How to Get Through Early Recovery from Addiction

Getting sober at a drug and alcohol treatment center is only the beginning of your journey. Now comes the challenge of readjusting to your home life. Gaining freedom after 30 to 90 days in a secluded rehab is tough. That’s because addiction is a chronic disease that won’t just go away. You’ll have to rebuild a healthy routine while facing triggers and cravings without constant supervision. Staying on track during early recovery from addiction is vital to keep old habits from returning with a vengeance. After all, the National Institutes of Health found that 40 to 60 percent of recovering addicts relapse. You don’t want that to be you.

Coping with Early Recovery from Addiction

There are several steps to help make your first vulnerable months a success. First, chart a structured daily schedule that keeps you focused on meaningful activities. Waking up without a to-do list can make you lose your positive direction. So pencil approximate times for meals, work, and social events into a planner. Don’t forget to allow for playtime to release stress with your favorite hobby. Getting daily exercise and eight hours of sleep also helps improve your outlook. Then, you’ll use your routine to map out clear goals. Identify realistic, specific aims you want to achieve in month-long sections. Brainstorm some rewards that will motivate you to stick to these goals.

Support groups are crucial in early recovery from addiction. Thus, the next step is to assemble a network of people you can rely on. Find a 12 step recovery program or alternatives that connect you to other recovering peers. Scheduling weekly meetings at variable times can keep things fresh and help you meet more like minds. Outpatient aftercare is useful to remain in contact with trained therapists, too. They’ll guide you through expressing any anger, depression, or loneliness. One other tip is to practice reflection to feel and address these emotions instead of letting them fester. Taking time to give thanks for your growth helps defy your obstacles.

What to Avoid During Early Recovery from Addiction

Even the best-laid plan can derail when you break certain early recovery rules. For example, you might make the mistake of hanging out with old friends and be pressured into relapse. It’s crucial that you replace toxic relationships with new sober friends. Ask close family members to refrain from using around you. Instead of attending functions that offer drugs or alcohol, start sober holiday traditions. Another no-no is jumping into the dating scene too quickly. Recovering addicts need to make caring for themselves and figuring out their own lives top priority. Most importantly, refrain from feeling too overconfident and pushing your limits. Remind yourself that addiction recovery is a process that you must work on long-term.

Benefit from Aftercare at Beaches Recovery

Making use of every available resource will help you reach sustained sobriety. In Jacksonville, Beaches Recovery is one such resource ready to assist. Our center is accredited by the Joint Commission to customize an effective transitional living program to your needs. We offer recovering clients a variety of services, such as:

• Individual therapy
• SMART recovery
• Anger management
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Monthly alumni support program meetings

Choose Beaches Recovery for support through early recovery from addiction in Florida. Contact us today at 866.605.0532 to keep fighting for a substance-free future.