The Link Between Fear and Addiction

Many addicts find that it is easier to deny a problem exists as they are embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they have an addiction. This is down to the fact that there is still much stigma attached to this illness.

Getting to the point where you are ready to admit that addiction is causing a problem in your life is never easy. When you can finally acknowledge that you need help, it will be as if a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders. It is now that you can begin to get your life back on track and start to enjoy the life you have wanted to live for a long time.

Fear and Addiction

You may have found that it was fear that kept you addicted for so long. Many addicts are afraid of admitting the truth of their situation because they do not feel ready to give up the substance to which they are addicted. Fear is an emotion that often keeps individuals trapped in a cycle of addiction. No matter how bad their lives are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the fear of a sober life is enough to stop them reaching out for help.

Addicts can also be afraid of rehabilitation, and especially detox. They might have heard stories about how painful it is to detox from drugs and alcohol, and these individuals could also be afraid of failure should they try to get clean. Some would rather not try than try and fail.

Fear of Recovery

It’s hard for those who have never experienced addiction to understand why some addicts would be fearful of recovery. However, the truth is that some of these people have been addicted for so long that they do not know anything else. They are worried about not being able to cope with sober life, or that it will be boring and unsatisfying. It is usually the fear of the unknown that prevents individuals from reaching out and getting the help they so need.

Fear can be a positive and negative emotion for those with addiction. Addicts who are afraid of rehab or recovery may delay getting help until it is too late. They could experience serious health problems because they have put off getting help. Nevertheless, those who have managed to make it through rehabilitation and are now living with the fear of relapse might find that they are motivated to stay sober.

The Fear of Relapse

If you have just completed a programme of rehabilitation, you are bound to be experiencing mixed emotions. You could be excited about what the future holds and be proud of yourself for staying clean for longer than you have in years. You may also be frightened by the fact that you will always have the threat of relapse hanging over your head.

It is important to take addiction recovery for what it is. You need to understand that addiction is an illness that has no cure. It can be treated and managed, but there is always the worry that you may find yourself back on the slippery slope towards addiction once more.

Those in addiction recovery must be vigilant to the threat of relapse because it is this that will keep them on the straight and narrow. Those who do not fear relapse may find themselves in danger of falling off the wagon.

When in recovery, it is a good idea to use the fear you are experiencing to ensure that you never find yourself tempted to use drugs or drink alcohol.

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