In the world of recovery, we know that self-help alone is not enough to overcome addiction. Lasting sobriety is something that is best achieved with the aid of trained professionals and individualized treatment plans. However, after your time in rehab has concluded, you may benefit from a wide array of self-help options to keep your recovery fresh. These should always serve as a supplement to your other treatment. Read on to learn more about some of our top recommendations.
AA and NA Meetings
It probably comes as no surprise that our top suggestion for helping yourself in early recovery is to attend regular 12-step meetings. AA and NA are powerful self-help tools, especially in the period just after treatment. This is true for several reasons. First, you’ll develop a new support network of people aligned with your goals. This is also an excellent avenue for learning the recovery techniques that have contributed to years and years of sobriety for your peers. If they’ve faced challenging times, they can share their tips and tricks with you. Beyond all of this, meetings also form routine and create accountability. If you need to try out several different groups to find the right fit, that’s fine! As long as you’re dedicated to this and don’t let yourself stop attending, you’ll protect your hard-won recovery.
Stay Curious
After rehab, you may feel energized and extremely excited about your newfound sobriety. However, as time wears on, you may find yourself growing bored with the same routine of journaling and meetings. If you’ve exhausted the techniques you learned in treatment, it may be time to freshen up your approach. One of the best ways to do this is to consume a lot of content centered around recovery. Listen to self-help sober podcasts, follow sober accounts on social media, and read books about others’ journeys. By seeking out these stories and shareable moments, you’ll stay motivated and constantly aware of your own recovery. You’ll also learn what has worked for others.
Clear Your Mind
Unfortunately, stress is one of the major contributors to drug use and eventual relapse. If you don’t decompress from your daily difficulties – whether they take the form of difficult commutes or tough workdays – you’ll notice an increase in tension and a decrease in your self-control. Set aside some time to clear your mind with meditation. It fights anxiety, depression, and insomnia, lowers blood pressure, and helps to manage pain and cravings. Even ten minutes per day can help you get in touch with yourself. If you need a little guidance throughout the process, apps like Headspace can help you get started.
Don’t Forget to Breathe!
Most of us are always breathing automatically, but whether we realize it or not, our breaths are shallow and often too quick. If you’re feeling stressed, sit down and take several deep breaths in a row. This reduces tension, boosts endorphins, and helps you to calm down and center yourself. Try this quick breathing exercise: breathe in for seven seconds, hold it for seven seconds, and breathe out for seven seconds. Do this self-help exercise seven times in a row and see how you feel afterwards.
Practice Self-Care
It’s easy to get caught up in daily life and forget to care for yourself. Self-help and general wisdom alike put great emphasis on the importance of self-care in early recovery. Set aside some time to pamper yourself or do an activity that makes you happy. Consider reading or writing about recovery – think about how far you’ve come! There’s plenty to go over, and afterwards you can reflect on your accomplishments.
Recovery That Lasts
The real work of recovery begins after treatment has concluded. Many people need additional support in keeping their sober lifestyle fresh and exciting. Call Segue Recovery Support at 1-833-485-0789 today to learn more about our long-term recovery solutions.