“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
While it is safe to assume that Robert Frost was not speaking of overcoming addiction when he wrote this, recovery is more like walking through the woods on a rocky path with roadblocks and a broken compass. There is no straight path, and when you come to the diverged roads picking the correct one can sometimes feel hopeless.
Navigating addiction treatment and mental health treatment does not come with a clear instruction book. However, we know there is hope. Millions of people have made that path in the woods a little easier to find and a little clearer. Those in recovery from addiction or mental health disorders have shown us that the journey is personal and unique, with no two experiences the same as the other. We hope to share some light and insights on how the wrong road or a mess up in recovery does not mean you have lost the right path forever.
It is easy to be discouraged when the path to overcoming addiction isn’t a straight one.
Recovery is the most fulfilling experience a person can go through. This is why it can also be devastating to an individual or family when the one struggling has a set back. Recovery is not an accomplishment that happens overnight. It is also not a race with a finish line. Various setbacks can occur when recovering from a variety of addictions and mental health disorders. Most often, those setbacks are defined as “relapse.” A relapse is defined as someone suffering deterioration from a disease after a period of improvement.
We often see relapse arises when someone in recovery from substance use disorders or behavioral disorders, such as an eating disorder, begins using harmful substances again or acts out on their harmful behavior such as restricting or binging. An example of a relapse in mental health treatment can be when a person struggling refuses to take medication or begins to slip on self-control and emotional regulation. A person in recovery sets goals and timelines for themselves to continue on the right track, and when those goals are not achieved, it can be defeating.
Overcoming addiction is a process.
Backsliding does not erase any current accomplishments. As hard as it can be on the recovering person, it can be especially hard for the family to love their family member through the twists and turns of healing. Focusing on the positive improvements and reinforcement can make a difference in someone’s recovery. If your loved one is still on the road to recovery and taking steps towards healing, showing love and encouragement will help provide hope along the way.
Our hope for you.
Our hope for you is that it will become a path that leads to physical, mental and spiritual health and healing. It brings us closer to ourselves as we learn more about who we are as individuals, not defined simply by our mental health disorder. Regardless of what road you choose, what setbacks you may have, what twists and turns you take, you should feel proud of yourself for how far you have come. And if you feel hopelessness creeping up on you, remember there is support when you need it. The Ranch Pennsylvania will always be the supportive hand you need in times of defeat. We are here to help you pick the right road, navigate the twists, and achieve ultimate mental health and substance-free wellness.
Call us today for more information at 717.969.9126.
