Dealing with a great loss in one’s life is a significant event. For instances such as death, trauma can be a common response. Similarly, going through a romantic separation of any kind can go one of two ways. A couple will either split up with equal, consensual feelings or they will end on a more sour note. In terms of the latter situation, some break-ups are extremely stressful and challenging experiences.
In other words, losing a loved one can happen in a host of different ways. Also, depending on how important and valued this loss is, a new split or separation can carry a great amount of psychological weight with it. For those who have succumbed to an excessive dependency to drugs, choosing a life of sobriety can evoke a comparable feeling of loss. An addict’s life revolves around the drug and using it whenever possible. Without it, one’s entire world can collapse.
The Kübler-Ross model outlined a very influential series of stages for experiencing loss and grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. For decades after its introduction in 1969, this model of loss has been applied in popular culture many times. When an individual puts a serious loss through the introspective lens of the Kübler-Ross model, a lot of informative details are revealed concerning the overall processes that occur during a separation from an addictive substance.
In a lot of ways, removing an addictive substance is very similar to losing other important parts of one’s life. The drug becomes the highest priority in the person’s structure of goals and responsibilities. When that element is taken out of an individual’s established routine, a lot of personal growth needs to occur in order for progress to begin again. Comparing this growth to Kübler-Ross’ five stages of loss is an interesting way to frame such a monumental metamorphosis.
Sovereign Health Group also views recovery as an ongoing journey made up of multiple steps and stages. We are aware that rebuilding such a core part of a person’s life can not only take time, but a comprehensive set of options that accommodates each client’s personal circumstances. Sovereign addresses multiple psychological disorders and is familiar with how connected many conditions are. To learn more about our treatment programs for addiction, mental health disorders or dual diagnosis contact an experienced representative online or call (866) 819-0427.
Written by Lee Yates, Sovereign Health Group writer