Recovering The SelfA Journal of Hope and Healing

Addiction

Life-Altering Changes You May Need to Consider to Recover from Addiction

by Aubrey Johnstone

Addiction is no joke. It’s not an illness that you recover from with medication and rest. Those who suffer from addiction know that it is a disease that impacts every area of your life. To get free from it requires just as much effort. In order to truly recover from addiction, one must be willing to take a look at their life and make some serious changes for the better.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to someone developing an addiction, however, lifestyles and an inability to properly cope with trying circumstances are at the top of the list. After going to a rehab facility for withdrawal help, a recovering addict will have to make significant changes to stay on the straight and narrow. Below, are just a few examples.

Relocating

Your environment can greatly impact your ability to stay sober. This is especially true if you live in a neighborhood where drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances are easily obtainable. To stay clean and resist relapsing, you may need to consider relocating. Start looking for areas in a more positive environment where you can get a fresh start. If you don’t have the means to relocate yet, consider talking with a relative about moving in or look for a roommate to share the cost of expenses.

Changing Jobs

Those who work in a stressful work environment are more likely to become emotionally overwhelmed or mentally ill which can trigger the urge to abuse drugs and alcohol again. If your working conditions aren’t comfortable or cause you too much stress, it’s time to consider making a change. If you like the field you’re in, start looking for more positive employers to work for. If, however, you’d like to find a career with purpose, begin researching the necessary requirements to obtain a job in that industry.

Ending Relationships

Having positive support around you is imperative to your addiction recovery. Yet, not everyone in your inner circle has your best interest at heart. It’s time to take a real look at the company you keep and remove anyone who is toxic. Whether it’s a relative, a childhood friend, or significant other, if they fueled your addiction, abused you mentally or physically, or did nothing to show their concern when you hit rock bottom, it is best to end the relationship.

Changing Social Environment

You may have enjoyed going to parties, hanging out with your friends, and living a care-free life, but if you’re going to truly recover from addiction, some of these things need to come to an end. Steer clear of social events that offer drugs or alcohol and most importantly, stay away from friends who lead that type of lifestyle as it’s not in your best interest right now. Start looking for things to do that bring you joy without the need for substances. Mingle with new people, attend community events, and find new things that inspire you and fill the void of the life you once lived.

Put Yourself First

There are some people that struggle with addiction simply because they’re always trying to be everything for everyone. They burn out and turn to substances as a means to cope. This pattern, however, cannot continue. Whether you’re a mom, wife, grandparent, or a best friend who’s always been the rock for everyone, it’s time to put yourself first. Take care of your health by dieting, exercising, and getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Find ways to unwind like taking a bath, getting a massage, or traveling. Set goals and begin making a plan to accomplish them. Your recovery has to be all about you and that’s far from being selfish.

They talk a lot about lifestyle changes like eating healthy fats, fruits, and veggies or exercising 3 to 5 times a week. While those things are part of the process of recovering from addiction, that’s not all that needs to be done. In order to set yourself free and get back to a positive place, it may very well be necessary for you to make some life-altering changes such as those described above. Though some may be harder than others, keep in mind that all of these changes are what’s best for your physical and emotional wellbeing.

About the Author

Aubrey Johnstone (pen name) is a freelance copywriter and blogger, she began her online writing back in college during a mandatory blogging class which turned her focus into merging her interest in health and wellness and online writing. Her main focus in the past few years has been family health and the relationship between parenting and childcare but often writes on lighter subjects like travel and fashion whenever she actually has a good idea for a blog post.

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Recovering The Self is a forum for people to tell their stories. Individual contributors accept complete responsibility for the veracity, accuracy, and non-infringement of their reporting.
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