Recovery from addiction is a sustained process that requires several good habits, but it is possible. It is also surprisingly manageable and may not be the overwhelming obstacle it can initially appear to be.
Get the Help You Need
Addiction can feel isolating, but it is surprisingly common and is a verified illness. It is not a personal failure. This lesson is part of what you could learn from the Intensive Outpatient Program Richmond, VA. Programs like these provide individual and group therapy sessions, targeted goals, and numerous resources to combat this disease. These programs exist because so many require them, so you are not alone. Recovery is entirely possible.
Getting professional help has proven benefits. Various studies have found that most people who seek and continue with treatment have higher success rates of eventually quitting substance use altogether.
Beyond professional help, you also can develop help that may help to manage your addiction. We cover those below, but please note this advice is not a replacement for professional medical treatment. If you struggle with substance use, you absolutely should reach out for professional help. Think of this list as an introduction to what recovery could look like and how possible it is to implement it into your daily routine.
Be Honest With Yourself and Others
The age-old saying of ‘acceptance is the first step’ holds a lot of truth. Until you can recognize and acknowledge that there is a problem, you can’t do anything to solve it. Identifying the problem is empowering, as it gives you a framework of where to go next.
Perhaps more difficult than acknowledging it to yourself is admitting it to loved ones. You should find comfort in that this is a brave thing to do, and they should respond with respect and encouragement.
Stay Active
The benefits of exercise and mental health are well known, but it can still seem a little unbelievable to some. The notion that getting on a treadmill and sweating a little can alleviate symptoms of addiction seems farfetched on paper, but there is real evidence behind it.
Keeping up an exercise routine forces you to stay organized, provides your brain with much-needed serotonin (the happy hormone!), and can take your mind off of temptation. It’s a great habit to replace an unhealthy one.
Seek Accountability From Someone
With recovery, accountability is everything. Staying accountable to yourself is an essential foundation, but having someone else to look to for support can be enormously beneficial. Many rehab centers offer a sponsorship system, so even if you don’t have a loved one applicable for the role, you still have options available for you.
You can check in with them and receive support and encouragement. It is also highly motivating to know that you have someone keeping up with your progress. Addiction doesn’t have to be faced alone. In fact, it never should be. Help is out there.
Recovery is Possible
All experiences of addiction are different, which means that recovery will look different for everyone too. The one fact that remains true is that sustained recovery is possible. The key is to reach out to loved ones and professionals. Don’t let shame prevent you from getting the help you so readily deserve.