In recovery, things shift away from rehab or treatment into real life. This is when life begins in sobriety. To start over again takes some support from everyone in your life. You are taking important strides and goals but you have to make the right decisions to stay on the path. It might mean relapse, it might mean never going back again. Whatever the journey looks like, now is the time to start again and seek that network of support to keep you feeling uplifted when recovery has you down.
Know Thy Friends
People who were your friends when you were using drugs or drinking may not be your friends now. If they are still using, they should not be in your life. If they didn’t support your journey of recovery, they should not be in your life. Surrounding yourself with understanding and compassionate people will be the best thing you can do for your recovery. People don’t upset you and remind you of your past behavior to keep you down. They help you maintain motivation when you’re feeling rough. Ask yourself whether you recognize if it is the right friendship with these ideas:
- They should not be an obstacle to healing
- They should not pressure you to use drugs or go back to old habits
- They should offer support for your journey regardless of where they are
Even if it’s just for a short time, it’s good to re-evaluate who is in your life to see if they still have a place in it now you are sober and clean.
Make Goals (and Meet Them)
A new job and addiction recovery might seem like you are not making progress because you are feeling far behind the eight balls. If you are unemployed, finding work may feel like an additional chore on top of recovery. Some organizations can help you regain confidence in living the life you want. Explore those options and think about making a positive shift.
Take Your Time
Positive results don’t happen overnight. Some days, you won’t be able to function. Other days, you’ll experience feeling great. If you feel tempted to go back to addictive habits and old ways, call someone. Get a medic alert bracelet and call for help or install mobile apps for easy access. Don’t leave yourself shorthanded when it comes to making sure you are ready to go with the network in place to help you navigate recovery. This is your journey, so take the time to set yourself up for success by being surrounded by the best people you can.
We can help you figure out what next steps to take if you are struggling with addiction. There is healing in the journey of recovery. If you need support, we will be here for you. We are located in beautiful Laguna Beach. Call us to find out how we can help you navigate addiction recovery: 888-981-4295
