process.

You should know that people with addiction need steadfast support from their near and dear ones, who could become the strength and stimuli to keep them going.

Remember, this battle of addiction is fierce when fought alone. But with your reliable assistance and the right attitude, a person with an addiction can overcome these complicated circumstances.

Try to be empathetic, treat them equally, and show them some compassion keeping in mind that this disease is entirely treatable.

Understand underneath the shadow of addiction; it is the same person whom you respected and adored.

This article was submitted exclusively to CrystalWind.ca by Emma Willson.
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