- EXHAUSTION:
Be careful not to wear yourself out. You may feel that you want
to make up for all the time you have lost, but remember that good
health and enough rest are important. Being worn out makes you feel
unwell and is more likely to make you think that you need drugs.
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- DISHONESTY:
Dishonesty and addiction go hand in hand. Lies are told to
friends, family, partners and employers. You will probably find that
you even lied to yourself. Try to be honest as much as possible,
especially with yourself. Don’t make excuses for things you
don’t want to do or know you should be doing, deal with things
head on.
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- IMPATIENCE:
You may find that you become quite impatient. You have taken the
first steps towards your new clean life, but things aren’t
happening fast enough for you. Remember that you have been through a
major ordeal and that your life is just beginning. Take small steps
and don’t rush yourself too much.
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- ARGUMENTATIVENESS:
Try to see other people’s point of view and don’t argue over
small, silly things. It will take a while for people to trust you
again. Don’t get into arguments with people, try to calmly make
them understand your point of view and at the same time, try to
understand theirs.
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- DEPRESSION:
Many people get depressed after they get clean. Your old life is
behind you, along with associates and habits you had. It can take
time to get used to your new life. Take things slowly and speak to
people about your feelings. If you feel that you aren’t getting
any better, try talking to a professional who is familiar with
depression after addiction.
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- FRUSTRATION:
You may feel frustrated because things aren’t going your way.
Remember everything is not going to be just the way you want it. You
must develop new coping skills to cope with frustration.
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- SELF-PITY: Try
not to wallow in self-pity over why you got addicted, are you a bad
person, etc. Addiction can happen to anyone. Remember that you have
had the courage to get clean and that is something to be proud of.
Think of the positive things you have done in life, not the
negative.
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- COCKINESS: Don’t
take the attitude that just because you got clean, you will never be
an addict again. Relapse is a huge part of addiction and if you
aren’t careful, it could happen to you. Always be aware of your
status as an ex-addict and don’t fool yourself into thinking that
you can have some occasionally, or keep it under control.
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- COMPLACENCY:
As above, don’t get too full of yourself and think that you
are beyond relapse. Constant awareness of your thoughts, feelings,
vulnerabilities and environment are essential. Keep in mind how easy
it is to be back where you started.
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- EXPECTING
TOO MUCH FROM OTHERS: Remember that your family and friends have
been through quite an ordeal with you. It will take time to earn
their trust again, as they don’t want to get their hopes up too
soon, after they have been let down so many times in the past. They
will trust you in time, just keep proving yourself.
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- USE OF MOOD
ALTERING CHEMICALS: Try to avoid contact with other drugs, even
prescribed ones. You may not have had a problem in the past with
these substances but it is easy enough to get one. They may also
make you miss your drug of choice more and end up turning back to
it.
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- “IT
CAN’T HAPPEN TO ME.”: Be aware that it can happen to you,
just like it can happen to anyone else. You are at more risk of
relapse if you think this way.
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