Rebuilding a New Life After Addiction: A Path to Recovery and Hope
By prioritizing restorative sleep, you’ll be supporting your physical and mental recovery, improving mood regulation, and increasing your overall energy levels. Warren is a Licensed Master Social Worker, who specializes in substance abuse and mental health treatment. Clinically, Warren has developed a therapeutic skillset that utilizes a strengths-based perspective, Twelve Step philosophies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Commemorate the significant milestones of your recovery, such as the anniversary of your last use or the completion of a treatment program.
- However, if you stay committed to your sobriety, prioritize self-care, and utilize your support network, long-term recovery is possible.
- First, let’s cover a few things that you may want to avoid so that you will have the best chance for good health and long-term sobriety.
- Share your experiences openly when you feel ready, and remember that your loved ones may need time to heal, too.
- Sometimes, people who struggle to rebuild healthy relationships after addiction become very discouraged.
Embrace a Holistic Approach to Recovery
Sometimes, people who struggle to rebuild healthy relationships after addiction become very discouraged. This can lead them to think very negatively and develop harmful behaviors. In some cases, people may even suffer from physical relapse, reverting to alcohol or drug abuse. Creating a Support NetworkCreating a strong support network is crucial in rebuilding life after overcoming addiction. It can include family members, friends, support groups, therapists, and mentors who understand the recovery journey.
Focus on the present
- After all, our relationships with others are a part of who we are, as it is the way others perceive us.
- Speaking of your past – while acknowledging it is important, you shouldn’t hang on to it too tightly.
It can also impact your physical, emotional, and mental health. Drugs and alcohol rewire the brain in ways that make quitting difficult. Whatever stage you are currently at in recovery from active addiction, now is a great time to reaffirm your commitment to moving forward and reevaluating your recovery program. When you put drugs and alcohol behind you, there is no limit to what you can accomplish.
Practice Healthy Coping Mechanisms
As your brain heals and you start to feel like yourself again, you will find yourself faced with some important decisions to make. When the going gets tough—as it often does early in recovery—a coach can help you keep to your goals. Frequent feedback, encouragement, and support are vital, because physical and psychological resilience are still low, and the temptation is to give up and give in. No matter the pathway to recovery, the mechanisms by which people change are the same.
Many definitions of recovery include not only the return to personal health but participation in the roles and responsibilities of society. SMART Recovery, for example, is based in evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Yet, the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are not the only path to recovering from addiction and living a sober life. There are other peer support groups that do not share the outlook of the 12-step groups. Healthy habits can include eating https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a healthy and balanced diet or going for a mid-morning run, which can boost your energy and mood. Incorporating practices like yoga and meditation can also help manage stress and maintain mental clarity.
- The best recovery podcasts will cover all aspect of treatment, including medication-assisted treatment.
- While in rehab, you will forge new friendships with people who are also committed to their recovery.
- By implementing positive lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce the risk of chronic illnesses and support your overall well-being.
Addiction Support Groups
You don’t have to be a party animal with thousands of contacts in your phone; your family, partner, and a handful of trustworthy friends are more than enough. The point is to surround yourself with people who love and support you. They will be there for you when you’re doubting yourself and thinking about giving up, they’ll help you rebuild your life after rehab, and above all – their love will inspire you to love yourself. Having people in your life who will pull you in the opposite direction is vital. No doubt, addiction caused some health issues and unhealthy rebuilding your life after addiction changes in your body. Now that you have moved past substance abuse, it’s time to take your health back into your hands!
Many addicts cannot hold down a job, keep their finances in order, live in a clean and organized environment, or maintain close relationships. And once you get clean, the things you’ve lost during addiction won’t magically come back. You’ll basically have to start from scratch in those aspects of your life. Or you may have to repair what’s broken, which can be even harder than starting over. This can make you feel like your life is ruined and it’s all your fault, especially if you’re an adult who already had a career, family, and home before addiction. The obvious changes have to do with the method of substance use and the effects of the substance – bloodshot eyes, swollen and bloody noses, and track marks.