How To Take Back Your Life After Addiction
Taking your life back after addiction is never easy, but it is possible with a commitment to yourself and the motivation to move forward. After completing a rehabilitation program and eliminating the physical dependency drugs and alcohol cause, learn to live your life to the fullest for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling future to enjoy.
Build a Support Group
Build a support group after overcoming your addiction with family, friends, and even coworkers you trust and rely on. Additionally, attend local support groups to maintain a circle of support from those who are also struggling to maintain sobriety or working towards defeating their own addictions. Addiction.com emphasizes, “support groups aren’t only there for people with ‘serious’ problems. Whether your problem is mild, moderate or severe, you can learn from others in a self-help support group (and also help others).” Regaining the strength to have a positive life after addiction is much easier with the mental and emotional support of those who truly understand your situation and struggles.
Seek Individual Counseling or Therapy
Schedule individual counseling or therapy appointments even after you have completed an inpatient or outpatient program at a local rehabilitation center. Therapy and counseling are incredibly beneficial to maintain balance in lifewhile also having an outlet to share your challenges and struggles without the fear of feeling shamed or judged. Communicate open and honestly to receive the guidance necessary for you to continue moving forward in your life without falling for the temptation to use drugs or alcohol. If your addiction got you in legal trouble, you may want to counsel with a legal professional as well about how to keep those mistakes off your permanent record.
Avoid Triggers
Many addictions cause a physical dependency on the drugs or substances used. According to Freedom Treatment Centers, “After long-term use addictive substances, the body becomes increasingly dependent on drug and alcohol use. This physical dependence causes severe symptoms of withdrawal when users attempt to stop using addictive substances on their own.” This is why triggers need to be avoided at all costs. Years of not giving in can feel like they were erased by just a little slip up. Avoiding triggers in your everyday life can be tough when you want to prevent a relapse or falling into the temptation to use drugs or alcohol again. Triggers may include medications, remedies, or other substances that contain chemicals which alter moods, cravings, and thought processes.
Rediscover Hobbies and Activities You Enjoy
Addictions cause hobbies and activities that were once a source of joy to become dull, boring, and unappealing. When you begin living your life again after defeating an addiction, spend time rediscovering your favorite hobbies, outdoor sports, and social activities. You should not only go back and find old hobbies or interests, but you should actively seek new ones as well. The Fixexplains, “Finding new hobbies and interests in recovery can be a very new experience for many people. After all, hobbies and interests were not a focus during the period of addiction, so this is really a reawakening of a part of yourself that may not have been used for a long period of time.”
Reconnect with Estranged Family and Friends
Reconnect with family members and friends in your life who are estranged due to your addiction or recovery program. Attempt to reach out to rebuild relationships while also garnering support from those who mean the most to you.
Regaining control of your life after defeating an addiction is a way to feel gratified and motivated to live your very best life. With the right plan of action and support to help you along the way, create any life you envision for yourself without ever feeling held back again.
If you feel like alcohol or other addictive substances is stopping you from growing or developing as you want to, we highly recommend you get the help you need. You are not alone in your trials and struggles. Reach out and find the happiness that you deserve.
