It’s not easy to stay positive during your recovery and when you’re going through a period of change. Whether it’s a new job, a new relationship, or moving across the country, there’s an adjustment period you have to go through. The same is true when entering recovery. You’re making good decisions for yourself and your future but there will be hard days that you’ll have to endure. Keeping a positive attitude is important, and it will help you transition into your new lifestyle.
Below are ten tips for staying positive during addiction treatment.
1. Find a peer support group
Most likely, your first peer support group will be in intensive outpatient drug rehab in Agoura. Once you graduate from this program, you will want to look for a 12-step group in your area. These groups introduce you to other people in recovery who are facing similar struggles. You’re likely to develop friendships with some members, and you can hold each other accountable.
2. Discover effective ways to manage cravings
Cravings are a normal part of recovery, but they can make it difficult to stay sober. Rather than being hard on yourself for experiencing cravings, develop strategies for combating them. When you find yourself experiencing a craving, you can turn to one of your coping mechanisms – exercise, talking to a friend, meditation, prayer, etc.
3. Try a new hobby or activity
What types of things did you enjoy before your addiction? Pick up a new hobby or return to an activity you used to enjoy. Filling your time with things you enjoy will help you stay positive, prevent boredom, and give you a sense of purpose.
4. Take care of your physical health
It’s hard to think positively when you don’t feel good! Take care of your body by nourishing it with healthy foods, exercise, and plenty of rest. If you are feeling physical pain, talk to someone about it. It’s possible that you could be suffering from PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome).
5. Volunteer to help others
Volunteering your time and talents is a wonderful way to make a difference, gain a new perspective on life, and feel better about yourself. You’ll meet people from all walks of life and realize that you have a lot to be thankful for. Everyone has struggles, and everyone’s struggles are very different!
6. Write in a gratitude journal
Each day, write down the things you are grateful for. They can be the simplest things. Just getting out of bed in the morning is a huge accomplishment for some people. Reminding yourself of the good things helps keep your struggles in perspective.
7. Decide how you will tell others about your journey
You only need to tell people what you are comfortable sharing. Your recovery is your business. That said, knowing how you will handle uncomfortable questions will prepare you for social interactions. Preparedness is the key to confidence and self-control.
8. Discover ways to relax
It’s important to have various ways to relax as life is stressful at times! If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a bubble bath, go for a walk, read a book, etc. Having a variety of coping mechanisms will give you confidence in your journey.
9. Protect your recovery
Avoid putting yourself in situations that you’re not ready to handle. This can challenge your sobriety and make you more susceptible to negative thinking and relapse. Following your aftercare plan is one of the best ways to start out fresh.
10. Build a strong support network
You’ll be leaning on your friends and family during this time, so be sure to build a strong support system that you can trust. These people should want the best for you and be willing to come along to weddings and other social gatherings that you may not be ready for on your own.
Some days, it may seem impossible to be optimistic, but remember to take things one day at a time. Each day you get through will put further distance between you and your addiction. To start your journey and have access to a wide range of therapeutic services, contact Awakenings Treatment Center.
