10 Tips to Make Your Recovery from Substance Abuse and Addiction Easier
If you’ve begun your journey to recovery, congratulations! The first step is the biggest step forward – and that is a fact in this case, not a cliché.
Recovering from an addiction of any kind is challenging, but it is worth it. Keep in mind that difficulties and setbacks are normal, so be patient with yourself. These issues can come up at unexpected times.
Here are 10 tips that can help make it easier for you to recover from your addiction, and where you can go here in Atlanta for professional support along the way.
Tip 1: Make It Your Top Daily Goal
Every morning and throughout the day, remind yourself that recovery is your number one goal. Every day that you make it without using alcohol or drugs is a win.
Tip 2: Think Positive Thoughts
Throughout each day, think of things you are thankful for and grateful to have in your life: a roof over your head, food to eat, and someone who cares for you. Fill your mind with positive thoughts.
Tip 3: Avoid Triggers
Triggers for substance abuse and addiction include the people with whom you used to do drugs and the places where you would go and have a drink. Addiction recovery includes changing those old habits.
If you have a bad day or even a big celebration, these could also trigger a relapse. Take control of your emotions – and ask someone to be there for you.
Tip 4: Keep a Journal or Notebook
When you write things down, it helps you to see the bigger picture. Having a record of your days will help you to see a pattern, which can be helpful in self-reinforcement of your new behaviors and positive thoughts.
Tip 5: Build a Support Network
Everyone needs the support of others in their lives, and your friends and family can make up your support network. Having people you can lean on is empowering in itself.
Tip 6: Find and Join a Peer Support Group
A peer support group is made up of people who are working through the same types of issues as you are. In peer support groups, people support one another and help each other throughout the process of recovery.
Tip 7: Learn Strategies to Control the Urge
Controlling the urge to drink or do drugs takes practice. Different methods work for different people: saying aloud a personal mantra, doing a small activity that distracts you from the urge, performing easy relaxation techniques, or calling someone.
Tip 8: Engage in Activities that Mean Something to You
Doing something for others, participating in church activities, and engaging in other positive actions help to build your self-esteem and to take your mind off temptations. Think about joining a book club, taking dancing lessons, taking cooking classes, surveying a college class (no tests!), or joining a gym.
Tip 9: Find Other Ways to Manage the Pain
If you are in pain, it can be difficult to stay motivated to maintain control and stifle your addiction at that moment. If your addiction is to a prescription drug that relieves pain, ask your doctor for a referral to a pain specialist if you want to explore other options for pain control.
Tip 10: Listen to Your Counselor
Addiction specialists such as counselors can help you achieve your goal of recovery. A counselor knows that biological, mental, and sociological issues are closely intertwined in addiction, which is why counselors address the whole person for successful treatment.
Substance Abuse and Addiction Therapists in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA
If you or someone you love struggles with addiction, our therapists at Atlanta Specialized Care are here for you. We treat you as a whole person, and we will therefore address everything – mind, body, spirituality, family, vocation, and hobbies – to foster a successful recovery.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff at Atlanta Specialized Care today by calling us at (678) 679-6959 or by filling out our online request form now. We look forward to helping you overcome your addiction so you can get on with your life.
