Recovering from addiction is a struggle that many people take years to overcome, but it can be the return to normal life which introduces more problems into the mix. In recent years, addiction has become a problem that has swept the world, with people from all walks of life finding themselves at the mercy of substances. The traditional image of an addict has been debunked, as more people start to recognize that it can affect anybody. The life you once had could now feel strange, which can make it easier to feel as though you may fall back into old patterns.
Recovering From Addiction
To keep yourself on track and put you on course to lead a happier life, there are a few small but essential tips you can take note of.
Go to follow up appointments
After you have left rehab, it is likely that your center will ask you to come back for follow-up appointments to see how you are progressing in the real world. Although you may feel as though you don’t need any more help, it is likely that your center can give you some great advice on how to avoid temptation. Not only this, but they are a great way of getting some support if you feel yourself slipping. Trying to go it alone will likely lead you back into addiction.
Repair relationships
It is likely that during your difficult time you pushed members of your family or friendship group away and some damage occurred to these relationships. Although it may take time to get back to where you used to be, it is worth sticking out the process when you find yourself reconnecting with people you were close to. When you see them again, make sure you say sorry for any actions that were adverse, but also stress that that person isn’t you anymore and that you’re willing to do all you can to be a great friend, family member, or partner.
Have a daily routine
A lot of the time, you will need to have a semblance of normality back in your life. Coming from a rehab center means you will be used to a daily routine, which can be a great way of disciplining yourself and pushing yourself to reach your goals. To make it easier to follow, write a basic routine to refer to each day, but also remember to leave some time for yourself in there to keep it from being too regimented.
Exercise regularly
A big part of your routine should be having regular exercise penciled in. This can help you bring some life back into your mind and body, and will enable you another outlet with which to deal with challenging emotions. It can also be a great distraction in times where you might feel yourself slipping. Over time, you will see yourself smiling more and feeling as though you are moving onwards and upwards in your life.
Take up new hobbies
Sometimes, returning to the same life after rehab can be what causes people to struggle. Having small but noticeable changes in place means they can look forward to a new life while they are recovering from addiction, rather than the older one they were happy with. While some people choose to move somewhere new after recovery, others fill their days with new hobbies, where they can meet fresh faces and occupy their minds. Having something to be excited about makes it easier for you to reach your goals that you will have set yourself after leaving your center, and will keep you motivated. Try a new experience program, join a gym, find a walking or jogging buddy, go to an art class, or even start going to church during the week. Find productive things to take up your time!
Avoid substances
In rehab, you will be used to a world where no substances are there to tempt you away from all your hard work. This is often the biggest hardship people face when they are recovering from addiction and return to their homes and normal lives. Many triggers include foods with high levels of caffeine in, cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs like opioids. Anything that has an addictive component to them you should completely avoid. Some of your close friends and family may drink and smoke, so it is worth seeing them in times where this is less likely to happen before you feel strong enough to be around it. If you do slip back into your old patterns, make sure you seek drug addiction treatment immediately to nip the problem in the bud before it grows.
Get enough rest
It can be very easy once you have left rehab to feel as though you need to move full steam ahead into a new life. While this is admirable, you will also need to ensure you get enough rest while you are recovering from addiction so that you can sustain your new life. Many recovering addicts can struggle to sleep, so each night before bed, make sure you spend some time winding down from your day and creating a calm environment to sleep in. This can include taking a relaxing bath, drinking herbal teas, or reading the Bible. Remember that blue lights like phone screens, TVs, etc can interrupt your body’s ability to produce melatonin, so if you need to use your phone or watch tv before you go to bed, be sure to get a pair of orange glasses to help block the blue light so your body can get ready for sleep.
Practice self-care
It is not uncommon for people recovering from addiction to develop a low self-worth after their difficult experiences. This can sometimes lead to a relapse happening when they least expect it. The best way to build up self-confidence is to spend time doing what you love the most, and recognizing that it’s good to treat yourself after you’ve done something great with your day. Small but effective acts of self-care include indulging in hot baths, spending time in nature, and going on relaxing holidays. Over time, you will start to notice your confidence blooming into a new you.
Search for a new job
Many people lose their jobs after spending a long time in rehab, which means finding one to pay the bills and start progressing in life can be a tricky task after leaving. Your follow-up appointments can help motivate you, but you should also consider seeking the help of a charity or organization, who can do their utmost to helping you find something new when you are recovering from addiction. To make this easier, have a slot allotted to your routine that you use to search for job openings or work on your skills.
Find A Church
Going to church can be extremely helpful for people recovering from addiction. Even if you were not a part of a church before addiction took over your life, you may find that learning more about the faith can help you in your daily life so you can experience a full recovery and freedom from addiction. God and religion may be one of the things you are trying to run away from, but you’ll find that this causes more harm than good. Having faith and developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can help you overcome the things in your life that made you turn to addiction in the first place. Find a local church and start going, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. You’ll soon find hope, peace, and a new sense of purpose that will give you a feeling of freedom that you haven’t experienced before.
