Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on May 26, 2020.
If you are recovering from a life of addiction, you may feel like those moments of pain and turmoil that were a part of your past are best left forgotten. However, your past is your history, and fully coming to terms with its events can help you move forward in your addiction recovery and enjoy a future full of promise.
Most individuals facing recovery share one very common characteristic — a painful past. Perhaps you've made choices you're ashamed of or have experienced a traumatic event. Now that you are sober, your past is staring you in the face.
Most experts agree on five stages of recovery — pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. The first four steps involve getting yourself in a place where you can admit you have a problem and then taking that leap toward rehabilitation. The last phase, maintenance, is often overlooked, but it is one of the most critical stages of recovery. It's where you solidify what you learned during treatment so that you can live a truly sober lifestyle. One of these vital tools is dealing with your past.
If you are new to addiction recovery, here are some tips on dealing with your past so that you can truly break free.
During the later stages of your recovery, personal honesty is crucial. Examine your past and note some of the issues likely to come up post-rehab that you feel need to be addressed. They could include:
While addiction can initially start because of curiosity or experimentation, often, it's rooted in something in your past that triggered your continued abuse. Sometimes drugs or alcohol are used to self-medicate and find relief from a physical ailment or chronic pain. Other times, there's an underlying psychological issue, such as anxiety or depression. Substances are often used to mask these concerns and bring relief. Past trauma can also contribute to addiction. Even something as simple as unresolved stress can trigger a substance addiction.
Understanding the root cause of your substance abuse will help you discover healthy coping mechanisms in the future.
Of all the issues from your past that need to be addressed, making up with loved ones requires the most emotional investment. It won't always be easy, and there may be people who are unwilling to forgive. However, by taking this brave step, you may be able to regain the trust and love of the people who matter most to you.
The first step to moving forward and breaking free from your painful past is addiction recovery. At Diamond House Detox, we create highly individualized treatment programs based on your unique needs. Contact us today to learn about our safe and effective recovery options so that you can have a bright new tomorrow.
