Well said. Despite how delicious the idea of just getting over it all already can be, it’s mere illusion. Not a very useful form of wishful thinking, but very understandable when someone engages in it. Like I said, it’s quite the delicious thought.
Recovey stuff isn’t a sprint or a race, it’s a developmental process and long walk to freedom (as they say). Sometimes things process quickly, but that is rare. More often it involves slow, small consistent steps in the right direction. Often there are mis-steps, but that just relates to how important cultivating resiliancy is in terms of setting oneself up for long lasting recovery
Getting stuck thinking about the past (shame, regret, guilt, romanticization) as well as the future (wishing things were different, focusing on distance goals at the price of shorter term, more important steps necessary to achieving those long term goals, etc) is a well know trap most people come to know well in early recovery.
I didn’t mention it earlier, but something else that is important during getting off ORT and throughout recovery is learning how to engage your time and energy exploring healthy, creative pursuits. It’s basically a form of self regulation, it just tends to be healthier than using opioids to self regulate given your circumstances.
Tapering, detoxing and early recovery are AMAZING oppertunities to explore your most meaningful passions. Cultivating these and filling your time with positive, creative pursuits that leave you feeling fulfilled is an incredibly useful way to spend you energy during these periods (and frankly throughout life).
