The first few weeks in recovery are one of the most difficult times for the addict to
endure, with strong emotions as well as a significant physical and mental adjustment. It is a very
difficult and trying time for the addict, family, and friends of the person who is entangled in
addiction. For this experiential project, we were tasked with choosing a substance or a behavior
to refrain from using for a set amount of time. We were also to keep track of our experience, so
that we may better understand the acute withdrawal symptoms and the progress in recovery. In
this project, I decided to refrain from foods containing sugar, sodas, and any restaurant that had a
drive-thru window for twenty-eight straight days. The first step is admitting that you have no
control over the substances or behaviors. Shumway says, “According to the First Step of a
Twelve Step perspective, you must admit that you are powerless over alcohol (or whatever
addiction might beset you) and that your life has become unmanageable (Shumway & Kimball,
2012, p. 11). This is where the journey to recovery must begin, and usually is the most difficult
step for the addict to take. Throughout the project, there were instances that were very difficult to
overcome. However, there were also times that I felt extremely empowered and triumphant. My
experience with the 28-Day project was very enlightening and provided me with a much deeper
understanding into what an addict experiences while beginning their journey to recovery.
At first, there is a constant struggle to remind yourself of the task that you are trying to
accomplish. What this pointed out to me was the fact that the addict must make a conscious
decision to cease using the substance or doing the behavior. Breaking the habit or daily routine of
eating anything with sugar and taking the time to read the ingredients in everything was very
tedious. The first few days were also filled with triggers and cravings that were difficult to
overcome. The concept of cravings that Kevin McCauley states in the Pleasure Unwoven video
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