Guest Post by Brad Krause at selfcaring.info; Photo via Pixabay
Living with an addiction can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life, and learning to overcome it isn’t easy for anyone. No matter how strong you are, no matter how much you want it, sometimes finding the path to sobriety is more difficult than you could have imagined. Learning how to treat yourself well, how to talk to your loved ones about your needs, and how to avoid temptation are all part of the process, but it’s not always easy to make your way there.
Finding the right treatment for your needs is a great start. Since everyone’s addiction is different, there are many different types of treatment as well, and the type that is right for one person may not be right for another. You might prefer inpatient treatment at a facility or a holistic therapy that will incorporate treatments for your mind, body, and soul. Finding the right one for your specific needs will help you stay on track even when things get tough. Here are a few tips from Nature Cure Family Health on how to overcome substance abuse and find your way to recovery.
Seek Support from Your Loved Ones
For many individuals who are in recovery, it can be difficult to think about seeking support from loved ones. Sometimes relationships are damaged or broken, and it can be hard to go back to where you were. However, sometimes being open and honest about your journey and your needs can lead to a repair when it comes to your relationships, and having that support will mean the world to you once you’re actively on a path to sobriety.
Avoid Temptation
It’s often easier said than done, but avoiding temptation is one of the major points of recovery. This means not willingly putting yourself into situations that will make you uncomfortable or stressed, as well as not continuing relationships with people who are a bad influence. If you feel that certain social situations will be difficult for you to navigate, ask a good friend or sponsor to attend with you, bring your own drink (avoid non-alcoholic beers, as they can act as triggers), and arrange for a ride so you know you’ll have a way to leave if you feel you’re being pressured.
Learn How to Talk About Substance Abuse
Talking about substance abuse can be extremely difficult, but if you have kids, or if there’s a young person you care about who is at risk of becoming addicted, it’s important to start a conversation. Talking to teens about peer pressure and drug use can often feel forced or like a lecture, so the key is to be open and casual about it. Allow them to ask questions so that they feel like part of the conversation rather than someone who needs to be talked to.
Learn About the Different Types of Therapy
There are many different types of therapy, and they all focus on different needs. It’s imperative to do some research on these to find the one that will fit your needs best. From holistic therapy to art therapy and hypnotherapy, there are many ways you can get in touch with your feelings and seek out what caused your addiction in the first place. For some, being diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder, such as alcohol addiction and depression, means treating them separately in order to find relief.
Incorporate Healthy Habits Into Your Routine
Incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine will help you focus on your wellness; you might take up yoga, start eating well-balanced meals, drink more water, or learn to relax. Change up your sleep routine so you can get better rest by going to bed at the same time every night and putting down your smartphone or laptop at least an hour beforehand. Focusing on your body and what it takes to feel better will help you understand why recovery is so important.
Your work routine is another area to incorporate better habits. If you’re a desk worker, set timers throughout the day to get up and walk around or stretch. Other ways to move include taking walking breaks during lunch, or park farther from the entrance to work, and always take the stairs. Keep healthy snacks on hand like nuts and fruit. Every little bit of extra effort toward better health is a huge step in your recovery process.
A Clean Home Can Reduce Stress
One of the most important things to focus on during addiction recovery is maintaining a clean and orderly home. A clean environment can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can trigger a relapse. Furthermore, a well-ordered home can provide a sense of structure and routine, which is often lacking during recovery. Finally, a clean home can be a source of pride and accomplishment, helping to boost self-esteem and confidence. While it may seem like a small thing, keeping a tidy house can make a big difference in the success of addiction recovery.
Find Support from Those Who Understand
Having a circle of support from friends and family is important, but it can be even more important to have people around you who understand what you’ve been through. Look for a support group, therapy circle, or counseling group that includes like-minded people who are looking to stay on a sober path and open up to them about your own struggles. Learning what it feels like to speak openly about what you’ve been through can be so freeing, and it will allow you to come to terms with the choices you’ve made so that you can focus on moving forward.
Remember, there are lots of resources out there to help you – including the best alcohol and drug treatment centers which offer a variety of treatment methods to help you stay sober. Before choosing a particular rehab center, though, take some time to research the types of treatment they offer, as well as the center’s credentials and certifications, and reviews from past clients. If cost is a concern, you can look for facilities with payment plans that accept multiple types of health insurance, as well.
Talk to Your Doctor
Talking to your doctor about the reasons behind your substance abuse can help you understand the reasons behind your addiction, and it can also allow you to take a closer look at your own mental health. In many cases, a co-occurring disorder is present without an individual knowing about it, and these can be hard to diagnose because they mask each other; depression and alcohol abuse often carry many of the same symptoms.
Overcoming substance abuse is never an easy feat, and it will take time to find a road to recovery. Try to stay patient as you navigate these waters, and talk to your loved ones about what your needs are so they can help you along the way. Take some time to learn to relax and reduce stress, and find a way to like spending time with yourself when you’re sober. This can be one of the most difficult parts of changing your lifestyle, and one of the most important.
