Drug abuse and addiction is one big mistake that humans make. But being able to embark on a journey towards recovery is a gift itself. It takes more than a few months to get back to normal because during recovery, be it from drug abuse or mental issue, you cannot focus on only physiological or only on psychological wellbeing, as both the states affect one another and thus cannot be disregarded. This in turn may make the whole process extensive but surely not impossible.
To attain fool-proof and long-lasting recovery, developing essential and healthy habits is a must. Once good habits are acquired, they will benefit you your whole life. This article discovers fool-proof tips for developing those healthy habits and maintaining them.
1. Nurture New Relationships
No more hanging around your old fellows or drinking pals with whom your relapsing chances increase. In those first months of sobriety, let go of your toxic relationships to avoid compromising your progress. It is about time you form new relationships, make new friends, surround yourself, and spend time with your loved ones. The people who will not only support you on your journey but also help you stay on track. The friends who will prevent you from going back to your old routine.
If you are one of those people who have a hard time making new friends, try joining support groups or get help from mental health professionals proudly as they will teach you and help you learn coping skills and help you develop new thinking patterns.
2. Recognize Relapse Triggers
It is essential to recognize and identify warning signs, and internal and external factors that can be triggering. These signs can also lead to relapse. A relapse can sneak up on you when you are least expecting it only because one fails to identify that warning sign. Relapse doesn’t always necessarily mean that you’d randomly consume a drug one fine morning. Rather you go through different phases and triggers and eventually relapse.
These phases include emotional, mental, and physical relapses. In these phases, you may find yourself starting to think less rationally and less responsibly, or you may engage in situations where people use drugs, etc. Thus you will need to recognize warning signs as well as identify any triggers. Factors that can trip you for drugs are stress, financial problems, relationship problems, anger management issues, etc.
3. A Routine Like Never Before
A fresh start means a fresh, new, and solid routine. It means no more spending days or handling any situations the old way. A new schedule or plan will help you feel in control and prevent restlessness. Additionally, it will also help you achieve your short-term and long-term goals. Start this process by avoiding the places that can make you bounce back and practicing a healthy lifestyle.
Following a routine will benefit you mentally and emotionally. In addition, it will help you build healthy habits and bring in the feeling of normalcy. It will strengthen your resolve to continue on this journey. A National Institute on Drugs Abuse Reports supports the importance of routine and believes it lessens the risk of relapse.
Healthy habits to focus on and add to your routine are:
- Exercise regularly
- Get an ample amount of sleep- to get that healing and recharging process started.
- Eat nutritious, well-balanced meals for detoxification purposes and replenish your depleted body.
- Make time for activities and hobbies- like reading books, trying new recipes.
- Stay calm and manage your anger
4. Fuel the Fire- Reward Yourself
Don’t hesitate to celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Maybe mark your completed goals or lifestyle changes in your journal as the days go by because seeing the number of successful days will motivate you to keep the streak strong when things become a bit challenging. Reward yourself for every milestone achieved, but make sure your reward does not include anything that could lead you back to drugs.
The path to recovery is not straightforward. It’s long and challenging, but in the end, all the hard work will be worth it. One of the most crucial steps to take during your journey to recovery is to find balance. Usually, people new to recovery start the following with this compulsion that resembles addiction.
Finding a healthy balance is the key step to getting control of your life again. And in this article, we have provided you with the best tips that you need for gradually developing healthy habits during the recovery process and gaining confidence and control of your life once again. Happy journey!