Recovery from substance abuse is a tricky thing. It requires a commitment to yourself, some willpower, and patience. Sometimes people get caught up in the “can’t” part of the journey.
There are some things you should avoid during recovery. At the same time, there are certain things you can do to turn the odds in your favor.
Here, we’ll give you helpful advice on what to do and what not to do during substance abuse recovery. Follow this guide to make the most of your journey.
Table of Contents
The Do’s of Substance Abuse Recovery
Substance abuse recovery is a difficult process that requires a great deal of commitment from the individual struggling with addiction. There are many things to keep in mind when working towards recovery from substance abuse.
Be Honest With Yourself
Recovery from substance abuse is never easy, but it is possible. One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to be honest about your addiction and why you want to recover. This means being honest with yourself about your reasons for using, how much you use, and the impact it has on your life.
It also means being honest with your family and friends about your addiction and what you are doing to recover. Honesty is an important part of recovery because it allows you to be accountable to yourself and to others. It also allows you to see the progress you are making and to receive support from those who care about you.
Set Realistic Goals
Recovery from substance abuse is a long and difficult process. It requires hard work and dedication. But it is possible to recover and lead a healthy, happy life.
One of the most important things you can do is to set realistic goals. Why? Because setting and working towards goals gives you a sense of purpose and something to focus on. It can also help to keep you motivated.
How? By setting small, achievable goals you can celebrate your progress and feel good about yourself. This will help you stay on track and keep you moving forward.
Find a Support System
Substance abuse recovery is a difficult and often lengthy process. One of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of success is to find a strong support system. There are many different types of support systems, and what works for one person may not work for another.
However, some general tips for finding a supportive network include attending 12-step meetings, therapy, and/or support groups. It can also be helpful to connect with others who are in recovery or have been through the process themselves. Building a healthy support system is an important part of the recovery process and can make a big difference in your overall success.
Be Open to Ask For Help
It is important to be open to ask for help when recovering from substance abuse. Asking for help shows that you are willing to change and are committed to recovery. It can be difficult to ask for help, but it is essential in order to recover.
There are many resources available to help you in recovery, so do not be afraid to ask for help. It is also important to know why you are abusing substances and how to avoid triggering situations. Once you know why you are abusing substances, you can begin to change your behaviors and avoid situations that may trigger your abuse.
Seek Out Additional Resources
There are many additional resources available to those in substance abuse recovery, and seeking them out can be immensely beneficial. Therapeutic resources can help individuals in recovery to process and work through the emotions and challenges associated with their addiction and recovery.
Additionally, support groups can provide valuable peer support and networking opportunities. Professional counseling and coaching services can also be beneficial in helping individuals to create and maintain a successful sobriety plan. Seeking out additional resources why and how can help to create a comprehensive and holistic approach to recovery, and increase the chances of success.
Follow Treatment Guidelines
Recovery from substance abuse is a difficult and often lengthy process. However, there are certain things that can be done to increase the chances of success. One of the most important is to follow treatment guidelines.
There are many reasons why treatment guidelines exist and why you should follow them, but the most important reason is that they’re based on years of research and experience. They provide structure and direction for the recover process. Following treatment guidelines can help to ensure that you are getting the best possible care and the best chance for success.
Know the Value of Your Treatment Facility
A good treatment facility will offer you the support, resources, and tools you need to successfully recover from substance abuse. They will also provide you with a safe and structured environment in which to heal.
Your facility is important. It is important to remember that a treatment facility is not a cure-all, but rather a stepping stone on the road to recovery. Take advantage of the resources and support your facility has to offer, and you will be one step closer to a successful recovery.
The Dont’s of Substance Abuse Recovery
Without a willingness to change, it is impossible to overcome the challenges posed by addiction. Make sure to avoid anything that can stray you away from your goals.
Going Alone With the Journey
When it comes to recovering from substance abuse, going it alone is not advisable. There are many reasons why this is the case, chief among them being that recovery is a difficult and challenging process that is best navigated with the help and support of others.
Additionally, going it alone increases the chances of relapse, as there is no one there to provide motivation and accountability. Finally, going it alone can be lonely and isolating, two things that are not conducive to recovery. So, if you are considering going it alone, think again. It is much better to recover with the help of others.
Entertaining Triggers
Do not entertain any triggers that might remind you of your substance abuse. This includes people, places, things, and situations that can all lead to a craving. Additionally, be sure to avoid any situations that would temptation you to abuse substances.
This means avoiding social situations where drinking or drugging might occur, and keeping clear of any places where drugs are sold or used. Make sure to stay away from anything that would serve as a trigger for your addictive behavior. This could be anything from a stressful situation to a particular person or place.
By being aware of these triggers and avoiding them, you can increase your chances of success in recovery.
Getting Close With Other Users
Substance abuse recovery is a difficult and sensitive process. In order to maximize the chances of success, it is important to avoid getting too close to other users. There are a number of reasons why this is the case.
Recovering users are vulnerable to relapse if they are exposed to too much temptation. Being around other users can be a trigger for old, negative habits. Finally, it is simply not healthy to associate with people who are still using drugs or alcohol.
It is important to find supportive relationships elsewhere, such as with family, friends, or a support group.
Not Attending to Physical Health and Wellness
It is crucial to maintain physical health and wellness during substance abuse recovery. Often times, individuals focus solely on overcoming their addiction and neglect their physical health. This can lead to serious health problems down the road.
It is important to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. These healthy habits will help to strengthen the body and mind, making it easier to resist temptation and stay on track with recovery.
Neglecting Mental Health
It is easy to neglect mental health in the throes of substance abuse recovery. The focus is on quitting drugs and alcohol and learning on getting sober. However, ignoring mental health can lead to relapse.
Mental health problems can make sobriety harder to maintain and can contribute to continued drug and alcohol use. It is important to address mental health issues in order to recover from substance abuse and maintain sobriety.
Entertaining Emotional Issues
When in recovery from substance abuse, it is essential to be mindful of the emotional issues that may come up and why it is important not to entertain them. Emotional issues can be a trigger for relapse, so it is important to address them in a healthy and productive way. There are many resources available to help those in recovery learn how to cope with and manage their emotions in a healthy way.
Therapy, 12-step programs, and peer support groups are all great options for helping to work through any emotional issues that may come up during recovery. it is also important to be mindful of any negative self-talk or ways of thinking that may lead to relapse. Substance abuse recovery is a process that takes time, patience, and dedication. However, it is possible to recover and live a happy and healthy life.
Having a Rebellious Attitude
One of the main reasons why people in substance abuse recovery may have a rebellious attitude is because they feel like they need to rebel against society’s expectations. They may feel like they need to prove that they can still be themselves, even though they’re in recovery. Additionally, they may feel like they need to rebel against the idea that they need to be perfect or that they can’t make mistakes.
Finally, they may feel like they need to rebel against the pressure to conform to what other people in recovery are doing. While all of these reasons are valid, it’s important to remember that having a rebellious attitude can actually hamper your recovery. It can make you feel isolated and alone, and it can make it difficult to connect with other people in recovery.
Additionally, it can make you more likely to relapse. If you’re in recovery, try to focus on your positive qualities and what you’re doing to improve your life, rather than on rebelling against society’s expectations.
Expecting Sudden Change
Substance abuse recovery is a process, not an event. Just because someone completes a treatment program or checks into a sober living facility doesn’t mean they are “cured” or that they won’t relapse. It’s important to have realistic expectations about the road to recovery and to understand that it is often a long and winding one.
Sudden, dramatic changes in behavior are usually not sustainable and can often lead to relapse. Addiction recovery is a journey, not a destination, and it is important to be patient and to take things one day at a time.
Be Positive When Facing Substance Abuse Recovery
Substance abuse recovery is a process that requires time, patience, and positivity. With the right attitude and support system, anyone can overcome addiction and build a sober, fulfilling life. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, please reach out for help.
There are many resources available to those seeking recovery, and the first step is always admitting that there is a problem. With help, you can and will get better.
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