How to Reorient Your Life Around a Successful Recovery
Recovering from a substance dependency can be complicated, especially if you are dealing with underlying health issues for which you started taking opioids or benzos in the first place. And, for those who have successfully completed recovery — either through Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) or any other recovery process — life on the other side can look a little different. It may require you to shift perspectives, build new habits, and surround yourself with people and activities that bring positivity in your life. Recovery can be a lifelong process, and here are a few ways to reorient your life to ensure you have the support you need well into the future.
Be present
The advice to “be present” sounds simple, but this is often the hardest step for those in recovery. The only way to move forward is to acknowledge the past and accept your current situation. “You are where you are. Blame, guilt, regret, and anger — none of these serve to change your position,” write the experts at American Addiction Centers. Learning how to accept, and be present, with your current situation is the foundation for long-term recovery.
Reconnect with your support system
Make a habit of seeing close friends, family, and mentors regularly. Social connection is important during recovery. Go for walks, meet for coffee, or volunteer with others: find ways to connect and prevent yourself from becoming isolated. Recovery can be a long road, and finding people to help you along the way will keep you motivated.
Participate in regular sessions
At least at first, it’s helpful to have a counselor, therapist, or therapy group to whom you are accountable. A telehealth solution like medication titration counseling and pain counseling provides a flexible, personally-tailored approach to recovery that can be done completely remotely. Through our secure, completely private platform, you can speak to a licensed counselor anytime, anywhere. Our counselors personalize your program to meet your specific goals through individual counseling sessions, group therapy, and two-way texting in between sessions to help you work through cravings and issues as they arise. We’re here to help, no matter where you are in your recovery process.
Set a goal
Many early recovery programs, such as the 12-step program, encourage participants to recognize that they are not in control of their lives, and that a higher power is in charge. However, as you move through your recovery, it’s important to feel that you determine the direction in which you want your life to go. Setting a goal can be a good way to do this — and research shows that those recovering from a dependency often go on to achieve these goals.
A study by a team of Harvard researchers found that 80% of those who had overcome an alcohol or drug dependency accomplished “at least one major achievement associated with self-improvement and family engagement since overcoming a substance use problem — things like getting a new job, completing a university degree, or volunteering.” These achievements were often associated with secondary benefits, such as improvements in quality of life and well-being over time.
Whether it’s volunteering, learning a new hobby, or completing an online course, set a goal that can keep you focused and in control.
Do some meal planning
Substance use can take a toll on the body and lead to deficiencies in critical vitamins and minerals. Over time, these deficiencies can pose a threat to your physical and mental well-being, which is why focusing on nutrition after a successful recovery is so important. “As soon as someone reaches a stable point in their recovery, focusing on nutrition is one of the best ways to help the body heal from the damage of addiction,” wrote one recovery expert.
Meal planning can help you ensure you’re getting the right combination of nutrients to help your body recover. Start with one meal a day and look for recipes that include ingredients like nuts, seeds, avocado, chicken, fish, and tofu. Whole grains and lean proteins are good, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Making a meal plan and a shopping list will help you stay on track with your nutrition.
Get some exercise
Along with healthy eating, exercise plays a big role in healing your body. Regular exercise is shown to help reduce stress, boost energy, and improve mood, sleep, brain function, and your immune system.
The CDC recommends getting 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, or a combination of the two. Moderate-intensity exercise could include going for a walk, mowing the lawn, riding a bike, or hiking. More vigorous exercise means things like running, swimming laps, playing basketball, or playing tennis.
Start slowly and work your way up. Find a combination of activities that keep you motivated, set goals, and make it social — the road to recovery may be long and hard, but with the right mindset, you can achieve great things.
