Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
Living through an addiction and recovery is one of the hardest things anyone can experience. No matter what the nature of your addiction, finding yourself again and a way to be free of it is a long-term process that requires determination. The stability you create during this trying period dictates how successful you will be in the future. Having a plan that includes family and friends on the journey helps to solidify your goals and dreams. Though it is always best to consult with your healthcare professionals for advice, here are a few things to consider if you want to get stable after addiction.
Get Stable After Addiction #1: Community Support
Addition recovery is one of those hurdles best achieved with help. Finding community support can be a source of information, motivation, and accountability. Though some people don’t like support groups, there are many additional benefits to attending one. Live interaction with others who have experienced similar challenges helps you to accept yourself and your mistakes. Not to mention you may even make some new friends who understand what you’re going through.
Inner Circle of Friends and Family
Unlike an outside support source, your close circle will have much more involvement in your recovery. They will see and experience life with you. Don’t take these people for granted. Truthfully, they are your rock and are actually feeling more than you know. They may have to help you find a recovery facility that will accelerate your sober living goals. There will be times of distance from your loved ones as you follow the process, but don’t underestimate their love and concern for you.
Get Stable After Addiction #2: Setting Goals
Obviously, you have one major goal of completely ending your addiction and recovering fully. That said, any large goal is best achieved by having smaller doable goals in place. In other words, break up that big one with baby steps you can do every day. These need to be clear and put in writing where you can see them often. Your family, friends, and health care providers can also help you to set goals that reflect where you are now. Most importantly, the steps you take daily will ultimately lead to your health and happiness.
The Big Why
One thing I know humans need to achieve anything is a big “why”. We need to know clearly what we want and why it’s important. This “why” also needs to have an emotion attached to it. For example, you want to stop drinking so you can spend quality time with your family. Well, that’s great, but how do you want to feel when you are with your family? Connect to your goals as much as you can. See, feel, taste, smell, and touch them.
Get Stable After Addiction #3: Medical Help
Recovery from any addiction might require medical intervention. This could be anything from full-blown treatment, such as that you get at a facility or nicotine replacement therapy to help you quit smoking. Your body goes through much change during withdrawal periods. At best, this can be challenging. At worst, it can be painful and life-threatening. Always consult your doctor if you experience anything that doesn’t seem right or doesn’t subside in a timely manner.
