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Starting recovery is a huge step for an addict, requiring massive courage and self-will.

No one likes to admit they have a problem, especially an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Many people come to the realization that they do have an addiction and they want to change it but they stop there. Why would anyone who knows they need help not move forward? There are many reasons an addict has a hard time beginning the journey to recovery, none of which are easy to overcome.

Fear

One of the main factors holding an addict in their addiction is fear. They know they are destroying their lives but they are genuinely afraid of what life will be like without their addiction. How will they be able to have fun at a party if they don’t drink? What will their weekends be like without the distraction and fun of drugs?

Many people truly believe they can’t function without a drink or they can’t relax without a smoke. The fear of not knowing how to be without a drug can be enough to freeze a person in that bad habit before they can begin recovery.

Responsible Usage

This may sound crazy, but addicts often try to limit their use of drugs or alcohol instead of cutting their addiction out of their lives altogether. This can be one of the most discouraging and dangerous ideas, leading directly to an addict spiraling right back to overuse. People who abuse drugs or alcohol often look at others who don’t struggle and long for that control. An addict may see a friend have a few beers, a great time and head home without ever being intoxicated and deeply desire that same level of control for themselves.

While many people are able to drink responsibly or just use a small amount of drugs (not that that is good), the addict has a tremendously hard time limiting their usage. Ultimately, responsible use isn’t an option for anyone hoping to recover from an addiction. The temptation is too great and the downsides are too steep.

Starting recovery is a huge step for an addict, requiring massive courage and self-will. While admirable, going solo during recovery is a bad idea and unnecessary. Addiction support groups and recovery counseling can greatly increase an addicts chances of having a successful recovery. Don’t let fear of the unknown or misplaced ideas of how you should be stop you from beating a bad habit!

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Key Points:

  • Fear. One of the main factors holding an addict in their addiction is fear. They know they are destroying their lives but they are genuinely afraid of what life will be like without their addiction.
  • Responsible usage. This may sound crazy, but addicts often try to limit their use of drugs or alcohol instead of cutting their addiction out of their lives altogether. This can be one of the most discouraging and dangerous ideas, leading directly to an addict spiraling right back to overuse.

Quote This:

Starting recovery is a huge step for an addict, requiring massive courage and self-will.

Talk About It
  1. What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Do you or someone you know struggle with controlling their use of drugs or alcohol? How does this affect your/their life?
  3. Is it easier to control drug or alcohol use or just not use at all? Explain.
  4. Why do you think fear is such a powerful emotion? Give one reason.
  5. Why are support groups so effective? Give one reason.
  6. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

This topic is adapted from the addiction2recovery YouTube channel.