Breaking old habits is easier said than done. Here are 3 things that will help you get better and stay sober.
The road to sobriety is fraught with challenges. In the early stages of recovery, it often seems like things are moving at a fast pace. Everything you’ve known up to that point has been upturned, and there’s finally light at the end of the tunnel. But you shouldn’t fall prey to the thinking that your recovery is about to achieve completion. In fact, you haven’t even started yet.
If you think getting sober is difficult, try staying that way indefinitely. Many people have likened it to running an endless marathon. Sure, you have the support of your friends and family, and that can be really helpful. But recovery is a solitary road, and you will experience isolation, loneliness, and exhaustion. That’s why you have to be constantly on guard to keep your impulses in check. Otherwise, you might relapse.
Relapsing isn’t as big a failure as people say it is. It’s a perfectly normal part of the recovery process, and many people in drug recovery have experienced it at least once. Hours turn to days, days turn to months, and eventually, you’ll get to a place where you feel like you can be yourself again. Even then, you should be mindful of your triggers.
Getting and staying sober is a full-time job. Here are a few tips and tricks that will help lessen some of your struggles.
- You need a change of scenery
You will undergo so many changes and transformations in a short period. To break the vicious cycle of addiction, what you may need is a hard reset. You’ll have to get out of what you know and embrace the new and unfamiliar. In the social, mental, and physical sense, a change of scenery can allow you to break free of your habits and give you a chance at a new start.
Of course, it can be difficult to manage your impulses, especially in the beginning. But you need to surround yourself with healing energy to improve your chances of recovery. The support of your friends and family, and the healing powers of nature, can go a long way in changing your state of mind. Even a quick stroll in the park can give you the serenity you need.
- Find new passions
A need for stimulation drives people. While some turn to physical or mental pursuits to fill their time, others waste their lives on vices. Many people in recovery fall off the wagon because they haven’t found a new way to spend their time. If you’re serious about getting better, it helps find a new passion or outlet that will help you express yourself in a healthier and more meaningful way.
Take your time to explore your interests. Who knows? Maybe you can unlock some hidden passion or talent. Whether it’s through art, science, or sports, learning how to better yourself is always a good thing. Finding a passion isn’t just about making your mind or body stronger. It’s also about finding joy in life.
- Put yourself first
Recovery is one of the most difficult things you’ll have to face, and there’s no point in being too hard on yourself. You need to accept that there will be good days and bad days, and the key thing to remember is to put yourself first whenever possible. Try to remove all your sources of negativity and stress, whether it’s the people in your life, your job, or your environment.
For instance, if your current job is one of your triggers, it might be smart to start looking for new work. If you live near your old haunts, consider moving to a new area. Stay away from people who can’t respect your sobriety. Eventually, you’ll get to a place where you can manage yourself better. But in the meantime, try to limit your stressors and focus on getting better.
A final word
It’s not easy to overcome our issues, and we will exhaust all our focus and energy to get better. These pointers will help you stay on the road to recovery and that you may find solace in the fact that you are not alone. Even when you feel isolated, always remember that people are rooting for you to succeed.