4 Things “Normies” Don’t Know About Being in Recovery

Addiction is a lot more common than people realize. In fact, about 21 million Americans suffer from addiction. 

Yet, even though addiction is extremely prevalent, there are still a lot of misconceptions about the disease. 

If you know someone who is in recovery, there are some things that you should know to help better understand their situation. 

Check out this guide to learn the top things that “normal people” don’t know about being in recovery. 

1. Relapse is Always a Threat 

Many people think that after a loved one has gone to detox centers and gone through rehab, they’re “cured” from their addiction. 

However, this is not the case. Addiction is a chronic disease, and relapse happens at very high rates. In fact, within a year of treatment, around 85 percent of people relapse and return to drug use. 

However, after the one year mark, relapse rates are much lower, but the chance of relapsing is still always there. 

As the loved one of someone in recovery, it’s important to be aware that relapse can happen at any moment, even if the person appears to be going great. It’s also important to know that relapse does not mean that your loved one has failed or that they’re not working hard enough. 

Rather, this is a sign that they need additional support. So, if a loved one relapses, talk to them about what you can do to offer more support (without enabling). 

2. Addiction is a Disease 

While society’s views on alcoholism and addiction have come along way in the past few decades, many people still don’t understand that addiction is a disease. 

In other words, no one chooses to be an addict, and that although some people are more susceptible to addiction, it’s something that can happen to anyone. 

Therefore, as the loved one of a recovering addict, it’s very important to be as non-judgmental as possible about your loved one’s journey. It’s your job to be a source of support for them. 

3. Let Go of the Past 

No one feels worse than a recovering addict about the mistakes they made when they were in the throes of their addiction. 

While it’s definitely important that your loved one apologizes to you about the way the treated you when their addiction was at its worst, it’s important that you don’t hold their past against them. 

You need to forgive and move on. While you should still hold them accountable during their recovery, you should never make a recovering addict feel bad about the mistakes they made before they went into recovery. 

4. Recovery is About More Than Just Staying Sober

Many people make the mistake that believing that the recovery process is done as long as their loved one isn’t using drugs or alcohol. 

However, it’s important to keep in mind that in order to feel successful in their recovery, addicts also need to find ways to be happy and fulfilled without alcohol. 

Nutrition, therapy, exercise, and relationship building are all key components of the recovery process. 

Being in Recovery: Wrap Up 

Now that you know these things about being in recovery, you’ll be better equipped to help out your loved one. 

And, if you enjoyed this article, be sure to check back in with our blog for more lifestyle tips and tricks. 

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