When you first recover from addiction, there are certain things you should know about your new life that’ll help you stay on track and maintain a life of sobriety. Here are 9 things you should know:
1: You can stay sober alone, but you cannot recover alone.
You will need the support of other people to help keep you on track and encourage you when your resolve wavers. The best resource for finding a group of people who’ll help you is a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or a holistic program (find out more about this here).
2: You’re stronger than your addiction.
If you’ve survived drug addiction, then you’re already a survivor. You have the strength it takes to recover, all you have to do is step forward and accept it.
3: Your life will be better when you’re sober.
When you give up drugs, your life will improve in many ways. Although the actual process of giving up drugs is difficult and painful, it does get easier. Give yourself time to heal and don’t beat yourself up too much if you relapse (but make sure that you do everything you can to avoid a full relapse).
4: Take it one day at a time.
Even though you should look forward and plan for the future, don’t worry about things that haven’t happened yet. And while the past is gone, it still has a habit of hanging around and has a nasty way of sabotaging your best-laid plans. So take things one day at a time, and if you’re still struggling, just take it one minute at a time.
5: Accept recovery is difficult, but the rewards are great.
Recovery isn’t easy, but you’ll come to realize the pain is worth it in the end. The rewards of staying clean are great, but unfortunately, they are not instant. It’s important to keep reminding yourself why you want to stay off drugs, and what your life will be like when you do remain clean.
6: You’ll make mistakes.
Recovering from addiction is like learning to ride a bike; you’re going to fall off and scrape your knees now and again, but eventually, you’ll get the hang of it. If you do relapse, don’t beat yourself up about it (this will just lead to another cycle of guilt and drug use). Just accept the fact that you have relapsed, learn from your mistake, and move forward with your recovery.
7: You have to want to quit for yourself; no one else can make you.
Recovery begins and ends with you; it’s got nothing to do with your family, friends, or anyone else in your life. You will need their support (which is why it’s important they know what you’re going through), but the decision to stay clean needs to be yours.
8: Surround yourself with positive people.
A negative mindset can quickly lead you back into drug addiction, so it’s important you surround yourself with positive people who’ll help you through your recovery. Don’t forget about the friends you used to get high with; if they are willing to support you in recovery, then they can be a good source of support if they’re on the same path.
9: Drugs only seem appealing when you’re feeling low.
Drugs feel more attractive to you when you’re feeling lonely or depressed. They will never solve your problems and the best way to deal with your negative feelings is by getting some exercise and meeting up with your new sober friends.
