10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Quitting My Addiction.....

Hi, I’m Sheryl Boyle—and I’ve been in active recovery for 41 years.

Sharing my story isn’t easy, but I know it’s necessary. If opening up about the hardest parts of my life can help even one person feel less alone or believe that recovery is possible, then it’s worth every word.

I am living proof that healing can happen. That change is possible. That no matter how far down the road you’ve gone, there is a way back.

My hope is that through this blog, you’ll find encouragement, honesty, and a reminder that you’re not alone.

1. It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint (and it's not linear): You might expect a quick fix or a straight line to recovery. In reality, it's a long-term process with ups and downs, relapses (which are often part of the process, not a sign of failure), and plateaus. Understanding this could manage expectations and reduce discouragement.

2. The "Pink Cloud" Will Fade (and that's normal): Many people experience an initial euphoric phase after quitting, feeling great and empowered. It's important to know this "pink cloud" is temporary. When it lifts, the real work of recovery begins, and you'll need to be prepared for the everyday challenges.

3. Cravings Don't Disappear Instantly (and they can be triggered by surprising things):

You might hope cravings vanish after a few days or weeks. However, they can persist for a long time, sometimes years, and can be triggered by stress, certain people, places, or even seemingly unrelated emotions. Learning coping mechanisms for cravings is crucial.

4. You'll Need New Coping Mechanisms (because your old ones are gone): Your addictive behavior likely served as a primary coping mechanism for stress, boredom, loneliness, or other uncomfortable emotions. Quitting leaves a void. You'll need to actively develop and practice healthy new ways to deal with life's challenges.

5. Your Relationships Might Change (and some might not survive): Your addiction likely impacted your relationships. Some friends or family members might not understand or support your recovery, and some relationships might need to be re-evaluated or even ended to protect your sobriety.

6. Unresolved Issues Will Surface (and you'll need to address them): Addiction often masks underlying emotional pain, trauma, or mental health issues. When you remove the addiction, these issues tend to surface. Being prepared to address them, often with professional help, is vital.

7. Self-Compassion is Crucial (especially during setbacks): You'll likely make mistakes or experience setbacks. Beating yourself up will only hinder your progress. Learning to practice self-compassion, forgiveness, and resilience is far more effective.

8. Support Systems are Non-Negotiable (you can't do it alone): Trying to quit in isolation is incredibly difficult. You'll need a strong support system, whether it's therapy, support groups (like AA or NA), trusted friends, or family members who understand and are committed to your recovery.

9. Relapse is a Learning Opportunity (not a sign of failure): Many people view relapse as a complete failure, leading to shame and giving up. Instead, it's an opportunity to learn what went wrong, identify triggers, and adjust your recovery plan.

10. Life Gets Better (but it takes work): While challenging, sustained recovery leads to a significantly better quality of life, improved health, stronger relationships, and a sense of freedom. Knowing that the hard work pays off can be a powerful motivator.