May112020AddictionRecoveryRehab BlogSober LivingBecoming sober after prolonged substance abuse means the ability to gain a fresh start in most aspects of your life. This fresh start can be full of promise, a time when the natural joys of sober living can be rediscovered. In fact, most people who enter recovery and start living life as sober individuals are overcome with pleasure upon realizing how colorful, fulfilling and productive life can be without drugs or alcohol. Sources of Joy in Sober LivingWhen many patients first enter residential or outpatient rehab, they think life as a sober person is going to be boring. Some people dramatically equate the concept of sobriety to being sentenced to jail or other harsh treatment. In fact, the jail of addiction is what they are leaving behind. A life of addiction is dark and painful—a complete contrast to a sober life that provides so many possibilities for recovering individuals.Part of addiction recovery is finding a balance in your brain chemistry. The unnatural euphoria from drug abuse is over and now you have to find the joys of sober living. As your body and mind continue to heal, you’ll find more and more activities that excite you.In recovery and beyond, there are many joys to be found in sober living, including:Your dreams can actually be achievable and you will have the clarity, time and motivation to pursue themInner peace is developed and you no longer have to hide from realityYou enjoy time with loved ones and friendsNew relationships will grow with greater richness and honesty than those of addictionYou become a role model for others seeking to overcome addictionYou enjoy everything more and often feel there are more great things to experience than you can fit in each dayYour life has more meaning and purpose than when you were seeking, using and lying about your substance of abuseFinding Your Joys of Sober LivingWhen you enter into drug and alcohol recovery after a detox program at Tides Edge, remember that feeling joy will be a work in progress. While still in drug and alcohol rehab programs, you have to learn so much that life’s richness cannot yet be fully experienced. To ensure you start feeling the joys of being sober, remember the following techniques:Maintain realistic expectations and give progress timeLiving joyfully will never be a 24/7 experienceJoyfulness takes effort, particularly at firstEmotional sobriety takes more time than physical sobriety and is where joy will be foundSurround yourself with others in recovery for shared appreciationLet go of stubborn preconceptions in order to give new methods a tryBe open to lifelong learning and support group participationShare your life with others and be thoughtfulExperiential and holistic therapy programs can also be included in your addiction treatment. These programs help you find joy as well as build new skills and coping mechanisms. Therapy programs promote problem-solving and teamwork. Programs include:Equine-assisted therapyHiking therapyFitness and yoga therapiesBowlingArt therapyBeaches Recovery Is Where the Sober Living Can Be DiscoveredTo become a success story in recovery, you need a supportive, guiding rehab working with you toward sustained sobriety. Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida provides a comprehensive array of evidence-based therapies designed for your best chance of long-term recovery. Some of the therapies that we offer include:EMDR therapy programCognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)Individual therapy programAddiction group therapyRelapse prevention programPut addiction and substance use disorders in your past. Contact Beaches Recovery today by calling 866.605.0532 to start working toward your more joyful life. Categories: Addiction, Recovery, Rehab Blog, Sober LivingMay 11, 2020Tags: joys of sober livinglife after rehabsober livingPost navigationPreviousPrevious post:Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Atlanta, GANextNext post:4 Things to Remember When Entering an Opioid Treatment ProgramRelated postsWhat Are Alcohol Detox Symptoms?March 5, 2023What are the Signs of a Drinking Problem?March 4, 2023What Are the Benefits of Sobriety?March 3, 2023What Are the Stages of a Drug Addiction?March 2, 2023What Is Methamphetamine? Understanding the Dangers of This Addictive DrugFebruary 11, 2023Exploring Group Therapy Topics For Your Mental HealthFebruary 9, 2023