Addiction can turn your life upside down- destroy your career, relationships, health, and studies. It is possible to recover, but the challenging part is returning to normal self. Amidst the confusion, life must go on, and you have to accomplish your goals.
Embrace Self Care
It is prevalent to find addicts dressed in funny ways and neglecting their looks. Now that you are sober, find time for personal grooming.
Avoid Triggers
Recovering doesn’t mean you cannot relapse. Research shows 40-60% of people relapse after treatment even if the recovery is successful. Change your lifestyle, avoid stress, sadness, loneliness, and find a better way to cope with life challenges and emotions.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
According to The Process Recovery Center, one of the major causes of addiction, especially among young adults, is peer pressure. After addiction, it is best to cut ties with addicted friends and family members. Regardless of how they’ve stood with you in the past, maintaining friendship will drag you back to addiction. Learn to say no to parties and social gatherings invited by your old friends.
Rebuild Relationships
Chances are, during addiction, you wronged your spouse or friends. Most addicts neglect family responsibilities and hurt their loved ones emotionally or physically. Even though most people will be happy you are back sober and healthy, the old wounds may take a long to heal. If possible, apologize and make things right.
Don’t Rush
Often, there is that belief that your life will change suddenly after addiction. That may be far from the truth. After recovery, you will start an entirely new life. Getting new friends, hobbies, jobs, and everyday activities. Try one thing at a time, celebrate small wins, and within no time, you will enjoy life to the fullest.
Looking For Finances
One of the major signs of addiction is financial constraints. Addiction is expensive, and as it deepens, addicts divert all their income to quench the urge. To get back on your feet, look for a new job or start a business. You can take a loan from family, friends, or a bank. This way, you will pay all your debts and support your family if you have any.
Create A Meal Plan
Most addicts don’t have time for eating healthy meals. This means their bodies may be showing signs of malnutrition. Eat healthy balanced meals, and reduce junk, fats, sugar, and other unhealthy foods in your diet. Instead, take fruits, vegetables and drink enough water. Body changes may not occur overnight, but you will notice a change after some time.
Start Exercises
It’s rare to exercise in active addiction. Mostly, addicts utilize their time drinking or taking drugs and neglect their physical fitness. You can go hiking, swimming, yoga, or join a gym. Exercises improve mental health, boost self-confidence and energy levels.
Get New Hobbies
One of the most important things to do after recovery is to stay busy. You can start a new hobby and activities related to things you like. Maybe you like farming, learning a new language, dancing, or sports. Such activities will give you enjoyment and keep you away from your past activities. Through your hobbies, you will meet new people and ideas.
Set And Implement Goals
Maybe you had a vision, and along the way, addiction took over. Now that you are sober, you can still accomplish your goals or set new ones. Importantly, set realistic goals and work hard to accomplish them.
Going through rehab and completing treatment is not easy. It takes courage and determination to come out clean of substances and drugs. Similarly, transitioning to life after addiction is also challenging. Look for help when things get tough and always have a positive mind.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.