Recovering from addiction is a process that must be approached one careful step at a time, and a misstep at any point can derail your road to recovery and set the stage for a dangerous relapse. Even now, your sober friends and family members may not understand the true nature of recovery, and they may assume that rebuilding your life will be easy now that you have made it through the rehab process. The belief that the end of rehab is the end of temptation is all too common, but as a recovering addict or alcoholic, you know that is not the case. Now that you have achieved your hard-won sobriety, it is time to protect it with all your heart, and here are Pandora’s 5 tips for starting fresh, starting over and rebuilding your life after addiction.
Focus on how far you have come.
The road to recovery is a long one, but now that you are sober, the most significant part is now behind you. Instead of worrying about what is still to come, try to focus on how far you have already traveled on the long road to recovery.
Remember that substance-use disorder is a disease.
Now that you are clean and sober, it is more important than ever to see addiction for what it is; a serious illness with dangerous implications. Once you realize that addiction is not a moral failing or a simple lack of willpower, you can move forward with a greater sense of confidence.
Make amends to those you have harmed.
Addiction and alcoholism can do enormous harm, and not just to the addict. When you were struggling with addiction, you may have hurt those closest to you; with theft, with the loss of trust and with ill-chosen words. Making amends can be part of your recovery, and a great way to start rebuilding those previously burned bridges.
Join a recovery support group.
Everyone needs support, especially those in recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction, and the right support group can make a world of difference as you seek to maintain your hard-won sobriety. Seek out local 12-step programs, attend family support sessions with your loved ones and find support wherever and whenever you can.
Focus on your good health.
Staying healthy is a big part of staying clean and sober, so look for ways to improve your physical and health while focusing on relaxation and other forms of emotional healthcare.
For more help on rebuilding your life after addiction, call us and make an appointment.