When trying to gauge signs of progress in addiction recovery, it is often helpful to look at behaviors rather than words. In fact, one of the first signs of somebody progressing in addiction recovery is the fact that their behaviors and actions are congruent with, and match their words. Here are some
behavioral signs of someone who may be indecisive about their recovery.
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1. Has not made a definite commitment to abstinence from all mood altering chemicals.
2. Shows signs of a very intense craving whenever drugs are available.
3. Has fantasies, or glorifies the possibility about controlling drug use in the future, cannot conceive of never getting high again.
4. Selectively glorifies or fondly remembers past using experiences, while minimizing or forgetting painful past behavior’s and consequences.
5. Is resistant to changing lifestyle, friends, and is reluctant to ask for help.
6. Feels shame and guilt about past behavio,r and tends to hide it or minimize the consequences.
7. Has come to an intellectual decision to become abstinent, but doubts their ability to do so.
8. Has significant mood swings, and an inability to identify and cope with feelings.
9. Remains isolated, lonely, and retreats to a very narrow point of view and limits their social experiences.
10. Starts to use again to prove control over the addiction.
Some of these behaviors are normal stumbling blocks in the road to addiction recovery. Left undealt with, however, they can become ‘stuck points’, and impede or block growth and recovery. The solution is to build a social support network that can constantly provide honest feedback on your progress. Though abstinent, we still may not have the mental clarity for good and proportional self judgment.
