The Myth of Moderation

One of the most common mistakes made in early recovery is believing that completing treatment means you’re cured. While drug and alcohol rehab in Colorado can help you address and manage the underlying causes of addiction, recovery is a lifelong commitment. Each day you must decide to prioritize your continued sobriety, which means continuing to abstain from drug and alcohol use. Unfortunately, some people may fall into the false belief that moderation is possible in addiction recovery.

The Myth of Moderation in Recovery

For the average person moderation takes little to no effort. They can choose to limit their alcohol use or abstain from using drugs without experiencing incessant urges that preoccupy their thoughts. They aren’t driven to actions they would not otherwise do in order to fulfill their cravings. This isn’t the same for people in recovery. 

While completing treatment through a Colorado rehab center empowers you to lead a healthier life without drugs and alcohol, it isn’t a cure for addiction. As a disease affecting the mind and body, relapse is just as possible 10 years into sobriety as it is on the first day. That’s why moderation just isn’t possible in recovery; attempting to do so is a slippery slope into a relapse. 

Unfortunately, many people fall into the trap of overconfidence in early recovery. Emboldened by their success thus far, they begin pushing limits and putting themselves in situations that put their sobriety at risk. This can include returning to friend circles that were complicit in their active addiction, hanging out in spaces that promote drinking and drug use, allowing illicit substances into their home, etc. 

Inevitably this leads to the same thought: ‘just one won’t hurt.’ There is a false idea that since they are in recovery for addiction, they can now better moderate their drinking or drug use. This mistake can quickly lead back to harmful substance use habits.

Another common misstep people in early recovery may make is believing that other forms of substance use are safe as long as they avoid their previous drug of choice. Someone who experienced prescription drug abuse, for example, may think it’s fine to partake in alcohol or marijuana use because they’re different substances. Not only can this become a gateway back into past addictive habits, it is possible to develop addiction to more than one substance. 

All or Nothing: Maintaining Sobriety in Recovery

Addiction recovery is truly an all or nothing situation. There is no gray area because that’s how you find yourself slipping backward into relapse. Trying to test your limits and push boundaries is self-sabotage because early recovery can be uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Learning to push past the subconscious desire to fall back on bad habits gives you the space and opportunity to grow and improve your life.

Remember, you aren’t alone in your recovery journey. There is an entire community of people rooting for you and your success. Stay in contact with your support system and actively follow your continued care plan after leaving inpatient treatment.

If you have experienced a relapse or you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to Golden Peak Recovery. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best decision for your future.