The Three P’s of Recovery According to Sue Adamson
Recovery from addiction is one of the most uniquely difficult processes that a person can go through. Studies show that one in seven people will struggle from a substance use disorder at some point in their lives. People in recovery often find it challenging to implement recovery strategies into their daily life due to potential triggering life events that can potentially cause a relapse.
Sue Adamson, an addiction specialist from Kamloops, British Columbia, explains the three P’s of recovery and shares how people who require support during the recovery process can find services in Canada.
1. Perseverance
Perhaps the most important trait that is required for individuals navigating early addiction recovery is perseverance. The medical community describes addiction as a “primary chronic disease of the brian reward, motivation, and related circuity”. In the early weeks and months of recovery, many people struggle with physical acute and post-acute withdrawl symptoms can trigger uncomfortable physical, mental and emotional symptoms and the overwhelming urge to drink or use other substances again.
Many people who are attempting recovery struggle with feeling that they lack the willpower to succeed; however, the will to succeed is an organic process that occurs with time and practice, this skill can be built. People who exhibit perseverance can eventually succeed in their path toward recovery.
Perseverance is a state of mind; it is reinforced by making healthy choices that empowers sobriety one day at a time. People who are invested in their soberity can build this skill within themselves and persist through the recovery process.
2. Patience
Today, many of us expect instant results in many of our endeavours. Recovery is not an instant process, it can be a process with many ups and downs, and people in early recovery often struggle with impulse control and are at risk of relapse because they feel that waiting for the process to work itself out is too difficult.
People in early recovery are encouraged to slow down and take each day as it comes. Patience leads to self-compassion and the understanding that experiencing triggers, cravings and even a unfortunate relapse can be part of the recovery process.
3. Positivity
Positivity can also be difficult state to establish when a person is going through the recovery process. Addiction is a symptom of using alcohol or other substances as an unhealthy coping mechanism in order to reduce physical, mental or emotional pain that can create a negative cycle and a negative mindset. Many people who self-medicate with drugs or alcohol may also have an underlying mental health issue such as depression or anxiety that further create an unhealthy chemical dependence and a pessimistic worldview which reinforces the cycle of addiction.
Positivity is a certain mindset that supports the recovery process by seeing life as a glass that is half full instead of half empty. Many people are naturally inclined to be pessimistic, so this attitude can be difficult to adopt. It is easy to fall into an unhealthy cycle of addiction and it can be challenging to find their way out which leads to feelings of hopelessness.
When people choose a positive mindset, they consciously decide to see their situation from a brighter perspective. They give themselves credit for their hard work in overcoming addiction and preserve their optimistic outlook.
Deciding to Seek Treatment
Many people are hesitant to seek treatment for their drug and alcohol addiction because they feel guilt and shame due to the stigma of addiction. Medical science and the field of psychology now recognize addiction as a physical disease. It is a chronic progressive relapsing disorder as there can be a genetic predisposition similar to other chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Addiction is described as “the reward process of the brain spinning out of control. Chronic drug use whether is it alcohol or other substances hijacks the brain’s risk, reward processing system that can bring about devasting effects where the reward of substance use increase and the consequences appear to decrease leading to further cravings, withdrawal and negative behaviours that interfere with living a functional life”.
The first step in recovery is calling a professional like Sue Adamson for help. Inpatient and outpatient rehab centers can be a lifeline for people suffering from addiction and related programs. Individual therapists and drug counsellors can also help.
In Canada, a good place to start searching for programs that can help you recover is the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction. This government agency has many helpful publications and guides that can be useful in finding the right kind of treatment.
Using the Three P’s to Guide Your Recovery
By persevering, being patient, and having a positive attitude, it is possible to affect the outcome of your recovery process. By cultivating these three skills within yourself, you can overcome even the most difficult life problems, including recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
Above all, be aware that drug and alcohol addiction is an extremely common disease, especially among populations with mental health disorders. There is no shame in admitting that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol. If you have tried to stop but found that you can’t do it on your own, you may need help. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness.
Sue Adamson wants to encourage all people in Canada who are trying to quit drugs and alcohol to consider the three P’s. Adopting a positive attitude can make a huge difference in your recovery.
