Evelyn’s recent heartfelt conversation on the Giving Voice to Mental Health Podcast, hosted by Recovery.com, offers a beacon of hope and practical wisdom for anyone navigating the complexities of mental health recovery.
Her personal journey underscores a fundamental truth: recovery is not a passive event but an active, ongoing choice deeply intertwined with recognizing one’s inherent worthiness. In her own words, “Recovery is a choice every day that you have to choose to do… and it truly is something everyone deserves.”
Recovery Beyond Diagnosis: Healing the Belief of Unworthiness
Evelyn’s perspective on recovery moves beyond simply addressing diagnostic labels like OCD and anxiety. Instead, she emphasizes the crucial work of healing the often underlying and deeply ingrained belief of unworthiness. “I’m just recovering from not feeling worthy… recovering from the belief that I did not deserve to be happy,” she shared.
This reframing highlights the importance of tackling the core emotional wounds that can fuel mental health challenges. True recovery, in this light, involves recognizing and embracing your fundamental right to happiness and well-being, irrespective of any mental health diagnosis you may have received.
The Crucial First Step: Recognizing the Need and Seeking Help
Evelyn powerfully stresses that seeking help for mental health challenges should never be viewed as a last resort, reserved only for times of absolute crisis. “I don’t want you to think that you have to be a certain amount of sick in order to get treatment because I don’t think that’s true.”
Early intervention is paramount and can significantly improve the trajectory of recovery. Exploring available resources, such as those found on Recovery.com, is a vital first step. Reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness but rather a courageous act of self-awareness and a powerful commitment to your well-being.
What works for one individual may not resonate with another, making the search for the right support and treatment essential. An individual approach can encompass various forms of therapy, medication, peer support groups, lifestyle adjustments, or an integrated approach. Exploring different options and feeling empowered to advocate for your specific requirements are crucial steps in discovering what truly facilitates your healing and growth.
Cultivating Empathy Through Personal Struggles
While acknowledging the significant difficulties posed by OCD and anxiety, Evelyn also discovered an unexpected and profound outcome: a heightened capacity for empathy. “I do think that they provided me with such wonderful insight on the amount of struggle… I think it gifted me with empathy and gifted me with compassion.”
This insight underscores the potential for personal growth and a deeper connection with the shared human experience, even amidst challenging circumstances. It reminds us that navigating adversity can cultivate a greater understanding and compassion for others facing their own battles.
Breaking Down Barriers: Challenging the Stigma of Mental Health Support
Evelyn’s narrative serves as a powerful challenge to the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health support. “Why do you have to do it alone? Asking for help is not a bad thing… you deserve to feel better.” Seeking assistance when you are struggling is not a sign of failure but rather an act of profound self-care and self-respect. There is no shame in needing support, and connecting with mental health professionals, support groups, and loved ones can create a stronger, more resilient path toward recovery.
Remember, you are inherently worthy of feeling well, and accessing available resources is a testament to that worth.
The journey of addiction recovery is not merely about abstaining from substances; it’s a profound process of redefining life itself. Michelle Smith, a recovery advocate, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker, shares her powerful story, illuminating the significant shifts in perspective, connection, and self-discovery that emerge on the path to sobriety. Her experiences highlight that recovery is not a limitation, but rather an expansive opportunity to build a life richer and more authentic than ever imagined.
From Escape to Empowerment: The Turning Point in Michelle’s Story
Michelle Smith’s early adulthood seemingly held all the hallmarks of success. Yet, beneath the surface, a growing desire to escape her own life took hold, triggered by a series of overwhelming challenges and amplified by societal norms around alcohol consumption. Reflecting on this period, she notes how easily one can find themselves wanting to step away from the very life they constructed.
The relentless progression of addiction eventually led to a crucial turning point. Instead of succumbing to the darkness, Smith found a spark of resolve. As she powerfully states, “She lost her way, and thank goodness I fought one more time. No matter how many day ones we all have, one day, if we don’t give up, it’s gonna stick.” This encapsulates the essential message of hope and the power of persistent effort in the face of addiction.
Rebuilding from the Foundation for Self-Discovery and Healing
The path to addiction often involves a disconnection from one’s authentic self, shaped by past experiences and the need to navigate difficult emotions. For Michelle, childhood experiences of suppressed feelings and prioritizing others’ needs created a pattern that continued into adulthood. Recovery became the space to dismantle these patterns and embark on a journey of profound self-discovery.
“You have to learn all of these things all over,” she explains. “And that’s what recovery gives us, is creating that space to figure out who we wanna be, that authentic life.” This process of uncovering one’s true desires and values is a cornerstone of long-term sobriety, fostering a sense of purpose and direction that replaces the void once filled by addiction.
The Vital Role of Connection
Isolation often fuels addiction, and conversely, connection is a powerful antidote in recovery. Michelle emphasizes the transformative impact of finding a supportive community. Initially, social interactions may have revolved around substance use, but in recovery, genuine and meaningful connections flourish.
“It went from complaining about how horrible your life is to deep, meaningful conversations with substance. Conversations that matter. Vulnerable, raw conversations,” she describes.
This shift from superficiality to authenticity fosters a sense of belonging and understanding, proving that shared experience can be a powerful catalyst for healing and growth. The fear of isolation that often accompanies the idea of sobriety is replaced by the reality of profound and supportive relationships.
A significant misconception about sobriety is the belief that it equates to a life devoid of joy and fun. Michelle directly challenges this notion, sharing her own experience of discovering new passions and a deeper appreciation for life’s moments. “I thought I wasn’t gonna have any more fun anymore,” she admits.
However, recovery opened up a world of new possibilities and a different kind of fulfillment. “My shift of adrenaline is just different now. You have been gifted back so much time, go live it.” This redefinition of enjoyment, rooted in presence and genuine experience, demonstrates that life in recovery can be far more vibrant and engaging than life dominated by addiction.
Embracing Vulnerability and Sharing Strength: Michelle’s Message of Hope
Overcoming the shame associated with addiction is a crucial step in recovery. Michelle Smith’s willingness to share her own vulnerabilities has not only been cathartic for her but has also become a beacon of hope for others. “Your secrets keep you sick,” she wisely states.
By breaking the silence and sharing her story, Smith fosters connection and inspires others to embark on their own journeys of healing. This act of vulnerability transforms personal struggle into collective strength, demonstrating the power of shared experience in dismantling stigma and fostering a supportive recovery community. Ultimately, Michelle Smith’s journey underscores the profound truth that recovery is not an end, but a powerful and ongoing reinvention of life, filled with newfound purpose, connection, and joy.
Giving Voice to Mental Health shares real stories from individuals at different stages of their mental health journeys, providing inspiration, understanding, and support. It’s a space where personal experiences with mental health challenges are voiced to highlight the ups and downs of healing, benefiting individuals, families, and communities.
Life with anxiety and panic attacks can feel like navigating a minefield of unpredictable triggers and overwhelming sensations. For Stanley, his experience was marked by a constant fear of impending death fueled by health anxiety. “Life before my recovery journey was such a scary time,” he recalls. “It was so many different new things that were happening to me. So many new sensations that I was going through. And to always feel as if, at least for me in my head, I felt like, oh my god, I’m gonna die. I’m gonna die.” This intense fear, coupled with the difficulty of explaining his internal turmoil to others, left him feeling isolated and desperate.
Stanley’s story, however, is also one of hope and recovery. He bravely sought help and embarked on a journey that led him to a place where anxiety no longer dictates his life. His insights offer valuable guidance for anyone struggling with similar challenges. Here are 7 key steps, inspired by Stanley’s experience, to help you find your calm and navigate the path to recovery from panic attacks and anxiety.
1. Recognizing When Enough Is Enough
The turning point for Stanley came when his anxiety began to severely impact his daily life. Simple activities like showering became overwhelming, and leaving the house felt impossible.
“I knew it was time to get some help when I couldn’t do regular everyday things anymore,” he explains. “When it would be hard for me to take a shower. I remember my body used to be so overstimulated that even warm water would make me feel more anxious or just feeling my heart beating so fast. Literally, it would stop me from being able to take a shower.”
Recognizing when anxiety is significantly disrupting your ability to function is the first crucial step towards seeking help. Don’t wait until you feel completely overwhelmed; acknowledging the impact of anxiety on your life is a sign of strength, not weakness.
2. Reaching Out for Support
Stanley’s decision to reach out for help was pivotal. He contacted his school’s counseling department and connected with a therapist. “What I did to help me up on a path of recovery is that I reached out to a therapist. I reached out to my school at the time,” he shares.
This proactive step demonstrates the power of seeking professional guidance. Therapists are trained to understand anxiety disorders and can provide evidence-based strategies and support tailored to your specific needs. Recovery.com can help you find mental health professionals and support resources.
Additionally, Stanley found it helpful to communicate his struggles to friends and professors, fostering a supportive environment. Sharing your experiences with trusted individuals can alleviate feelings of isolation and encourage understanding.
3. The Power of Breath
One of the foundational tools Stanley learned in his recovery journey was the importance of mindful breathing. “Are you breathing properly? Are you taking deep breaths? That has saved me a million times over.”
Deep, diaphragmatic breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to calm the body’s stress response. When you focus on your breath, you bring yourself into the present moment, disrupting the cycle of anxious thoughts about the future or worries about the past. Studies have highlighted the effectiveness of breathing exercises in reducing anxiety symptoms1. Practice taking slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth, to anchor yourself in the present.
4. Reframing Your Thoughts
Anxiety often involves negative thought patterns that can fuel panic and distress. Stanley learned to observe his thoughts and challenge their validity. “If you are in your body, and if you’re in the present moment, then you’re able to observe your thoughts, and you’re able to say, Hey, I’m thinking negative right now. Is that a thought that I wanna have?” This mindful awareness allows you to identify and interrupt negative thought loops before they escalate.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a common therapeutic approach for anxiety, focuses on identifying and modifying these unhelpful thought patterns. By consciously reframing negative thoughts into more balanced and realistic ones, you can gradually reduce their impact on your emotional state.
5. Learning to Accept, Not Fight
A key insight Stanley gained in therapy was to shift his relationship with panic attacks from resistance to acceptance. His therapist’s advice was transformative: “‘Don’t fight the panic attack. Feel it, let it process through. You don’t judge it.’ And that’s easier said than done, obviously, if you feel like your world is coming to an end. But, in therapy, my therapist said that when you feel anxiety, tell it to come on more. Say, come on, gimme more. Gimme more. I want more.”
This counterintuitive approach can be incredibly powerful. Fighting anxiety often intensifies it, creating a cycle of fear and avoidance. By learning to accept the physical sensations of anxiety without judgment and reminding yourself that they are temporary and not dangerous, you can reduce their power over you.
6. Cultivating Self-Compassion
Living with anxiety can be emotionally draining, and it’s crucial to practice self-compassion. Stanley’s journey highlights the importance of being kind and understanding towards yourself. “Love on yourself and know that you deserve help, you deserve support. You doing this is in the best interest of yourself. It’s loving yourself, and it’s taking care of yourself to get help.”
Recognize that experiencing anxiety is not a sign of weakness or failure. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend going through a difficult time.
7. Embracing Hope and Progress
Stanley’s life today is a testament to the possibility of recovery. “My life now is so much better,” he shares. “Of course I still experience anxiety from everyday challenges and living in general, but I rarely ever have panic or anxiety attacks anymore. And if I do, I know how to bring myself down from them with all the tools and everything that I’ve learned.”
Recovery is not always linear, and there may be ups and downs. However, with consistent effort, self-awareness, and the right tools, it is possible to significantly reduce the impact of anxiety on your life. Embrace the progress you make, no matter how small it may seem, and hold onto hope for a calmer and more fulfilling future. Find anxiety treatment options.
In conclusion, Stanley’s powerful message to those on the fence about seeking help underscores the transformative potential of recovery: “I promise you it’s so worth it. You learn so much about yourself, who you are as a person, your history. You’re gonna feel so much better. You’re gonna thank yourself. Your future self is thanking you right now. You never know how beneficial it’s gonna change your life for the better.” Take that courageous first step, knowing that you are not alone and that a brighter future is within reach.
When someone experiences psychosis, it changes how they understand the world around them. This can be scary and confusing, both for the person going through it and the people around them. Fortunately, psychosis can be treated, and many people regain stability and heal successfully with the right support.
We’ll explain what affects the duration of psychosis, how long related mental health issues typically last, and what recovery looks like. Whether you’re experiencing psychosis symptoms yourself, supporting someone who is, or just wanting to learn more, we’ll walk through what to expect in simple terms. Everyone’s experience with psychosis is different, but knowing the typical patterns can help you navigate this challenging time.
Let’s look at what psychosis is, how long it usually lasts, and what helps people heal.
What Is Psychosis?
Researchers define psychosis as “an amalgamation of psychological symptoms resulting in a loss of contact with reality.” About .5 to 3.5% of people are affected by psychotic disorders,1 and many more people experience a psychotic symptom of some kind at some point in their lives.
Psychosis usually develops in 3 stages.
The 3 Stages of Psychosis
Understanding these stages of psychosis2 helps you recognize what’s happening and know what to expect:
1. Prodromal Phase
The first stage is called the prodromal phase,3 also known as “psychosis syndrome.” You can think of it as the early warning period before full psychosis develops. During this time, you might notice subtle changes in thoughts and feelings. A person might start pulling away from friends and family, have trouble sleeping, feel suspicious of people around them, or suddenly struggle at work or school.
This early phase can last anywhere from a few days to several years. The tricky part is that many people don’t recognize these changes as warning signs of psychosis. They might just feel “off” or “not like themselves.” Family and friends are often the first to notice that something isn’t quite right.
2. Acute Phase
The acute phase is when psychosis becomes more obvious. This is when hallucinations (like hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there) and delusions (strong, false beliefs) clearly appear. Someone might become convinced they’re being watched or persecuted, or they might talk about hearing voices that no one else can hear.
This phase typically lasts between a few days and several months. It’s usually the point when people finally get professional help because the symptoms are hard to ignore. Without treatment, this phase can last longer and symptoms may get worse.
3. Recovery Phase
The final stage—recovery—happens when people get adequate care. With appropriate treatment, symptoms gradually decrease. People begin to make sense of what happened and learn ways to manage their condition. They slowly get back to their regular activities and rebuild their relationships.
Recovery time varies a lot from person to person. Some people bounce back within weeks or months, while others might take a year or longer. As with any type of mental illness recovery, this process isn’t always linear—there are good days and tougher days along the way. But with the right treatment and support, most people see real improvement over time.
From your perspective, what are the most important factors that influence how long psychosis lasts—and why?
In deciphering the most important factors that influence how long psychosis lasts, we would first want to consider individual physiology (e.g., medical or neurological conditions), whether there is a diagnosable psychiatric condition (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, delusional disorder, major depressive disorder severe with psychotic features), and/or whether the psychosis is substance-induced–whether temporary while using or extended and lasting beyond active use. As with most other mental health disorders and conditions, early intervention can help, as it may reduce the duration and severity of the psychotic episode while increasing the likelihood of quicker recovery and more promising long-term outcomes. Treatment adherence is also important and may include a combination of medication and treatment. Medication helps stabilize the condition while treatment works on other life factors, such as learning about what triggers psychosis, how and when to implement personally effective coping skills, acquiring various resources to minimize episodes, and building a support network, among other factors.
Let’s talk about how long different types of psychosis typically last. Remember, each person’s experience is unique, but these timeframes can give you a general idea of what to expect.
Brief Psychotic Disorder
Sometimes psychosis appears suddenly after a major stress or trauma, like losing a loved one or experiencing a natural disaster. This is called brief psychotic disorder,4 and as the name suggests, it’s not permanent. Symptoms typically last between a day and a month, then go away completely. Most people who experience this type of psychosis make a full recovery without any long-term problems.
Drug-Induced Psychosis
Using certain drugs like marijuana, LSD, methamphetamine, or cocaine can trigger psychosis in some people. The good news is that substance-induced psychosis usually clears up within a few days to a few weeks after the person stops using the substance (which may require professional addiction treatment). But for some folks—especially those who used drugs heavily or for a long time—symptoms might linger for months. In some cases, drug use can unmask an underlying mental health condition that requires ongoing treatment.
When psychosis is part of schizophrenia,5 it follows a different pattern. People with schizophrenia often have episodes of psychosis that last between a few weeks and several months. Between these episodes, symptoms might decrease but rarely disappear completely without treatment. With proper medication and therapy, many people with schizophrenia can manage their symptoms well and reduce the frequency and intensity of psychotic episodes.
To learn more about comprehensive treatment options for schizophrenia and related psychosis, see our complete guide to schizophrenia rehab and recovery.
Mood Disorder Psychosis
Severe depression or bipolar disorder can sometimes include psychotic features.6 In bipolar disorder, psychosis usually appears during manic or depressive episodes and improves when the episode resolves. In a professional treatment program, the recovery process might take weeks to months. For depression with psychosis, symptoms often improve as the depression lifts, usually within a few months of starting treatment.
Postpartum Psychosis
Some new parents experience psychosis shortly after giving birth.7 This is a serious condition that usually develops within the first week after delivery. With quick treatment, postpartum psychosis typically improves within a few weeks to a few months. Most people recover completely, though they may have a higher risk of experiencing it again with future pregnancies.
Factors That Affect How Long Psychosis Lasts
Several factors can influence how long psychosis lasts and how well someone recovers. Understanding these can help you set realistic expectations about the recovery journey.
Early Intervention
One of the most important factors is how quickly someone gets help. The sooner someone starts treatment after their first episode, the better the outcomes tend to be. While research shows that it’s “common for a person to have psychotic symptoms for more than a year before receiving treatment,” says the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Reducing this duration of untreated psychosis8 is critical because early treatment often means better recovery.”
Treatment Approach and Adherence
The type of treatment someone receives—and how well they stick with it—makes a huge difference. Most effective treatment plans include a combination of medication, therapy, and social support. Missing medication doses or stopping treatment too early can lead to longer episodes or relapses. It’s like treating any other health condition: Consistent, high-quality care leads to better results.
Treatment adherence is an ongoing issue in patients with psychosis—one study shows that over 60% of psychotic patients “had adherence difficulties9 at some point” in their program. That’s why behavioral health experts use interventions like family involvement, psychoeducation, and motivational interviewing to try to improve treatment outcomes.
Learn how therapists use specialized techniques to help you stay committed to your recovery journey in our guide to motivational interviewing.
What’s something people often misunderstand about psychosis recovery that you wish more people knew?
Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by someone’s inability to stay connected to reality, which may include symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and poor insight/judgment. The most challenging part about psychosis is that people experiencing psychosis may have difficulty distinguishing their thoughts and their disordered thinking, hallucinations, and delusions. Recovery from psychosis is not linear or quick, and one of the most misunderstood ‘facts’ about recovery from psychosis is that people with psychosis always return to the exact state they were in before. They need time, they need adjustment; they can find ways to live and enjoy life while managing their symptoms.
Having supportive family, friends, and therapists can significantly shorten recovery time. People with strong support networks often recover faster10 because they have help navigating treatment, managing stress, and handling day-to-day responsibilities while they heal. If you’re supporting someone with psychosis, your patience and understanding matter more than you may realize.
Underlying Cause
The cause of psychosis affects its duration too. Psychosis triggered by stimuli like drug use or extreme stress often resolves more quickly than psychosis related to conditions like schizophrenia. Identifying and addressing the root cause is an important part of effective treatment.
Individual Factors
Every person is unique, and factors like previous psychotic episodes, stress levels, overall health, and even genetics can influence recovery time. As with physical illnesses, some people naturally recover more quickly than others.
Stress and Environment
High-stress environments can prolong recovery from psychosis or trigger relapses. Creating a calm environment that supports psychosis recovery11 can help shorten episodes and prevent them from recurring. Sometimes, simple changes at home, at work, or in social circles can make a big difference in someone’s recovery.
While these factors influence recovery time, they don’t determine it completely. Even when circumstances aren’t ideal, many people still recover well with the right treatment and support.
Treatment and Recovery
Getting the right treatment can make a huge difference in how long psychosis lasts and how well someone recovers. Let’s look at the most common treatments and what recovery looks like.
Psychiatry (Medication)
Antipsychotic medications are usually the first line of treatment for psychosis.12 These medicines help reduce hallucinations, delusions, and confused thinking, usually within a few days to a few weeks. Some people notice improvement very quickly; others might need to try different medications to find the right fit.
Most people take these medications for at least 6-12 months after an episode. Your doctor might recommend longer treatment depending on the underlying cause and whether you’ve had multiple episodes. Never stop taking medication suddenly—always work with your healthcare provider to make changes safely.
To learn more about how to work with your doctor to make sure your medication works for you, see our guide to medication management.
Treatment also often includes other elements. There is substantial research support for coordinated specialty care, which is a multi-element, recovery-oriented team approach to treating psychosis that promotes easy access to care and shared decision-making among specialists, the person experiencing psychosis, and family members.
When you access professional care, your treatment team can create a comprehensive treatment plan that combines medication, therapy, and other support. This might include psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), support groups, or social skills training, based on what best meets your needs.
Day-to-Day Support
Recovery isn’t just about medical treatment—it’s also about redesigning your daily life. This might include help with housing, employment, education, or building healthy routines. Some people work with case managers13 who can connect them with community resources and provide practical support during recovery.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from psychosis is usually gradual. Most people see significant improvement within a few months of starting treatment, though complete recovery can take longer. Schizophrenia survivor Sarah Ryan describes emotional recovery from psychosis14 as:
Accepting a new normal:Accepting that while you may never be exactly the same person you were before psychosis, you can find pride in adapting to the new you
Trusting yourself: Having patience and allowing positive experiences to accumulate over time, which gradually strengthens your confidence
Believing in yourself: Choosing to value yourself despite a stigmatized diagnosis and maintaining hope that you can have a meaningful future
Wanting to be yourself: Letting go of comparing yourself to “normal” people and recognizing that your life has value and purpose despite the challenges you’ve faced
Some people recover completely from psychosis. Others learn to manage occasional negative symptoms while leading full, meaningful lives. Many people worry about having another episode, which is a common concern. Working with your care team to identify early warning signs and create a relapse prevention plan can help you manage this fear as you keep taking steps forward.
How can family members or loved ones best support someone recovering from psychosis, especially in the early stages?
Family members can best support someone recovering from psychosis by approaching them with empathy, patience, a calming demeanor, as much normalcy as possible, and a willingness to learn. Psychoeducation is key—understanding what psychosis is and what it isn’t helps reduce fear and stigma for both you and your loved one. Encourage ongoing treatment, stay aware of early warning signs, and have a plan in place in case symptoms reemerge. Most importantly, remind them they’re not alone—you’re in this together.
Finding Your Way Forward: Embracing Life After Psychosis
Recovery from mental health disorders is a challenging but rewarding process that involves ups and downs. But as Ryan says of her experience with psychosis recovery,14
For the first time, I can say with confidence that it is good and right to be me. My life is not a mistake, and good things have come out of my life that outweigh the bad. I can never truly make sense of what happened to me, but I have finally let go, because I have too many other great things to hold onto that are pulling me forward.
You, too, can come to see the great things that are pulling you forward—and professional care can help. If you’re experiencing symptoms of psychosis, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to a mental health professional today and give yourself the best chance of recovery.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to get out of psychosis?
A: Most people start to improve within a few weeks of beginning treatment. Recovery typically takes a few months to a year or more, though this varies widely depending on the cause, treatment approach, and other individual factors.
Q: Does the brain go back to normal after psychosis?
A: Research shows that the brain actively tries to heal itself after psychosis,15 even before treatment begins. While some brain areas show tissue loss, others actually increase in size. One study shows these tissue increases are linked to better outcomes, including milder symptoms and improved thinking skills. This suggests that psychosis isn’t simply a degenerative condition, as previously thought, but one where natural recovery processes are already happening when people first seek help. Proper treatment can support these healing processes, which improve long-term recovery.
Q: Can psychosis go away on its own?
A: Some brief forms of psychosis might resolve without treatment, but this is risky. Without proper care, psychosis often gets worse and can lead to dangerous situations or long-term problems. Professional help significantly improves outcomes and reduces suffering.
Q: What triggers a psychotic episode?
A: Common triggers for psychosis include extreme stress, sleep deprivation, drug use (especially cannabis, amphetamines, and hallucinogens), traumatic events, and hormonal changes like those after childbirth. For people with conditions like schizophrenia, even everyday stresses can sometimes trigger episodes.
Can psychosis be temporary?
A: Yes, psychosis can definitely be temporary. Many people who experience psychosis have just one episode in their lifetime, especially if it was triggered by stress, substance abuse, or a medical condition that gets treated. Even people with ongoing conditions like schizophrenia can experience long periods without psychotic symptoms when they receive consistent care.
Hunter Michael Shepard’s raw honesty on Recoverycast unveils a powerful journey from the depths of addiction to a life of sobriety and service. His experience offers crucial insights for those seeking recovery.
Early Exposure and the Rapid Descent
Hunter’s journey began in a region battling the opioid crisis, a stark backdrop to his early experimentation. Compounded by an early Adderall prescription, his substance use quickly escalated. As Hunter recounted, “It started out with weed, prescription Adderall, alcohol,” highlighting how seemingly less harmful substances can be the gateway to more severe addiction. His rapid descent into polysubstance use underscores the swift and potent grip that addiction can take, particularly when initiated in adolescence.
The Frustration of Ineffective Treatment Cycles
Hunter’s repeated and ultimately unsuccessful experiences with short-term rehabilitation programs underscore a critical distinction in addiction care. As he pointedly stated, “They don’t teach the difference between treatment and recovery.” These programs, while often providing necessary detoxification, frequently lacked the individualized, long-term support required to address the underlying psychological, social, and behavioral factors fueling addiction, leading to a frustrating cycle of rehab and relapse.
A Harrowing Turning Point and the Urgency for Change
A near-fatal poisoning marked a stark and terrifying turning point in Hunter’s addiction. This extreme experience forced a confrontation with the life-or-death consequences of his substance use, shattering any remaining illusions of control. The chilling account, “A girl poisoned me trying to kill me,” underscores the perilous depths of his active addiction and the urgent necessity for radical change.
The Power of Informed Support
His parents’ initial attempts to find help were met with inadequate solutions. However, their growing understanding of the complexities of addiction led them to become more discerning and proactive in seeking effective care. This shift is reflected in Hunter’s observation: “My parents finally got to a point where they were like, hold on, we’re going to start asking the questions that matter,” emphasizing the crucial role of informed and persistent family support in navigating the often-confusing landscape of addiction treatment.
Embracing the Guidance of Others
Hunter’s ultimate breakthrough in recovery hinged on a fundamental internal shift. As he powerfully stated, “You have to be at a place where you’re like, okay, this is the only thing that matters. Recovery and treatment and, and getting better is what matters most.” This embrace of willingness to surrender control and actively accept guidance proved to be the crucial turning point in breaking free from the cycle of addiction.
Cultivating a Sobriety-Focused Community
Recognizing the powerful influence of his environment and social circles, Hunter made a conscious decision to prioritize a sobriety-focused setting. “I never went back home. I waited until I knew that I was good,” he explained. Actively seeking and engaging with a supportive recovery community became vital for his sustained sobriety, underscoring the profound impact of one’s surroundings and social connections on the recovery journey.
The Unexpected and Joyful Bonds of Shared Recovery
Finding unexpected connections with others who shared similar experiences in recovery brought a unique and powerful dimension to Hunter’s sobriety. The shared journey fostered a profound sense of community and mutual understanding. As Hunter described the surprising encounters, “And you’re all looking at each other like, you too? And you’re like, yeah,” highlighting the unexpected bonds forged in the common ground of recovery.
The Transformative Power of Service and Giving Back
Hunter’s deep commitment to using his experiences to help others navigate their own paths to recovery has become a central tenet of his life. “I don’t turn anybody away. I’ll always give people resources,” he affirmed, illustrating his dedication. This act of service not only provides vital support and guidance to those struggling but also profoundly strengthens his own commitment to sobriety, demonstrating the reciprocal benefits of giving back to the recovery community.
A Personalized Approach to Connecting Individuals with Effective Help
Hunter’s approach to assisting others seeking recovery is deeply individualized and informed by his own arduous journey. “A lot of asking questions and getting to know, getting to know people” he explained, emphasizing the importance of understanding each person’s unique circumstances. This commitment ensures that individuals are connected with the most effective and tailored treatment resources, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to care.
In conclusion, Hunter Michael Shepard’s journey, marked by profound challenges and ultimate triumph, underscores the essential steps towards a life beyond addiction. From recognizing the early roots of substance use to embracing willingness and the power of community, his story offers a message of hope and practical guidance. His dedication to service further amplifies the transformative potential of recovery, proving that freedom and a fulfilling life are attainable.
Maria’s journey through the depths of depression and anxiety offers a powerful testament to the transformative potential of seeking recovery for mental health challenges. Her story, filled with raw honesty and hard-won wisdom, illuminates the path toward healing and a more fulfilling life. From the darkness of suicidal thoughts to the radiant joy of pursuing her dreams and finding true love, Maria’s experience underscores the profound impact of prioritizing self-care and embracing vulnerability. Her insights provide a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with similar struggles, offering practical steps and a message of profound self-acceptance.
1. Recognizing the Need for Change
Maria’s turning point came during her “lowest part of my life,” entangled in a toxic relationship marked by “cheating” and “emotional abuse.” She realized she was relying on her partner to be her savior, a burden no one person can truly bear. This pivotal moment of recognizing the unsustainability of her situation and the depth of her despair was the catalyst for seeking help.
2. The Life-Changing Decision to Seek Therapy
The suggestion from her partner to seek therapy, born out of a moment of crisis, proved to be the “decision that changed everything.” Maria emphasizes the vital role her therapist played in helping her navigate out of the toxic relationship and onto a path of healing. She says, “That therapist helped me get out of that relationship, believe it or not, and I was able to find the right medication dose that was right for me.” Therapy provided her with a safe space to process her emotions, gain perspective, and develop coping mechanisms.
Maria’s experience highlights the importance of considering medication as a valuable tool in mental health recovery. For her, finding the “right medication dose” was crucial in managing her depression by addressing the imbalance of serotonin in her brain. She astutely compares this to managing a physical illness like diabetes, emphasizing that mental health conditions often have a biological basis that may require medical intervention.
“No one would ever say to you if you have diabetes, to just like get over it. Just make your blood sugar change, like you can’t do that. And if you’re somebody who doesn’t have the proper chemicals being admitted in their brain, then you need a little bit of help. And there’s nothing wrong with doing that, and there’s nothing wrong with taking it.”
Beyond medication, Maria underscores the significance of a holistic approach to self-care, including:
Nutritious Eating: Fueling the body with proper nutrition supports overall well-being, including mental health.
Exercise: Finding enjoyable forms of exercise, like yoga and weight training, helps to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance physical health. Regular physical activity has been consistently linked to improved mental health outcomes, including reducing depression and anxiety symptoms1.
Abstaining from Alcohol: Maria identifies alcohol as a “toxin” that negatively impacted her mental state, relationships, and physical health. Eliminating alcohol brought her “mind more at peace” and improved her clarity of thought. Research highlights the complex relationship between alcohol and mental health disorders, noting that alcohol can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression2.
4. The Power of Selfishness and Selflessness
Maria shares a seemingly paradoxical yet profoundly important insight: recovery requires “being selfish” in order to “be selfless.” By “selfish,” she means prioritizing her own needs for therapy, exercise, and nourishment – activities she had previously neglected while focusing on others. This act of self-care was essential for her healing.
When Maria first fills her own cup, she can then extend that compassion towards others, creating “selfless” acts of kindness to make the world a brighter place. Prioritizing your own well-being is not selfish; it is a necessary foundation for recovery.
“You have to be able to give yourself grace. You have to be able to forgive yourself. Like we’re humans, nobody is perfect. We’re all gonna make mistakes. And I used to constantly beat myself up for the mistakes that I made. Finally, when I let up, when I just let that guilt go, I can like even feel the relief now.”
5. Recovery as an Ongoing Journey, Not a Destination
Maria stresses that recovery is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process. It requires continuous self-care, including consistent medication, regular check-ins with a therapist, and maintaining a supportive network. She likens it to the routine maintenance of a car, emphasizing the need for regular “tune-ups” for mental health.
She also highlights the importance of leaning on others, acknowledging her own struggle with wanting to do everything independently. Knowing who you can rely on provides crucial support during challenging times and helps prevent falling “off the beaten path.”
6. A Life Transformed: The Rewards of Recovery
Maria vividly describes the profound transformation in her life since embarking on her recovery journey. She has pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a writer and actress, found a loving and supportive partner, and built a fulfilling life in a new city surrounded by a strong community. This stark contrast to her previous state underscores the immense rewards of prioritizing mental health.
7. Practical Advice for Those Starting Their Journey
Maria offers heartfelt and practical advice for individuals facing similar challenges:
Prioritize Self-Care: This includes taking prescribed medication, seeking therapy, and engaging in activities that nurture your well-being.
Seek Therapy: Persevere in finding a therapist you connect with, even if it takes time.
Consider Abstaining from Alcohol: Even without an addiction, alcohol can negatively impact mental and physical health.
Exercise Regularly: Find a form of physical activity you enjoy to help manage stress and improve mood.
Focus on Nutrition: Prioritize healthy eating habits to support overall well-being.
Practice Self-Forgiveness: Let go of guilt and self-blame, treating yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend.
Trust Your Inner Wisdom: Take quiet time to listen to your own thoughts and intuition, as you often hold the best answers for yourself.
“Deep down. You’ll find the answers of where you need to go, what path you need to follow, what’s right for you, what you need to do, what you need to stop doing. Deep down, you know all of it because nobody knows you better than you.”
Maria’s powerful narrative serves as an inspiring reminder that recovery from mental health challenges is possible. By sharing her personal journey and offering practical advice, she provides a message of hope and encouragement for anyone seeking their own path toward peace and well-being.
Starting the journey of mental health recovery involves prioritizing self-care, seeking professional support, and cultivating self-compassion. Trusting your inner guidance and being open to change are essential steps forward. For further support and resources, check out Recovery.com.
Living with undiagnosed ADHD as an adult can feel like swimming against the current. You might wonder why everyday tasks seem harder for you than for others. Many adults with ADHD weren’t diagnosed as kids, especially women and those who aren’t hyperactive. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, ADHD can affect your job, relationships, and mental health. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward managing them.
This guide explains how untreated ADHD shows up in adults, how it affects daily life, and ways to find help—whether you’re looking for a diagnosis or exploring treatment options.
What Is Adult ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It’s a brain condition that makes it hard to focus, stay organized, and control impulses. Many people think ADHD is just for kids, but that’s not true. We often underestimate its prevalence—over 4% of adults have ADHD,1 but many don’t know it.
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder often looks different than childhood ADHD. Kids and adolescents with ADHD might be very active and run around a lot. Adults with ADHD might feel restless inside, struggle with distractibility and executive function, have trouble staying organized, and find it hard to finish tasks. You might always lose your keys, miss important deadlines, or feel overwhelmed by normal daily responsibilities.
Many people think ADHD only affects hyper little boys2 or that smart, successful people can’t have it. The truth is anyone can have ADHD, no matter their gender or how smart they are. Some very intelligent adults with ADHD find ways to hide their symptoms, but this often leads to feeling anxious and tired all the time.
If simple tasks seem harder for you than for other people, or if you can hyperfocus on things you like but not on other important things, you might want to look into whether you have undiagnosed ADHD.
Signs of Undiagnosed ADHD in Adults
It can be hard to spot untreated ADHD in adults, because it can look like other conditions. Adult ADHD doesn’t always match what we see in kids who can’t sit still. In adults, ADHD can be quieter but still cause major problems in daily life.
Can’t focus on boring tasks, but can get super focused on things you enjoy for hours
Put things off even when you really want to get them done
Have a messy home or desk and can’t find important things when you need them
Forget appointments, deadlines, or where you put your keys or phone
Start projects but don’t finish them, leaving things half-done
Misjudge time, always thinking tasks will take less time than they really do
Have a busy mind with thoughts that won’t slow down, especially at bedtime
Get upset easily and have trouble calming down when frustrated
ADHD shows up differently in different people. If you mainly struggle with inattention, others might assume you’re spacey, lazy, or say you’re not trying hard enough. If you have the hyperactive-impulsive type, people might think you’re “too much” — talking too much, moving too much, or making quick decisions without thinking.
Women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed4 as kids because they don’t always show obvious hyperactive behaviors. Instead, they may try extra hard to please others to make up for their struggles, or just seem like daydreamers who worry a lot.
What’s one overlooked way untreated ADHD has affected your (or your clients’) daily life that people might not expect?
If ADHD is untreated/undiagnosed, one may judge themselves very harshly for not being able to “keep up” with the typical demands of life. They may struggle with shame, anxiety, or self-criticism because they assume something is wrong with them, rather than understanding that their brain has unique strengths and needs that other non-ADHD people’s brains don’t have. These emotional struggles, in turn, can feel overwhelming or can contribute to executive functioning difficulties, making it harder for the person to get out of feelings of stuckness.
Untreated ADHD affects nearly every aspect of daily functioning. At work, you might feel like you’re working twice as hard as colleagues to produce the same results. You may excel in crisis situations but struggle with routine tasks and paperwork. Job-hopping is common as people with untreated ADHD seek environments that better match their cognitive style.
Managing your home life with untreated ADHD presents unique challenges. You might find that you accidentally overlook bills, even when you have money to pay them. Cleaning the house can feel overwhelming without a clear structure, and grocery shopping without a list can mean forgotten essentials and impulse buys.
Financial difficulties often accompany untreated ADHD. Research shows that because ADHD affects how people manage money,6 adult ADHDers are more likely to have lower credit scores, higher debt, and impulsive spending habits. You might make good money but still struggle with financial stability because of how ADHD affects planning and organization.
These daily experiences can make adults with untreated ADHD feel perpetually behind and wonder why life seems easier for everyone else. But these challenges stem from differences in brain function—not from lack of effort or ability. People who manage their ADHD effectively often develop creative solutions that work well for their unique thinking style.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
The emotional toll of untreated ADHD often goes unseen by the neurotypical world. After years of missing deadlines, forgetfulness, and feeling like you’ve failed, you might start to doubt yourself or feel ashamed.
A lot of people with ADHD also deal with anxiety7 and depression. Sometimes these develop because of the daily struggles with ADHD. These other conditions can also mask ADHD, so you may end up getting treatment for anxiety, but not for the ADHD that’s causing it.
Living with untreated ADHD can be exhausting. You might feel like you’re always putting out fires, dealing with one problem after another without having room to breathe. This ongoing stress can wear you down, especially in jobs that don’t make room for different ways of thinking.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD become very sensitive to criticism or rejection. This is sometimes called rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD).8 It means criticism or feeling rejected hurts more deeply, making work and social situations extra stressful.
For many people, understanding that these feelings come from how your brain works—not because there’s something wrong with you as a person—is the first step to feeling better.
Relationship Challenges With Untreated ADHD
ADHD can affect your relationships in several ways:
Love and Partnership
In romantic relationships, your partner might have a hard time understanding when you forget things you promised to do, interrupt during talks, or have trouble finishing household chores. They may feel like they’re doing more of the work.
CommunicationBarriers
Talking with others can be tricky sometimes. ADHD can make it hard to stay focused during conversations or remember important things your loved one told you. This can make them feel like you don’t care, when really your brain just takes in information differently.
Family Dynamics
Family relationships can face challenges too. If you’re a parent with ADHD,9 keeping regular routines might be harder. If you’re an adult with ADHD, your parents may not have understood why some things were difficult for you as a child.
Strain on Friendships
In friendships, staying in touch regularly might not come easily. You might cancel plans or forget birthdays, sending the message that you don’t care when you really do. But with understanding friends and the tools to communicate your needs, these challenges don’t have to hurt your relationships.
The bright side is that learning about ADHD can make all your relationships better. When you and your loved ones see ADHD as a different way your brain works and not as a choice you’re making, things can start to improve. People can start appreciating the good things ADHD brings to relationships—like your creativity, your excitement about life, and interesting conversations.
Long-Term Risks of Untreated ADHD
When ADHD goes untreated for a long time, it can affect your well-being in a few ways:
Stress and Physical Health
Research shows that adults with untreated ADHD have more physical health challenges10 because it’s harder to keep up with regular sleep, exercise, and healthy eating habits. The extra effort it takes to manage life with untreated ADHD can create ongoing stress for your body and mind. Over time, this stress can contribute to other health concerns.
Career and Professional Development
Your work life might also be affected. Even though you may have great skills and ideas, untreated ADHD can sometimes make it harder to stay at one job or advance in your career. This can affect your income over time.
Substance Misuse as a Coping Strategy
Some adults with untreated ADHD turn to substances like alcohol or cannabis to help manage their symptoms without realizing they’re self-medicating. Getting treatment for both addiction and ADHD often helps reduce these substance abuse patterns.
Pointing out these effects isn’t meant to worry you, but to show how getting proper guidance for navigating ADHD can make daily life easier and support your long-term health. Each person has their own feelings about receiving an ADHD diagnosis, but many adults say they feel relieved and empowered after getting diagnosed and finding treatments that work for them.
How do you help adults with ADHD reclaim a sense of control or confidence in their lives—especially if they’ve struggled for years without a diagnosis?
One of the first steps I take as a mental health occupational therapist when working with clients after a late ADHD diagnosis is helping them navigate self-acceptance and self-compassion. From there, we look at how ADHD impacts their daily life by breaking down the flow of their day through the lens of habits and routines. Many of my clients struggle with transitions and balancing the different roles they play, so we focus on creating anchor habits—small, intentional activities like changing clothes after work or having tea before bed—to make shifts between tasks feel more natural. I also help clients integrate tidying and decluttering strategies into their routines, which reduces cognitive load and makes it easier to follow through with daily tasks without feeling overwhelmed.
If you see yourself in these descriptions of untreated ADHD, it’s important to know that there are plenty of effective treatments and support systems available to help you. The first step is usually a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional who’s experienced in adult ADHD.
Medication
Treatment usually involves a combination of approaches. Medication is often an important part of ADHD treatment plans,11 as it helps balance brain chemicals that affect symptoms of ADHD. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications, but there are also non-stimulant options for people who can’t take stimulant medications or don’t find them helpful.
Therapy
Therapy specifically for ADHD12 can also be hugely helpful. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for ADHD, for example, teaches practical skills for getting organized, managing time, and regulating emotions during mood swings. ADHD coaches can help you create systems that work with your brain instead of against it.
Support Groups
ADHD support groups, both in-person and online, connect you with others who understand what you’re going through. Sharing tips and challenges with people who “get it” can help you feel much less alone.
Supportive Work Environments
Workplace changes can help you succeed on the job. Simple adjustments like getting written instructions, using noise-canceling headphones, or having some flexibility in your work environment can help you make the most of your strengths while managing the challenges ADHD presents.
What’s one myth about adult ADHD you wish more people understood—and how do you respond to it?
One myth I wish more people understood is the belief that adult ADHD is just about being ‘distracted’ or ‘unfocused.’ I often remind clients that ADHD is deeply connected to how the nervous system regulates safety, energy, and connection. What looks like ‘procrastination’ or ‘lack of motivation’ is often a body that’s stuck in a state of overwhelm or shut down. When we start to explore ADHD through the lens of the whole person, not just the brain but the body, the environment, and relationships, it becomes easier to offer ourselves compassion and find what actually helps.
Living Successfully With ADHD (With or Without Medication)
It’s a proven fact that ADHD is, in some ways, an advantage13—especially when it comes to certain types of creative thinking. Research scientist Holly White at the University of Michigan points out:
ADHD may also bring with it an advantage: the ability to think more creatively. Three aspects of creative cognition are divergent thinking, conceptual expansion and overcoming knowledge constraints. Divergent thinking, or the ability to think of many ideas from a single starting point, is a critical part of creative thinking. Previous research has established that individuals with ADHD are exceptionally good at divergent thinking tasks, such as inventing creative new uses for everyday objects, and brainstorming new features for an innovative cell phone device. In a new study, college students with ADHD scored higher than non-ADHD peers on two tasks that tapped conceptual expansion and the ability to overcome knowledge constraints.
Many adults thrive with ADHD, with or without medication. The key is developing strategies that align with how your brain works. Instead of forcing yourself to conform to neurotypical expectations, successful management often means leaning into your unique cognitive style.
Coping Strategies for Adult ADHDers
Many people find techniques like these helpful for improving their quality of life with ADHD:
Outside structure is vital when it’s hard to organize yourself. Try using timers, reminders, and visual cues to help with time awareness. Make big tasks smaller to help you get started. Work next to someone else (called body-doubling) to stay focused and accountable.
Technology can help a lot. There are ADHD apps14 that help with things like reminding you to take medicine or prioritizing tasks. When writing seems too hard, try making voice recordings of your thoughts instead.
Moving your body throughout the day can help with restlessness and improve your focus. Even small movements like fidgeting or working at a standing desk can help your brain work better.
And finally, remember the good things about having ADHD. Many adults with ADHD are great at creative thinking, solving problems in emergencies, and bringing excitement and energy to the things they care about. Finding places that value these strengths can turn ADHD from a challenge into an advantage.
Recovery isn’t about eliminating all ADHD symptoms—it’s about building a life that works with your brain rather than against it.
Reclaiming Your Potential: Next Steps for Adults with ADHD
Untreated ADHD doesn’t have to control your future. While living with ADHD has its challenges, learning more about how your brain works is a great step toward positive change. Whether you’re just now seeing these patterns in yourself or have wondered about adult ADHD for years, talking to a qualified healthcare provider can help you find an effective path forward.
Having trouble with organizational skills, focus, and time management does not say anything about how smart you are or your value as a person. ADHD is simply a different way your brain is wired. With the right support—like medication, therapy, coaching, or a mix of these—many adults with ADHD find that life gets easier and more enjoyable.
If you recognize yourself in the descriptions here, think about reaching out to a professional who’s experienced in working with adult ADHD. A thorough evaluation can help you learn how ADHD is affecting your life and what kinds of support might work best for you. Recovery.com can help you find treatment centers that understand adult ADHD and offer proven approaches to manage it.
You deserve a life that lets your uniqueness shine.
FAQs
Q: What does untreated ADHD lead to in adults?
A: Untreated ADHD can lead to problems with work performance, relationship difficulties, financial struggles, executive functioning challenges, higher rates of anxiety disorders and depression, increased risk of substance use, and lowered self-esteem.
Q: Can you be successful with unmedicated ADHD?
A: Yes, many adults with ADHD succeed without medication by implementing effective strategies, creating supportive environments, and learning how to leverage their ADHD-related strengths like creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Q: How does untreated ADHD impact relationships?
A: Untreated ADHD can strain relationships through miscommunications, forgotten commitments, emotional reactivity, and unequal responsibilities, which can cause patterns of misunderstanding and frustration.
Q: What are the long-term effects of untreated ADHD in adults?
A: Long-term effects can include chronic stress, career underachievement, financial struggles, higher risk of accidents, substance use disorders, and ADHD-related physical and mental health conditions.
Q: Can untreated ADHD in adults lead to other mental health issues?
A: Yes, untreated ADHD often leads to mood disorders like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which sometimes develop as responses to ongoing ADHD-related challenges.
Do you find yourself constantly putting others’ needs before your own? Are you the person everyone relies on, even when it drains your energy and emotional resources? You might be experiencing codependency—a pattern where your own sense of purpose and self-worth become tangled up in another person’s life and problems
Codependent relationships create strong emotional patterns. “Helping” people can become almost addictive, even though it leaves you feeling empty and exhausted in the long run. Breaking free from these patterns takes time. But with consistent effort, you can build a healthier relationship with yourself and others.
Here are 5 key steps you can start taking now:
1. Recognize Your Codependent Patterns
The first step toward change is becoming aware of your codependent behaviors.1 Start paying attention to situations where you feel responsible for others’ emotions or problems. Notice when you automatically put someone else’s needs before your own or when you feel anxious about setting boundaries.
Try keeping a journal to track moments when you feel resentful, exhausted, or unappreciated. Look for the situations or relationships that typically trigger these feelings. You can ask yourself questions like: “Am I doing this because I want to, or because I’m afraid of the consequences if I don’t?” You can even use journal prompts for codependency to help.
Pro tip: Keep in mind that awareness doesn’t mean judgment. These patterns developed for a reason—often as ways to cope with difficult situations. Observing them with curiosity rather than criticism will help you make lasting changes.
What Is Codependency?
Codependency is not officially recognized as a mental illness, but it is taken seriously by mental health professionals, who define it as “an unhealthy devotion to a relationship2 at the cost of one’s personal and psychological needs.” It describes a relational pattern where you become so focused on the problems and needs of others that you neglect your own well-being. It’s more than just caring deeply—it’s when your emotional state, identity, and sense of purpose become excessively wrapped up in someone else’s life.
Codependency in Romantic Relationships: In romantic relationships, codependency can look like constantly sacrificing your own preferences, walking on eggshells to avoid conflict, or feeling responsible for your partner’s happiness. You might stay in unhealthy situations because you believe your love can “fix” the other person.
Codependency in Family Systems: Within families, codependency often appears as enmeshment—where boundaries between family members become blurred. You might feel obligated to solve everyone’s problems, shield relatives from consequences, or struggle to make decisions without family approval. This is often the case when one family member is struggling with substance abuse.3
Codependency in Friendships: In friendships, codependent behaviors include being the perpetual advice-giver or emotional support while rarely asking for help yourself. You might maintain one-sided friendships because you feel needed, even when these relationships drain you.
How can you discover the signs of being codependent?
Codependency is often rooted in an attachment wound where the nervous system learned early on that safety comes from attuning to others, sometimes at the expense of self. It can look like feeling responsible for managing other people’s emotions while ignoring your own. Another sign is the feeling of unease or even panic when someone is upset with you, leading to people-pleasing or over-functioning in relationships. This can present as feeling tightness in your chest, a constant state of hypervigilance, or struggling to feel grounded in your own body.
Codependency and low self-esteem usually go hand in hand. When you don’t value yourself, you might look for validation through helping others or staying in unhealthy relationships.
You feel good about yourself mainly when you’re helping others or when people need you. Instead of feeling relieved when a loved one says they don’t need your help, you feel hurt or like you don’t matter anymore.
Start building your self-worth by practicing self-compassion.4 Talk to yourself the way you would talk to a good friend—with kindness and understanding. Make a list of your positive qualities that have nothing to do with what you do for others.
Small acts of self-care also build self-esteem. When you treat yourself with respect—by keeping promises to yourself, taking time for activities you enjoy, or meeting your physical needs—you send yourself the message that you matter.
Pro tip: Daily affirmations can help you shift away from negative self-talk and toward a more positive sense of self. Simple statements like “I’m worthy of love and respect” or “My needs matter” can start to shift your perspective when you say them regularly.
Why is boundary setting important in healing from codependency?
When it comes to codependency, one tends to slip away from autonomy, creating enmeshment with the enabler. Setting healthy boundaries, such as adopting and maintaining one’s own intellectual boundaries in a new relationship, is crucial for healing codependency. While maintaining codependency, and therefore not setting boundaries, one loses one’s own identity and essentially forgets how to behave independently due to the behavioral and emotional habits developed through the codependent relationship. Setting boundaries will contribute to an increased sense of self, more confidence, and may even decrease anxiety or depressive symptoms, which can significantly enhance the relationship as a whole.
Boundaries allow you to create rules or set limits that define where your responsibilities end and another person’s begin. They protect your emotional well-being while allowing you to support others in healthy ways.
Setting boundaries can be uncomfortable at first, especially when you’re not used to it. As you do so, keep in mind that boundaries are for you,5 says boundary expert Nedra Glover Tawwab, LCSW:
Changing your behavior and not forcing others to change can be a significant part of setting boundaries…It would be nice if everyone automatically knew how to respect our boundaries. We often have to communicate them clearly and enforce consequences when they are not respected. So, when someone crosses one of my boundaries, I will take action to protect myself and my needs.
Be clear and direct when communicating boundaries. Use “I” statements that focus on your needs rather than accusing the other person. For example, “I need some alone time to recharge” works better than “You’re demanding too much of my time.”
Prepare yourself for pushback. Some people in your life may resist your new boundaries because they benefit from your codependent behaviors. Remember that their reaction isn’t your responsibility, and temporary discomfort is part of creating lasting change.
Consistency is key. When you set a boundary, follow through with it. Each time you maintain a healthy boundary, even when it’s difficult, you’re building new patterns that will eventually replace codependent ones.
4. Learn to Prioritize Your Needs
For many people with codependent tendencies, identifying their own needs can feel foreign. Get in the habit of asking yourself: “What do I want right now?” or “What would feel good to me in this situation?”
Practice making decisions based on your preferences. Start with small choices like what to eat for lunch or what movie to watch, then work up to bigger decisions.
Prepare phrases for when you need to put yourself first. Simple statements like “I need to take care of myself right now” or “I’ll need to check my schedule before committing” give you space to consider your own needs.
Pro tip: Remember that prioritizing your needs isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for your well-being and actually leads to healthier relationships. When you’re not depleted from ignoring your own needs, you have more genuine energy to share with others.
Codependency vs. Interdependence
Unlike healthy independence—where 2 people mutually rely on each other while maintaining individual identities—codependency creates an imbalance. Healthy relationships involve give-and-take, with both people supporting each other while respecting boundaries. Both parties feel free to express needs, disagree respectfully, and maintain outside interests and relationships.
The key distinction here is that interdependence strengthens both individuals, while codependency tends to diminish at least one person’s wellness and autonomy over time.
Does your partner or loved one exhibit signs of being codependent?
“Loving someone who is codependent can feel like an emotional roller coaster, but it’s important to remember—you can’t fix them. Their actions often come from a place of love, but they struggle to put themselves first. The best thing you can do is communicate your needs clearly, set firm yet compassionate boundaries, and encourage them to cultivate their own interests. By modeling self-care, independence, and balance, you show them what a healthy, fulfilling relationship looks like.”
Spotting codependent patterns6 in your life is the first big step toward making real change. Everyone’s experience with codependency looks a bit different, but here are some common signs you might recognize in yourself:
Excessive caretaking: You almost always put other people’s needs ahead of your own, even when it hurts you. For example, you might stay up all night helping a friend with their project even though you have an important meeting tomorrow, cook fancy meals for your family while you just eat whatever’s left over, or say “yes” to additional tasks when you already feel overburdened.
Difficulty setting boundaries: You find it really hard to say “no” when people ask you for favors or your time. You may cancel plans you were looking forward to because a coworker asked for help at the last minute, or you let family members call you during your workday for things that aren’t emergencies.
People-pleasing tendencies: You make decisions based on what will make others happy, not what’s best for you. You might agree with someone’s opinion even when you actually think differently, just to avoid any conflict. Or you might take on extra tasks because you’re scared of letting someone down.
Fear of abandonment: A codependent person will often work extra hard to keep relationships going because they’re scared people will leave them. This could mean putting up with someone treating you badly or staying in relationships that don’t make you happy because the idea of being alone feels too scary to face.
Controlling behaviors: In an attempt to be helpful, you try to control situations or people out of anxiety. This can look like constantly offering unsolicited advice or getting frustrated when someone doesn’t follow your suggestions about how to handle their problems.
Difficulty identifying your own feelings: You’re tuned into others’ emotions but disconnected from your own. You might be able to sense when your partner is upset before they even realize it but struggle to answer when someone asks how you’re feeling.
Unhealthy attachment to drama or crisis: You feel most purposeful when solving problems and might even unconsciously create or seek out chaotic situations where you can play the rescuer. When times are crisis-free, you may feel anxious, uncertain, or uncomfortable.
5. Seek Support and Professional Help
Overcoming codependency is challenging work, and you don’t have to do it alone. Professional support can make a huge difference in your healing journey.
Therapy, especially with someone who specializes in codependency, family systems, or trauma, can help you understand the roots of your codependent patterns and develop strategies to change them. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are particularly effective approaches for addressing codependency.
Support groups like Codependents Anonymous (CoDA)6 offer connection with others facing similar challenges. Spending time around others who share your experiences can reduce shame and provide insights for your recovery.
Self-help books about codependency, boundaries, and self-esteem can supplement other forms of support. Look for resources by recognized mental health professionals that offer practical exercises alongside information.
Pro tip: Codependent No More2 and its accompanying workbook by codependency expert Melody Beattie are classics on the topic, and a great place to start. There are also treatment resources available.
Life Beyond Codependency: Your Journey to Emotional Freedom
Breaking free from codependent patterns opens the door to relationships where you can truly be yourself. Working with a professional can accelerate your progress, giving you tools that fit your specific situation and background. Whether you choose one-on-one therapy or a structured program, having expert support gives you the guidance and follow-through that helps make real, lasting change possible.
FAQs
Q: Is it possible to stop being codependent?
A: Yes, codependency is a learned behavior that can be unlearned with self-awareness, therapy, and personal growth. According to Mental Health America, addressing underlying self-esteem issues, setting boundaries, and seeking support are key steps toward breaking free from codependency.
Q: How do you break the codependency cycle?
A: Breaking the cycle of codependency involves recognizing unhealthy relationship patterns, developing self-worth, and learning to set and maintain boundaries. Codependents Anonymous recommends a 12-step recovery process, while therapy and support groups can also be helpful in fostering independence and healthier relationships.
Q: What triggers codependency?
A: Codependency often stems from childhood experiences, such as growing up in an environment where emotional needs were not met or where a caregiver had addiction or mental health struggles. Other triggers include fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and seeking validation through others.
Q: How do you heal codependent tendencies?
A: Healing from codependency involves building self-esteem, practicing self-care, and learning healthy communication. The National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests cognitive behavioral interventions can help individuals develop healthier thought patterns and coping strategies.
Q: How do you prevent a codependent relationship?
A: Preventing codependency starts with self-awareness and setting clear boundaries. Maintaining individual interests, fostering self-worth, and communicating openly with partners or loved ones can help establish interdependent, rather than codependent, relationships.
Q: How does a codependent person feel?
A: A codependent person may feel anxious, responsible for others’ happiness, or emotionally drained. They often struggle with low self-esteem and fear abandonment, leading them to prioritize others’ needs over their own.
Q: Does your partner or loved one exhibit any signs of being codependent?
A: Signs of codependency in a loved one may include excessive caretaking, difficulty setting boundaries, fear of being alone, and reliance on others for self-worth. Mental Health America highlights that codependency can occur in romantic relationships, friendships, or family dynamics.
Q: Why did I develop codependent tendencies?
A: Codependent tendencies often develop from early childhood experiences, such as growing up in a family where emotional neglect, addiction, or controlling behaviors were present. Research indicates that past trauma and adverse childhood experiences significantly contribute to codependency.
Q: How do you overcome codependency?
A: Overcoming codependency requires self-awareness, boundary-setting, and shifting focus to personal well-being. Therapy, support groups, and mindfulness practices have been found to be effective in fostering emotional independence.
Q: What are narcissistic traits?
A: Narcissistic traits include a lack of empathy, an inflated sense of self-importance, manipulation, and a need for excessive admiration. Codependents often find themselves in relationships with narcissistic individuals due to their caretaking tendencies.
Q: What steps can I take to stop being codependent?
A: Steps to stop being codependent include recognizing unhealthy patterns, building self-esteem, practicing self-care, and seeking therapy or support groups. Developing hobbies and interests outside of relationships can also help foster independence.
Q: What are effective strategies to stop being codependent?
A: Effective strategies include therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), practicing mindfulness, learning assertiveness skills, and setting firm boundaries. Research suggests that increasing self-awareness and engaging in self-affirmation exercises can aid in breaking codependent habits.
When you stop using drugs and alcohol, it takes time to rewire your brain. The exact timeframe depends on several factors. Certain drugs, for example, lengthen the brain rewiring process. Some practices can also help you recover faster.
Here’s what experts know about helping your brain rebuild after addiction:
1. Understanding How Addiction Changes Your Brain
Dopamine and the Brain’s Reward System
Your brain has a natural reward system1 that makes you feel good when you do things that help you survive and thrive. This system uses a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure and happiness. When you eat good food, exercise, or spend time with people you love, your brain releases small amounts of dopamine.
Alcohol and drug use release far more brain chemicals2 than natural activities do. This creates an unnaturally strong surge of pleasure signals in your brain. When this happens repeatedly, it can overwhelm your brain’s normal reward system.
Over time, your brain tries to adjust to these high levels of dopamine by becoming less sensitive to it. This means you need more and more of the substance to feel the same effects: a process we call tolerance.3 Regular stimuli that used to make you happy might not feel as good anymore, because your brain’s reward system isn’t working like it should.
The basal ganglia is your brain’s pleasure center. It helps you feel good when you do healthy things like eating or exercising. With substance use disorders, this area becomes less sensitive to normal pleasures and more focused on substances.
The amygdala is your brain’s stress manager. When addiction develops, this area becomes more sensitive. This can make you feel anxious, irritable, or uncomfortable when you’re not using addictive substances.
The prefrontal cortex5helps you make good decisions and control impulses. Addictive behaviors make this area weaker, which makes it harder to resist cravings or think about long-term consequences.
Rewiring your brain from addiction is real, and it works. Research suggests meaningful neural shifts can happen in weeks, but full recovery takes months or years of consistent effort involving identifying and replacing toxic thought patterns, creating new neural pathways, and reinforcing them with repetition, consistency, and community.
Your brain is designed to help you repeat behaviors that make you feel good. During addiction, your brain creates strong connections between certain situations (called triggers) and substance abuse. These connections form through repeated use over time.
Triggers can be places, people, feelings, or times of day that your brain associates with drug abuse. When you encounter these triggers, your brain automatically generates cravings. Learning to understand and manage your triggers (and their associated coping mechanisms) is an important part of recovery.
2. The Timeline of Brain Recovery
The recovery process happens in stages, and everyone’s path is different. While your brain health starts to improve as soon as you stop using substances, the full process takes time. Knowing what to expect during each stage can help you see the progress you’re making, which helps you stay motivated.
What to Expect in the First Month
The first month of recovery usually involves the biggest changes as your body adjusts to being substance-free. During the first week, you might experience withdrawal symptoms as your brain chemistry starts to reset. These symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they usually peak within a few days.
After the first week, many people notice their thinking becomes clearer and their sleep starts to improve. You might have mood swings or strong cravings during this time, which is normal. Your brain is working hard to restore its natural chemical balance.
Some people also notice changes in their appetite and energy levels during this first month. These changes are signs that your brain and body are beginning to heal.
Changes During Months 2-12
During these months, your brain continues to heal and rebuild healthy pathways. A lot of people in this stage find their mood becomes more stable and they start enjoying regular activities again. Your sleep quality and energy levels will continue to improve during this time.
Your brain’s ability to think clearly and make decisions also typically gets better during these months. But you might still experience occasional cravings—especially during stressful times. If this is the case for you, you’re not doing anything wrong! It’s totally normal and tends to happen less often as time goes on.
Your dopamine reward system will gradually become more responsive to natural pleasures like food, exercise, and social connections. This is a great sign that your brain is returning to its normal way of functioning.
Long-Term Recovery: One Year and Beyond
After a year, many people find their brain function has significantly improved. While some people still experience occasional cravings, these are usually less frequent and easier to manage. Your brain continues to heal and strengthen new, healthy patterns throughout your recovery journey.
Factors That Affect Your Recovery Timeline
Several things can influence how quickly your brain heals. These include the type of substances used, how long you used them, your overall health, and whether you have other mental health conditions. Having good support and treatment can help speed up the healing process.
When someone actively works to rewire their brain in recovery, they experience several key benefits: regaining self control, restoring emotional balance, breaking destructive patterns, improved stress response , enhanced cognitive function and a greater sense of purpose and joy. Rewiring the brain in recovery isn’t just about breaking free from addiction—it’s about reclaiming your life, restoring your mind, and creating a future built on strength and resilience.
Just like healing from a physical injury, your brain goes through different stages as it recovers from drug addiction. While everyone’s journey is unique, knowing what to expect at each stage can help you feel more confident about the path ahead. Let’s look at how your brain heals over time.
Stage 1: Getting Through Withdrawal
The first stage of recovery starts when you stop using substances, and it’s often the most challenging part of the journey. During this time, your brain works hard to adjust to life without substances. You might feel physically and emotionally uncomfortable, which is completely normal.
Most people experience withdrawal symptoms for about a week, though this can vary depending on the substance. It’s very important to get medical support during this time, as some types of withdrawal can be dangerous. Remember, these difficult feelings are temporary and are signs that your brain is beginning to heal.
Stage 2: Early Recovery Changes
After withdrawal, you’ll enter a period where your brain is actively rebuilding healthy patterns. While you might still have cravings, they’ll likely feel less intense than before. This is the perfect time to start learning new ways to handle stress and challenging emotions.
During this stage, many people find it helpful to work with counselors or join support groups. These supports can teach you practical tools formanaging cravings and building a healthy lifestyle. Your brain is becoming more receptive to new experiences and ways of coping.
Stage 3: Long-Term Healing
As you move into long-term recovery, your brain continues to strengthen its healthy pathways. While the journey doesn’t end here, many people find that cravings become less frequent and easier to handle. Each day of recovery helps your brain build and maintain these positive changes.
4. Supporting Your Brain’s Recovery
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can support your brain’s natural healing process. Think of recovery like tending a garden: The more care and attention you give it, the better it grows. Simple daily choices can make a big difference in how quickly and effectively your brain recovers.
Regular Exercise and Physical Activity
Moving your body is one of the best gifts you can give your healing brain. Exercise naturally boosts your mood6 by releasing feel-good chemicals, similar to the ones your brain is learning to produce again on its own. Even a 15-minute walk can help!
You don’t need to live at the gym or start running marathons. Start with activities you enjoy, whether that’s dancing, swimming, or taking an easy walk around your neighborhood. As your energy improves, you’ll gradually be able to do more.
Sleep and Nutrition
Your brain does much of its repair work while you sleep, making good rest essential for recovery. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even if you don’t feel tired at first. Your sleep patterns will naturally improve over time.
Eating nutritious foods gives your brain the building blocks it needs to heal. Instead of worrying about perfect eating habits, focus on adding healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and proteins to your meals. Even small improvements in your diet can help your brain recover.
Stress Management
Finding healthy ways to handle stress is essential to your recovery journey. Deep breathing, taking short walks, listening to music, or talking with supportive friends all help calm your mind. Remember that it’s okay to start small—working in small moments of relaxation throughout your day can go a long way in calming your nervous system.
Building New Routines
Creating new daily routines helps your brain build healthy patterns. Start with one or 2 simple habits, like having breakfast at the same time every day or taking a walk after dinner. As these become comfortable, you can gradually add more supportive activities to your day.
5. Treatment Options That Help Rewire the Brain
Recovery isn’t a journey you need to take alone—there’s no shame in asking for help. Professional addiction treatment and support can have a huge impact on how quickly your brain heals. These interventions are like tools in your recovery toolkit: you can choose the ones that work best for you.
Therapy and Counseling
Working with a counselor or therapist gives you empowering tools for addiction recovery. These professionals understand how addiction affects the brain and can teach you practical ways to handle cravings and stress. Many people find cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)7 especially helpful, as it teaches you how to change thought patterns that lead to substance abuse.
Your therapist can act as a guide on your recovery journey, helping you understand your triggers and develop strategies that work for your specific situation. It’s a great idea to find a therapist you like and start building a relationship with them, so help is there when you need it.
Support Groups
Meeting others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly motivating. Support groups are safe spaces to share your experiences, learn from others, and build connections with people who support your recovery goals.
Lifestyle Changes
Small changes in your daily life can support your brain’s healing process. Focus on one change at a time, like improving your sleep schedule or adding healthy activities you enjoy.
When you rewire your brain, you stop being a passive passenger in your own life and start taking control. Old, destructive circuits weaken, and new, healthier ones take over. This means fewer cravings, better decision-making, and a stronger sense of purpose. It’s not just about avoiding addiction—it’s about building a brain that works for you, not against you. The result? A life where you’re free to think clearly, choose wisely, and move forward with confidence and hope.
Your brain has the ability to change and heal throughout your life. Scientists call this “plasticity,” which means your brain can create new neural pathways as it adapts to changes. This incredible ability is what makes recovery possible, no matter how long you’ve struggled with addiction.
Evidence of Recovery
Brain scanning studies show that people’s brains do heal during addiction recovery.8 While everyone’s timeline is different, many people see improvements in their cognitive functions, including memory, impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation. These positive changes only continue as you move forward in your recovery.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Recovery is more like a marathon than a sprint, and that’s okay. Some days will be easier than others, and healing happens gradually. Being patient with yourself and celebrating small victories along the way can help you stay on track.
7. Getting Help and Support
Finding Treatment
Taking the first step toward addiction treatment takes some courage, but the rewards of a life in recovery are well worth it. There are plenty of different treatment programs available to meet your specific needs, from detox to outpatient treatment to residential care. To learn more about choosing the right program, see our guide to finding a treatment center.
Building a Support System
Recovery is stronger when you have people in your corner. Loved ones, family, friends, counselors, support groups, and others in recovery can all be part of your support network. Don’t be afraid to let people know what you need.
If you’re ready to start recovery, a comprehensive rehab program can be a great starting point for your journey. This immersive experience gives you a chance to focus entirely on healing in a substance-free environment. Search for an addiction treatment center that matches your criteria and reach out to their team directly today.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to rewire your brain from addiction?
A: The brain’s rewiring process varies by individual, but significant changes often occur within 12 to 18 months. Early improvements can be seen within weeks, while full recovery may take years, depending on factors such as substance type, duration of use, and lifestyle changes.
Q: Can dopamine levels return to normal after addiction?
A: Yes, dopamine levels can return to normal over time. The brain gradually restores its natural dopamine balance through healthy activities like exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management. However, this process can take several months to years.
Q: How long does it take to rewire your brain from a bad habit?
A: Breaking and rewiring a habit can take anywhere from 21 days to several months, depending on the habit’s intensity and duration. Consistently practicing new behaviors and avoiding triggers helps establish long-term changes.
Q: Can brains recover from addiction?
A: Yes, the brain has the ability to heal itself through neuroplasticity. While addiction alters brain structure and function, recovery is possible with time, therapy, and healthy habits that support brain repair.
Q: How long does recovery from addiction take?
A: Recovery is an ongoing process that unfolds in stages. While withdrawal symptoms may last days to weeks, brain healing continues for months or even years. Long-term recovery depends on individual factors and continued support.
Q: How long does it take to rewire the brain from addiction?
A: The timeline varies, but research suggests that noticeable improvements occur within 3 to 12 months, with continued healing over several years. Factors like substance type, overall health, and treatment interventions influence recovery speed.
Q: What are the benefits of rewiring the brain from addiction?
A: Rewiring the brain from addiction improves mental clarity, emotional stability, impulse control, and overall well-being. It also restores natural pleasure responses, strengthens decision-making skills, and enhances quality of life.
Q: What are the benefits of brain rewiring?
A: Brain rewiring helps create healthier thought patterns, reduces cravings, improves emotional regulation, and supports better decision-making. It also aids in forming positive habits and strengthening coping mechanisms.
Q: What is brain rewiring in addiction recovery?
A: Brain rewiring in addiction recovery refers to the process of forming new neural pathways to replace substance-related behaviors with healthier alternatives. This involves breaking old habits, reducing cravings, and restoring normal brain function.
Q: How can you increase dopamine in your brain?
A: You can naturally increase dopamine through regular exercise, a healthy diet rich in protein and antioxidants, sufficient sleep, mindfulness practices, social interactions, and engaging in enjoyable activities.
Q: Are there any ways to speed up this process or aid in the brain’s recovery from addiction?
A: Yes, brain recovery can be supported through consistent sleep, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, therapy, mindfulness, and positive social connections. Professional treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can also accelerate healing.
Q: What is the timeline for brain recovery from addiction?
A: Brain recovery follows a general timeline:
First month: Initial withdrawal symptoms, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
Months 2-12: Improved cognitive function, emotional stability, and reduced cravings.
One year and beyond: Strengthened neural pathways, increased natural pleasure responses, and long-term behavioral changes.
Q: What factors influence the time it takes to rewire the brain from addiction?
A: Several factors impact the brain’s recovery timeline, including the substance used, length of addiction, overall health, mental health conditions, treatment interventions, and the presence of a supportive environment.
Q: How long does it take for the brain to heal after quitting an addiction?
A: The brain begins healing immediately after quitting, with significant improvements seen within the first year. However, full recovery, including emotional regulation and cognitive function, can take multiple years, depending on individual circumstances.
