Recovery from addiction is a process. There are many steps involved, and each one is important. However, it’s often said that the first step is the hardest. What is the first step? Admitting that you have a problem. It sounds simple, but denial is a major component of addiction. We’ll take a closer look at the first step and how Midwest Recovery can help you take the first step.
The First Step Towards Addiction
To understand the importance of the first step, it’s important to know the first step in addiction. Addiction is also a process. You don’t begin using drugs and develop an addiction overnight, even though it sometimes seems this way. There are stages of addiction. The first step in addiction is denial.
You may lie about using substances, how much or how often you use them, or the reasons why you are using them for loved ones. However, denial runs deeper than what you tell others. You are also in denial with yourself. You’ll find that you tell yourself and others that you don’t have a problem. You can stop anytime you want. You are in control of your use. You will ignore the negative consequences that show you that you have a problem because addiction drives denial.
Beginning Recovery, Step 1
Every part of recovery is a process, and each bit of progress is something to celebrate. You aren’t likely to go straight from denial to acceptance. Instead, you’ll gradually begin to notice how addiction is affecting your life. Some people have a dramatic life event that snaps them out of denial because the consequences are too big to ignore. Being arrested, losing a relationship with a loved one, being fired, or intervention can quickly bring you out of denial.
However, for most people, it’s a gradual process. You’ll notice sporadic thoughts telling you that maybe you have a problem. Maybe life could be better if you seek treatment and recovery. You may realize that you cannot do so when you try to stop on your own or reduce your use. You may notice concerns from friends and family and strained relationships. You know that recovery isn’t something you can achieve on your own.
From Acknowledgement to Acceptance
At first, you may go back and forth in your mind. You may try to minimize how serious your problem is. You may feel guilt or shame at becoming addicted. Remember that addiction can happen to anyone. It does not discriminate based on willpower, economic status, or ethnicity. Addiction does not make you a failure or immoral. Many people find this a difficult part of the recovery process, but you don’t have to do it alone.
When to Enter Recovery
You do not have to move to acceptance on your own. Once you have acknowledged you have a problem, it’s time to seek addiction treatment. Treatment can help you through your recovery. If you aren’t sure if you have a substance use disorder, you can get an evaluation at a treatment center. If you have acknowledged that you have an addiction but find it hard to accept yourself as someone who has a substance use disorder, addiction therapy can help you through this stage.
Working the Steps at Midwest Recovery Center
At Midwest Recovery Center in Toledo, Ohio, we will meet you where you are and help you work through the steps. The only requirement is the desire to change and to learn to be honest with yourself. No matter where you are in the process, we can provide the help you need to make it through each recovery process stage. Contact us today at 833.627.0039, or contact us online to learn more about how we can help.
