May is for Motivation
At D’Amore Healthcare, May is for motivation. Sustaining motivation is tough even under the best of circumstances. So how can you stay motivated when your strength and focus is on recovery?
Breaking the Silence
After 25 years, former NBA player Keyon Dooling went public with a secret…he was sexually abused as a child. He had it all. A successful career. A loving family. On the outside looking in, it would appear there was nothing wrong. This is not uncommon, especially when it comes to addicts. We can keep up appearances like the best of them. So what motivated Keyon to tell his story now?
A probability of Past Sexual Abuse
More than three-quarters of men who are addicted to drugs have been sexually exploited or abused in their lives. The memories from such incidents act as a stumbling block in the psychological recovery process. For many victims of sexual abuse, the stigma often motivates them to remain silent. Keyon suppressed his feelings for decades until one small act by a stranger turned his world upside down. After that moment, he had no choice but to seek help. His emotions were out of control. His motivation was sheer survival.
The probability of Substance Abuse
Men are twice as more likely than women to develop a substance dependence problem. In fact, over two-thirds of the people who attend Alcoholic Anonymous meetings are men. Keyon admits he used alcohol and drugs to mask his pain. If you are abusing drugs or alcohol because you are hurting, finding the motivation to get help can save your life.
Social Support
Men are less likely to form social supports during recovery when compared to women. Statistics show that more men have suicidal thoughts than women. Men also tend to carry through with suicidal thoughts more often than women. Luckily for Keyon, he had a strong social support network and utilized professional resources. But for many, isolation from family and friends can exacerbate the situation and lead to despair and suicidal thoughts. The more you push your loved ones away, the harder it will become to have the motivation to get help.
Seek Help Right Away
If you are suffering from addiction, anxiety, depression, or have suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help. Having the motivation to get help today can help prevent an emotional breakdown tomorrow. As Keyon said, “If you are hurting, get some help. You can call out to God. But your second call should be the doctor.” Make getting free from addiction and pain be your motivation.
So what keeps you motivated? We’d love to hear from you.
Stay connected, stay motivated and chances are you will enjoy a happy, healthy, less-stress life! To learn more, contact us or call 714.375.1110
D’Amore Healthcare is a dual diagnosis and substance abuse addiction treatment center in Orange County, CA.