Recovery is a lifelong process that is not easy, but does not need to be miserable. In recovery, you replace the old habits of using drugs or alcohol with healthy new ones. Gradually, you will begin to experience the full joy of everything in life. Living substance free will help you to discover more about yourself such as your interests, hobbies, skills, and potential.
A new substance-free life will allow you to have fun and explore your strengths and ambitions. Recovery can be difficult, but there are ways to stay happy and healthy in the process:
- Avoid people, places, and things associated with your substance abuse. Negative people can also be a trigger to relapse. Surround yourself with positive people who can provide encouragement during recovery. Spend time with positive people and develop healthy new relationships. Other people in recovery are valuable for positive suggestions, advice, and encouragement.
- Find new healthy ways to have fun. In recovery, the old habits of using drugs or alcohol will be replaced with new healthy ones. The time you spent getting high or drinking alcohol should be spent on things that will keep you happy and healthy. Find and use your interests and skills to occupy your mind during this time. Focus on gardening or your creative arts skills. Join a sports team or exercise class. Visit historical places, museums, or national landmarks. Go to group therapy and foster new relationships. Do something that makes you happy and healthy in recovery.
- Take care of yourself first and be grateful for everything. Take the time to focus on you and get to know yourself for who you are. Staying happy and healthy in recovery means sometimes you need to say no to people, invitations, or events. Never feel guilty for declining something that interferes with taking care of you first.
Negative thoughts and stress can disrupt your recovery and lead to relapse. Take back control of your life and discover yourself. Always be grateful for the little things in life such as sunshine, a nice gesture, or having a nice meal. Soon you will realize there is so much in life to enjoy. Taking care of yourself first, avoiding people, places, and things associated with your substance abuse, and finding new healthy ways to have fun will lead to a more comfortable and successful recovery.
Treatment for addiction is the start of a new life. We know how important treatment is. That’s why we’re offering the best in our treatment programs at The Springboard Center. Call us today for information on our residential treatment programs in the Permian Basin: 432-620-0255