Treatment for recovery from alcoholism, addiction, and co-occurring mental health disorders require change. Commonly it is quipped in sober support meetings not to worry about anything, “because all you have to change is everything.” Change is daunting. It’s our human desire to have a grounded constant in our lives, an anchor to weather the unpredictable storms of life. Though it might sound philosophical, the very real truth is this: change is the only constant. Even within our own bodies, on a cellular level, change is occurring constantly- as in every couple of days.
Ironically, we often seek treatment because we need a change in our lives. We cannot continue living the way we have been. Yet, once we get to treatment and realize the amount of work and change we are about to endure, we become very unsettled. Despite the ongoing pain and danger our old way of life was providing us, the sickness and desperation, we start to think it wasn’t so bad. Change is a challenge. Learning to live with changes and make changes is really about learning to live “life on life’s terms” as it is often described.
Why is it we resist the very thing we are most natural at adapting to? Psychologists argue it’s a combination of character and patterns of behavior.
Anxiety
Having a chronic sense of worry or concern can make change terrifying. Endless “what if’s” stem from change.
Control
Control helps us feel like we have command over life. Everything can work in our favor the way we perceive we need it to as long as we are in control.
Routine
Mostly we fear the unknown because of a lack of security. Routine brings us security. When our routines are consistent, we don’t need to have expectations of ambiguity.
Stress
When security is threatened, one’s very feelings of survival can feel threatened. Stress is a natural response to the threat of survival.
Short-Sightedness
Being wrapped up in a routine isn’t the same as being present, but it’s a way of being locked out of the future. Psychologists have found that for some, the future is hard to conceptualize, making it difficult to choose or adapt to something today that is not for certain tomorrow.
The greatest change you can make in your life is you. Treatment will bring out the best you you have ever had the chance to know. That is our goal at Avalon By The Sea. Our treatment programs for substance use and mental health disorders are focused on helping you make the necessary changes in your life. For a confidential assessment or more information, call 1-888-958-7511.
