Redefining Normal Through Addiction Recovery

People often crave a sense of normalcy and belonging. Some people with substance use disorder (SUD) and dual diagnosis think of recovery as a step toward a normal life. However, "normal" is a subjective goal, and often, people feel discouraged or stop treatment when they feel like they have failed to achieve it. People have many reasons to enter treatment for substance abuse. Studies have shown that "motives can also be quite general: to restore generally run-down physical health; to put one's life back together; or to find or regain a sense of self-respect." West Coast Recovery Centers helps clients build a healthier future by redefining normal through evidence-based and complementary therapies. 

What Does Redefining Normal Mean?

Redefining normal involves discovering new perspectives on what it means to live a healthy and happy life. Normal is a subjective term. Finding a new, meaningful way to think about recovery goals and what they may look like motivates clients to make essential lifestyle changes during treatment. Studies have shown that "[m]otivation for change is a key component in addressing substance misuse." Clinicians help clients avoid maladaptive behaviors by introducing new ways of thinking and challenging the beliefs that contributed to substance abuse. 

People create a new sense of normalcy by making healthy lifestyle changes, including: 

• Establishing new routines 
• Developing healthy relationships
• Discovering new interests and social groups 
• Setting realistic goals 
• Building a strong support system 
• Practicing regular self-care 
• Learning effective coping skills 
• Reevaluating beliefs and thoughts 
• Accepting imperfections and setbacks as a part of life 
• Creating a safe and nurturing environment 

Practicing socially accepted behaviors by approaching life from a new perspective fosters a sense of purpose. Individual and group therapy are excellent tools for adjusting maladaptive thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors. Clients at West Coast Recovery Centers collaborate with the care team to create positive routines and realistic goals.  

Stigmas and Addiction Recovery

People often base their beliefs about addiction on stigmas or what society at large considers normal behavior. However, labels like "normal" and "abnormal" cause significant emotional harm by making people think of themselves or aspects of their lives negatively. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), "Although substance use disorders are chronic, treatable medical conditions, studies show people who have them often face stigma and discrimination in part because others do not understand these disorders or how they can be effectively treated." The idea of normal can increase the negative impact of stigmas on a person's recovery.

Common stigmas about substance abuse and treatment include: 

• Individuals who abuse alcohol or drugs will never get better 
• Alcohol and drug addiction is a choice and not a medical condition 
• Only "bad," "crazy," or "violent" individuals develop addictions 
• Abusing drugs or alcohol makes all people violent and aggressive

People in recovery combat stigmas and disinformation by living healthy lives and educating others about the realities of addiction and recovery. "Normal" means something different to everyone, and it does not have to be the end goal of treatment. Instead, people in recovery can focus on showing others how living a healthy and fulfilling life is more important than meeting a subjective social expectation. 

How Does Redefining Normal Improve Mental Health?

Most people determine social expectations of normalcy based on their experiences and cultural, religious, or personal beliefs. Adopting socially acceptable behaviors and beliefs involves practicing introspection and accepting the need for change. Individuals in recovery must acknowledge the maladaptive beliefs or thought patterns impacting their mental health. 

People redefine what it means to "be normal" and significantly improve overall health by doing the following: 

• Embracing diverse points of view about health, wellness, and recovery 
• Practicing openness and honesty 
• Prioritizing mental wellness and regular self-care
• Practicing holistic wellness through healthy lifestyle choices 

Finding a new way of looking at recovery and personal wellness helps individuals avoid negativity. By changing how they think about their diagnosis and symptoms, people overcome fear, shame, or regret. Therapy, peer support, family involvement in treatment, and other factors influence how people feel about themselves and their recovery from SUD.  

West Coast Recovery Centers Makes Redefining Normal Easier

People may find adopting new thoughts, behaviors, and routines easier if they have a whole team to support them. West Coast Recovery Centers helps clients develop a more positive perspective on what it means to achieve normality.

The care team supports clients by doing the following: 

• Providing therapeutic guidance 
• Offering new perspectives 
• Modeling healthy patterns of behavior 
• Introducing new beliefs and mental exercises

Individuals often feel more comfortable with their recovery and confident in themselves when they learn to redefine normal in a way that empowers and uplifts them. West Coast Recovery Centers encourages clients and their families to view behavioral changes as part of the recovery process and not as an indication of whether someone is "normal" or not. 

Individuals in treatment and continuing care often focus too much on meeting social expectations instead of on creating a healthy space for personal growth and ongoing sobriety. Social expectations and stigmas may leave people feeling inadequate or uncertain about their ability to successfully maintain abstinence. The addiction and mental health professionals at West Coast Recovery Centers provide clients with the support and guidance to redefine what it means to be "normal." Individuals in treatment benefit from looking at their circumstances and conditions from a new perspective. Redefining normal gives people space to heal and build a brighter future. To learn more about our programs and services, contact our office today at (760) 492-6509.