Even deep into recovery, getting caught up in negative thought processes is easy. You may find that these thoughts come out of nowhere. For instance, you may see a photo and suddenly think about your past, glamorizing the fun parts you remember. You may feel lonely, left out, or regretful that you can’t “party” anymore. Because of this, you may contemplate having “just one” to decrease your negative thoughts and feelings.
You may not view this way of thinking as dangerous in recovery. Perhaps you are fed up with people telling you that you have to stay sober for the rest of your life. No matter where you are at on this journey of recovery, having just one can take you to a dangerous destination you may not be prepared to navigate.
This article will explore the thinking behind permitting yourself to have just one and how that thinking can be challenging in recovery. Then, we’ll discuss how therapeutic modalities can help you change this thought process. Additionally, we’ll provide details on how The Guest House can assist you through highly-trained professionals who can meet you right where you are at in recovery.
Understanding Addiction and Its Effects on the Brain
Substance use disorder (SUD) is characterized by the inability to stop using a substance despite adverse consequences. It is important to recognize that SUD can affect anyone of any age, background, or gender.
The effects of substance use go beyond strained relationships. Addictive substances can change thought processes, impair job performance, create legal issues, and trigger mental health symptoms. For example, anxiety and depression can surface after using substances for a while. Understanding SUD is essential, including exploring how the brain is affected and how you can find the help you need.
No matter how much of a substance is used, the brain is affected. An involuntary takeover happens in the brain that compromises thought processes and decision-making. Substance use affects the pathways of the brain and releases an intense rush of dopamine. Having just one can be dangerous in recovery, as that one drink or pill creates an intense feeling of pleasure. Then, your brain instantly creates a pathway of craving.
Why Negative Emotions Can Be Dangerous in Recovery
All emotions have an impact on the way you feel in life. It is especially important to pay attention to your emotions in recovery. When these emotions are not addressed, they can lead to negative choices. As mentioned above, SUD can trigger anxiety and depression. Negative and positive emotions can have an impact on the way you feel, which leads to certain choices.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), people with SUDs often have co-occurring mental health issues, and vice versa. If you are struggling, The Guest House has highly qualified professionals who can assist you by providing individual therapy and many other helpful treatment modalities.
As stated before, emotions play a vital role in the actions that we choose. Hence, it’s important to understand where your emotions are coming from. According to the journal PLoS One, emotional dysregulation can be a factor in negative thought patterns. Therefore, you need to remain connected to resources that help you regulate your emotions throughout recovery.
Thought Patterns That Can Be Dangerous in Recovery
You have worked hard to overcome substance use and completely changed your way of thinking. Even if you are well into recovery, it is easy to suddenly get stuck in addictive thought patterns. Below are several thought patterns that can derail the recovery journey:
- All-or-nothing thinking. This is a form of thinking that limits your choices to two different extremes. However, the path to recovery contains many gray areas. Your journey needs to be tailored to fit you as a unique person.
- Thinking that you can use a “safer” drug than your drug of choice. It is important to recognize that it is not the substance you use that matters but how your brain and body react to that substance. Hence, going for a “safer” drug is not the best option.
- Entertaining the idea of moderation. This is a common thought pattern. It’s the idea that you have control when you partake in moderation. This thought pattern ignores the fact that you have proven that moderation does not work. Thinking this way can be dangerous in recovery.
- Making mountains out of molehills. This is a common negative thought pattern that can spiral into unfortunate events. Things that happen are not the big deals your brain would convince you they are. Take moments and focus on the positives and what you have overcome in your life.
Overcoming the Desire for Just One
More often than not, thoughts are what become the trigger for doing dangerous things in recovery. The moment that you think that you are capable of minimizing addiction, this thought becomes detrimental to sobriety.
As soon as you find yourself in this thought process, it is a good idea to pinpoint what emotions you’re feeling and reach out for help. At The Guest House, we have encountered this many times and are equipped with several tools to help you stay on your best path. Below are several healthy coping skills that can be utilized in a time of dangerous thought processes in recovery:
- Think about what you are grateful for in this very moment.
- Get a pen and paper and write your emotions down.
- Call a positive friend.
- Go outside and take a walk.
- Call The Guest House at (855) 483-7800.
Having just one can open up a portal of negative thoughts and leave you struggling to choose a direction. In recovery, it is important to focus on your thought processes and how they affect your choices. Emotions are at the root of every action so exploring your emotions before making choices is important in recovery. Don’t allow the thought of “just one” lead you down a rocky road. If you or someone you know is struggling with thinking that they can have just one, please do not hesitate and give The Guest House a call right now at (855) 483-7800. We are pleased to answer any questions you may have.