Recovering from substance use is an incredibly personal journey, filled with unique challenges and setbacks. It can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, structure, and mindset, it's entirely achievable.
My team help people who are engaging with our services into the next stages of recovery. Essentially my job is to help people fill the void that drugs and alcohol leave when you’re no longer using. Here are some of the challenges I’ve learnt people often face in their recovery.
Common Challenges in Recovery
1. It’s a full-time job
Substance use can feel like a full-time job, consuming time, energy, and resources. When you stop using, you can suddenly find yourself with more hours in the day and no clear idea of how to fill them. This emptiness can lead to boredom or depression, which, in turn, can trigger a relapse.
2. Low self-esteem and shame
Many people in recovery struggle with feelings of unworthiness or guilt. Whether it's because of a criminal record, a lack of skills, or broken relationships, these feelings can become barriers to rebuilding a new life.
3. Fear of the unknown
Moving forward can be terrifying, especially when facing the prospect of employment or re-entering a community that may still hold judgements.
4. Economic barriers
Some are afraid to step out of their current financial safety nets. If you’re on good benefits, with your rent being paid, you might fear you’ll end up worse off if you take the plunge into a new job or education. Leaving that security behind takes courage.
5. Relational hurdles
Recovery often requires distancing yourself from social circles that enabled or participated in substance use. This isolation can make it even harder to move forward.
With all these challenges, relapse prevention needs more than just a "stop using" approach — it requires a complete lifestyle overhaul. That’s what our service at Turning Point can help with. Our support is free and is hugely wide and varied.
“You go to a weight loss group, lose the stone, everyone claps until you leave. But unless you change your life you're not going to keep that stone off. I feel that's true of drugs and alcohol.”
The tips below will give you an idea of the range of services that we have available, but as we offer a really bespoke service, the best thing to do is to get in touch, and we’ll help you with support that suits you.
Tips for a relapse-free recovery
Fill your time with meaningful activities
One of the key pieces of advice is to replace the time spent on drugs or alcohol with productive, fulfilling activities. At Turning Point, we encourage you to explore new interests that give you a sense of purpose.
Whether it’s pursuing a hobby, volunteering, or enrolling in a course, keeping busy in a positive way helps stave off boredom and negative thoughts. For example, you might find joy in learning new skills like playing an instrument or getting involved in art. Others may feel a sense of accomplishment in giving back, whether through mentoring others who are recovering, or helping out in community projects.
Build new, supportive relationships
Breaking away from old social circles that encouraged substance use is crucial. However, it’s just as important to form new, healthy connections with people who support your recovery. Turning Point offers social opportunities like group activities, art sessions, and weekend services where you can meet others in recovery, share your experiences, and develop a sense of community.
Positive relationships help you stay accountable and offer a support network during difficult times. It’s easier to stay on track when you’re surrounded by people who understand your journey and cheer on your progress.
Set achievable goals and celebrate milestones
Recovery isn’t just about quitting drugs or alcohol; it’s about building a new life. Setting small, achievable goals can help. Whether it’s enrolling in an educational course, volunteering, or simply getting through a week without using, these milestones provide motivation to keep going.
It’s important to recognise these achievements, no matter how small. As one former client put it, something as simple as carrying a briefcase to work or paying for groceries can feel monumental after years of substance use. Celebrate these victories and use them as fuel to keep pushing forward.
Take care of your physical and mental health
Recovery is not just about abstaining from substances — it's about taking care of your overall well-being. Turning Point offers programmes that encourage both physical and mental health, such as yoga, gym passes, and mental health support groups. Engaging in regular exercise and mindfulness practices not only strengthens the body but also boosts mood and reduces anxiety, both of which are critical in staying in recovery.
Find your purpose by giving back
Many people in recovery find meaning in using their experiences to help others. At Turning Point, we can train you to become a peer mentor or a drug and alcohol worker. You can then use your story as a strength, helping those who are still in the depths of addiction to feel understood. The sense of purpose and fulfilment from giving back can be incredibly empowering and reinforces the idea that recovery is a continuous, forward-moving journey.
Lean on services like Turning Point
Organisations like Turning Point are vital in supporting recovery beyond just the clinical aspects. I’ve worked with numerous drug and alcohol services, but Turning Point is unique in offering such a huge range of services that address all facets of life, from educational and employment support to mental and physical well-being. You can access training, go to a yoga class, attend sober social events, or get a laptop and/or mobile phone to help with gaining employment, for example. Having access to a holistic support system that understands the unique challenges of recovery is key to staying on track.
Get substance use recovery support today
Whether you need help finding a job, learning new skills, or even just finding a safe space to meet people, Turning Point are there for any point in your recovery to provide the resources and guidance needed. There is always something that you can do. Our weekend services, peer support programmes, and recreational activities are all designed to help our clients stay connected, stay busy, and stay sober.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use and looking to make a change, get in touch with Turning Point for support at every stage.