Taking the time to create a healthy new you should not be undone by failing to plan for your recovery. In fact, treatment doesn’t just stop when you finish the program. As you face real – uncontrolled – life again as a sober individual, you will encounter more and more challenges. Are you ready for them? Welcome to recovery.
Thankfully, there are many avenues of help available to you. If they are utilized properly and effectively, you will have an increased chance for a successful recovery.
Recovery is too big of a deal and too important to do it alone. Recovery resources are there for a reason – use them!
Fellowship programs
Fellowship is a coming together of people with the same interests or experiences. In your case, fellowship would be spending time and engaging with other individuals dealing with addiction or who are in recovery. These programs do not necessarily grab the interest of everyone, but they have been around for years and are proven to be effective for many people.
There are many types of fellowship programs. Perhaps the most commonly known are the 12-step programs that are found with Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Those who attend these fellowships not only find commonality and understanding amongst its members but also find a means of support. Think about it – isn’t it easier to share struggles with those who truly understand what you are going through? At these fellowship meetings, you will share, listen to the stories of others, discuss triumphs and failures, and encourage one another.
Other fellowship programs may be alternative sober social groups. Rather than having formal meetings, these groups may get together at set times throughout the month to socialize, have some fun, and get out on the town safely – with supportive, sober friends. Programs of this type allow for bonding and friendships to form while also providing a feeling of inclusion. They succeed at reminding you that you can still have fun – sober.
Therapy and support groups
You absolutely do not want to head out into the world of recovery without being connected to a therapist. These individuals act as mentors and will help you sort through any bumpy roads you may encounter. They will also guide you in making positive, healthy choices – and encourage you, too.
Sometimes life gets messy and this mess is inevitable in recovery. Having a therapist can help you relax, knowing that you have someone on speed dial who understands you – and how your mind works. A good therapist is empowering – which is a great strength to have in recovery.
Therapeutic support groups are another tool that is very beneficial. Recovery can get lonely – especially when it comes to having to discover new friends and a new way of life. And, because not everyone experiences addiction, not everyone can understand the struggles. Family members and old friends may try to offer support, but it may not reach you deep inside like someone who has been through it. Support groups generally meet for a specific amount of time on set days throughout the week. They offer support and share tools and ideas for coping with recovery.
Sober living homes
Sober living homes are a great transition for those leaving treatment. It is a step before re-entering daily life as a newly sober person. This opportunity gives you a chance to learn how to live a sober life before you get thrown into it. You will acquire daily living skills and employment or education assistance so that when you are ready to do it alone, you have a good chance of succeeding.
In addition to living skills, sober homes give you a chance to experience more freedom than a residential treatment facility. However, they do maintain control of things, such as curfew. Often, support groups also tend to be a part of sober living. It’s a new journey for everyone involved and the counselors help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Fitness programs
Your body is a machine. And, just as with any machine, it requires maintenance to make sure it is running at its optimum level. Your addiction has likely taken a toll on your body – and it is now up to you to get healthy again. Joining a gym, a fitness club, or your own program can help you prevail.
If you are wondering how fitness can help with recovery, here is your answer:
- When you exercise, your body begins to come alive. Among other things, your blood flows, your heart pumps, and your lungs expand.
- Your mind releases endorphins that make you feel good.
- Exercise can help you relax and reduce your stress.
- You will find that your confidence and self-esteem will increase.
- Your energy level will increase, too.
- It can become a hobby – and will give your mind something positive to focus on.
All in all, you will notice that you feel good when you implement a fitness program in recovery. And, when you feel good – you do good.
Friends and Family
Having a support system is extremely important when you enter recovery. Having good (and understanding) friends and family members that you can count on for support is a definite necessity. Loneliness is a factor that can lead to relapse. Having a group of individuals surrounding you and lifting you up can combat the loneliness.
It is important that you are honest with these individuals about your strengths and weaknesses so that they can truly support you. If they don’t understand or know your triggers, then they cannot fully be there for you as you will need. So, choose the friends and family members that you trust and can open-up to the most, and ask them to be there for you – in good times and bad.
Never try to enter recovery without a plan. The more assistance you seek, the better chance you will have to succeed. So, get on out there and find a support group, sober friends, and a fitness regime.
