Addiction to alcohol and substances can happen to anyone but a crack does not mean you’re broken. Every new day is an opportunity for a fresh start through the recovery process.
Today could be it for you. First thing, however, is to change your thinking. From the kind of thinking that got you to this point in life to one that will escalate you.
Ordinary people live extraordinary lives once they overcome hardships. Want to live an extraordinary life? Fortunately, you can. There are numerous centers, organizations, and institutions that understand your problem and are ready to help you through the recovery process.
You’re already reading this so, Congratulations! You’re one step ahead.
The hopeful aspect is that with the right kind of help, you will certainly feel better. It definitely won’t be easy!
There will be hurdles along the way, cliffs’, potholes, bumps – name them.
Through it all, remember to be patient and lenient with yourself. In case depression and anxiety get the best of you, refer to the following top 10 tips and tricks when trying to recover from substance use disorder or other mental health concerns.
Take advantage of these and you could be on your way to recovery sooner than expected.
1. Accepting that you have a problem.
Your potential is practically limitless once you acknowledge and accept your weakness. The faster you accept that you are in need of help, the faster your mind and body align towards recovery.
Listen to the people closest to you such as family members, teachers, faith leaders and trusted friends.
Denial only aggravates the situation and leads to anger, resentment, and defiance.
More importantly, listen to your inner voice and accept to deal with the problem not because other people say you should, but because you actually want the recovery process to work.
2. Find the right treatment program.
There is more to recovery than simply abstaining. A treatment program will help you understand that.
You may also ask your primary health care provider for referrals. It is essential to find treatment immediately when you realize you have a problem.
Residential treatment centers have trained personnel who know your concerns.
They are experienced in providing mental health care, emotional support, psychological care, counseling and dietary needs.
Therefore, you are safer here than at home or school.
3. Join support groups.
Teamwork almost always results in success.
Support groups bring people with the same problems together. Share experiences, opinions, notes, and ideas on alcohol and substance recovery.
The fact that you are in a group of like-minded individuals is already a consolation.
There should be several local support groups in your area designed that you can attend regularly.
If you are not comfortable meeting people who know you, commute to a support group situated in a location far from your home.
Otherwise, an online support group is an option.
4. Find the right treatment for your overall health.
Apart from the emotional recovery process, you need a specialized doctor to take care of any grave concern.
This may be anxiety, depression, fatigue, trembling, nausea, vomiting, irritability and other serious concerns.
Ensure the treatment center has specialized doctors, equipment and other resources to take care of serious concerns.
5. Practice positive mindfulness.
Always have a mental image of the view from the top whenever it feels like an uphill task!
Your mind is perhaps the most important organ as far as recovery from dependence is concerned. There is a need to practice positive thinking. Positive thinking includes telling yourself that you can and will be liberated from drug dependency.
What you are going through is just a small distraction, a dot in a white blank page. It should not hinder who you want to be in life!
Surround yourself with people who understand you and are willing to support you in this recovery process.
6. Banish negative thoughts.
You’re strong enough to overcome addiction. You have all the power. By believing you do, you’re already halfway.
Do not ever doubt the fact that you can recover from alcohol or any other substance you are addicted to. After all, there are many people who have recovered in the past. In addition, you have several chances to fight your own battle!
Banishing negative thoughts include staying away from negative influences such as people and situations.
Do you feel better when you do an activity such as swimming, dancing, workout or a leisurely walk?
Join other people in the activity and let your mind and body get busy.
7. Watch and read positive material.
Just like bathing, motivation is recommended regularly.
Books, television, the internet and the conventional forms of media are some of the biggest influences in a person’s life.
This is especially true for those with alcoholism, substance abuse, and other mental health concerns.
Watch funny, motivational and interesting movies.
They will get you in a blissful state of mind. Life is meant to be blissful! Motivation helps you realize that you too have a fighting chance.
8. Avoid temptation.
Not everyone thinks the same way as you do. You may want to recover from alcohol and substance abuse, but your buddies may still be mired in the same habits that landed you in trouble in the first place.
Let your friends and family understand your intentions and be firm. If you must distance all friends, family and other people who want to pull you back then do it.
While this may be out of your comfort zone and take the hard choice; it’s worth the sacrifice.
You will draw closer to those that are a positive influence in your life.
9. Exercise a relapse prevention plan.
The only way your shadow shall fall behind you is if you face the sun, opt to face the sun!
Have you tried going through the recovery process only to slip back into the habit? You are not alone. Many people trying to recover face this problem at some point in the process.
The most important thing is to seek help before the problem escalates into real trouble.
Find ways to avoid old habit. Smokers can take advantage of special cookies, snacks, and treats that fight the urge to smoke.
The same is also true for those addicted to alcohol and other substances.
Just as mentioned in the first step, it is important to admit your relapse when it strikes and address the problem head on.
10. Engage in an activity.
Get outside as often as possible. If you are fond of outdoor activities such as camping, mountain climbing, swimming, running and other popular activities, engage in these in the company of like-minded people.
Ensure that the environment is free from alcohol, cigarettes and any other substance that may take you off the course of health and happiness.
Just like riding a bicycle, you’ll have to move forward to balance. No matter the pace, keep moving forward.