Millions of people are currently living with addiction to illicit substances. Some will be lifelong users while others will decide to seek professional help to get their lives back. If you have successfully overcome addiction, congratulations! You have done one of the hardest things you’ll ever do in your lifetime. Now, it’s time to chase your dreams and make something of yourself.
Many people are surprised to discover how challenging it can be to get back on their feet after beating addiction. They often feel overwhelmed at the prospect of creating a new life for themselves. They may underestimate their ability to positively contribute to society after spending years chasing their next fix. If you can relate to these insecurities, be careful not to let them define you or keep you from realizing your potential. Here are some things you can do to overcome your past life and thrive after conquering addiction.
Get Mental Health Help
Beating addiction doesn’t automatically mean the rest of your life will be sunshine and rainbows. In fact, many people experience anxiety and depression after giving up drugs and alcohol. This is largely because illicit drugs release drastic levels of dopamine into the body. Dopamine is one of the body’s pleasure hormones, but it’s not meant to be regularly released in such large amounts. When people stop self-medicating with illicit drugs, they may temporarily feel like they can no longer cope.
It’s a cruel irony that some people feel depressed after overcoming addiction. After all, they’ve just achieved one of the biggest accomplishments of their life. But brain chemistry isn’t always predictable or reasonable. If you struggle with your mental health after overcoming addiction, consider going through a mental health rehab. You’ll have access to medication, individual therapy, and/or group therapy that will help you overcome depression. And they’ll give you the tools you need to stay sober.
Build a Support Network
Athletes often perform better when they have loyal fans in the crowd who cheer them on. Similarly, recent addicts are more likely to thrive when surrounded by a loving network of supportive people. Your personal support system may include family members, neighbors, friends, mentors, and members of recovery groups.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a supportive community is one of the four major dimensions of recovery. The other dimensions include health, home, and purpose. If you have all of these dimensions, you’re more likely to avoid relapse and continue improving yourself.
Set Realistic Goals
Goal setting is an important component of recovery. It can give you a sense of purpose and help you focus on the future instead of the past. However, if your goals are too lofty, you may become discouraged and feel like you’ll never reach them. To keep your momentum going, make sure your goals are realistic. You should also create smaller short-term goals that will help you reach your long-term goals.
For example, a long-term goal might be to begin a new career. Some of your short-term goals might be to get your GED or get accepted to a college or trade school. There are various grants, scholarships, and financial aid available for recovering addicts who want to pursue education opportunities. Taking advantage of these resources can help you get back on your feet more quickly.
Create a Healthy Routine
Structure and daily routines are very important in recovery. Feeling bored and having nothing to do can spell disaster for anyone who’s trying to stay on the wagon. People who fill their lives with meaningful and productive activities tend to stay sober longer than those who don’t.
It’s smart to create a daily routine that fills your days with positive activities that help you feel good about yourself. Your schedule may include going to work or school, volunteering, and spending time with loved ones. You might also want to pick up a hobby or two that you enjoy. It could be painting, cycling, swimming, woodworking, or anything else you feel drawn to. Creative hobbies are great for keeping your mind and hands busy, so you’ll be less likely to reach for your previous vice.
Learn Healthy Coping Mechanisms
During your recovery, you’ll undoubtedly experience a lot of wins and achievements. But you should also expect to experience some setbacks. Whether your health takes an unexpected dive or you lose your job, you’re guaranteed to experience some trials. It’s important to anticipate these types of situations and prepare to cope in healthy ways. Otherwise, you’ll be more likely to relapse when things get hard.
Some examples of positive coping mechanisms include exercise, journaling, meditation and mindfulness, and practicing gratitude. You may also find that speaking with a therapist or spending time with your support system helps you get through rough days. It’s important to resist the urge to act impulsively when you experience a setback. Instead, give yourself time to pause and wait before reacting so you can make more thoughtful decisions. Avoid triggers such as situations, people, and places that increase your likelihood of relapsing.
Recovery isn’t a one-time occurrence. Instead, it’s a long-term commitment that requires ongoing vigilance and determination. Many people go on to live highly successful and fulfilling lives after addiction, and you can do the same. Follow the above suggestions to get back on your feet and become the next inspiring recovery success story.
