The decision to end the cycle of addiction and break free from opioids takes perseverance and courage. Even as you make that choice, you’ll confront several fears that may tempt you to give up. Understand that these fears are normal. Others who have gone through opioid addiction recovery have faced these doubts and anxious thoughts and defeated them. You can overcome them, too.
Here are five fears you may face during your opioid addiction recovery and how to overcome them.
1. Fear of Failing
Whether this is your first attempt at recovery or you’ve tried before, relapse is often the number one fear for those quitting opioids. Still, every day you stay clean is a victory. Even if you relapse, you can use the experience to learn and move forward. Many people take a few missteps during their recovery journey and still find fulfillment in a life free from opioids.
2. Fear of Withdrawal
During the early days of your recovery, you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Medical supervision and medication-assisted treatment are vital for many people recovering from opioids. These resources can ease severe side effects as you slowly wean your body from these substances. What’s more, withdrawal is finite, and you’ll stop feeling those withdrawal symptoms soon.
3. Fear of Feeling
Many people use opioids to numb themselves from unpleasant feelings and unbearable thoughts. When you become sober, opioids are no longer suppressing those feelings, and they can become overwhelming. The goal of recovery is to learn how to cope without opioids, and that future can be a scary prospect.
During your recovery, we encourage you to form a support network that includes friends, counselors and recovery meetings. These avenues of support can help you navigate reemerging feelings and advise you on confronting complex thoughts and emotions.
4. Fear of Abandonment
Addiction often damages the relationships you hold dear. Sadly, many people struggling with opioid addiction replace healthy connections with toxic relationships, such as codependent bonds or friendships with other people addicted to substances. During recovery, you must break toxic ties and form healthy relationships. While losing any connection can be difficult, you’ll feel better when you surround yourself with people who want to see you flourish.
5. Fear of Success
Many people struggling with opioid addiction are afraid of their ultimate success in recovery. After everything that’s happened, you may feel unworthy of happiness or a better life. Fear often dwells in the unknown. If you’ve been actively using opioids for a long time, it may be challenging to imagine life without these substances.
Instead of dwelling on the future, focus on the days ahead. Each day you’re clean is a victory, and every small step takes you toward a healthier version of yourself. You deserve a better life.
Learn to Overcome Your Fears at AppleGate Recovery
It’s natural to experience fear. However, excessive worries can create inaction. If you’re afraid of taking those first steps toward opioid addiction recovery, the compassionate team at AppleGate Recovery is here for you. Our evidence-based services include medication-assisted treatment and personalized addiction counseling. We’ll help you confront and overcome your fears. Learn more about how you can get started today.