Entering into a program of recovery requires one to make a commitment to go to any lengths to achieve victory over addiction and alcoholism. There are moments, however, when we feel overwhelmed with mental, physical, and spiritual pain. These feelings are entirely normal and strike most significantly during the stages of withdrawal. If we are to overcome these feelings and stay on track with our recovery, we must remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and ultimately, we will feel better than we ever have before. Helen Keller once said, “Be of good cheer. Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.” The task that we have undertaken has the potential to give us a life beyond what we ever thought possible—complete freedom from the shackles of addiction and anxiety. Our perseverance will pay off if we can just get through the process of withdrawal and begin to heal. We must always remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, if we can only keep ourselves from succumbing to the desire for fleeting relief provided by intoxication. Fortunately, treatment centers are often fully equipped to aid us through the process of withdrawal and keep our symptoms to a minimum. After acute withdrawal, however, we may still have occasional moments of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and irritability. These symptoms encompass what is known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, or PAWS. PAWS can be difficult to manage because many of the symptoms occur seemingly randomly—we will have good days and we will have bad days. When we have a bad day and our symptoms are growing in intensity, we should do our best to keep in mind that they are merely symptoms and not a reflection of what is actually going on. We are not our symptoms and our negative thoughts are not who we are—they will pass and we will inevitably feel better as long as we do not give into them.
You can change your story and your life by entering into a program of recovery from addiction and alcoholism. Your life can be one of happiness, joyousness, and freedom in sobriety. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in beautiful Laguna Beach, is dedicated to providing the highest quality treatment options to help you achieve and maintain lasting sobriety. For more information about individualized treatment, please call today: (877) 279-1777
