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Recovery from addiction is rarely a linear progression.

Our expectations of ourselves, as well as others' expectations of us, may fuel resentment.

Our motivations for quitting and staying sober may change over time.

Knowing what is in our control and what is not is a hard distinction to draw early in recovery.

The decision to change our relationships to alcohol, other drugs, and addictive behaviors is not an easy one to reach. No one wants to admit that their behaviors have become deeply troubling and unhealthy, but that is where many of us landed. Our immediate goal may be to stop the troubling behaviors, but our long-term goal is to be a better person capable of living fully. We want to flourish.

Changing our behaviors and our relationships to substances and behaviors is neither easy nor linear. It often proceeds in fits and starts, with some plateaus and setbacks along the way. While there are many different paths to changing our behaviors, there are some obstacles or challenges that appear on every path. They appear because that’s where we are; we generate them.

Here are seven challenges common in early recovery.

1. Unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others

We expect immediate relief once we reduce or cease our use. We tell ourselves that we will be better, more caring,........

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