By: Estelle Raath, Deputy Complex Manager SANCA Wedge Gardens

When will everything be back to normal? What is normal?

These are the questions South Africans are asking as a result of Covid-19, being back on Level 4 lockdown and the current civil unrest in the country.

These very same questions are the ones that those going through substance use recovery ask themselves.

There comes a time in everyone’s life when we run out of strength and need to stop, take stock and reset.

It was Greek philosopher Heraclitus who said: “The only constant in life is change.” No matter what season your life is in, know that it will always be one of change. Just as tides roll in, so too do they roll back out. This reminds us that ‘this too shall pass’. The rain will stop eventually, ask Noah.

When you are suffering from a substance use disorder you must remember that this too shall pass. Your addiction could just be a season in your life that needs to change. Any change requires an action and your action could be deciding to go to rehab.

How does the saying ‘this too shall pass’ help you in recovery? Often people just feel overwhelmed with what’s happening in their in life at that moment. These unexpected twists, that we don’t plan for, can be hard to take. But your perseverance will pay off if you can just get through the process of withdrawal and begin to heal.

When you decide to go to rehab, you have to make a commitment to go to any length to achieve victory over your addiction – whether it be drugs or alcohol.

You will have moments when you are overwhelmed with mental, physical and spiritual pain. These feelings are entirely normal and strike most significantly during the stages of withdrawal.

As with Covid-19, if you find yourself dealing with a tough situation, know that it will be temporary and, if you overcome these feelings and stay on track with your recovery, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. Also remember, when you experience bliss – enjoy the moment and keep moving forward.

I read a beautiful piece by Helen Keller that says: “Be of good cheer. Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.”

For more information about SANCA Wedge Gardens treatment centre’s Full Circle Recovery Programme, visit www.wedgegardens.co.za.