September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. According to the Addiction Center, almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% of them receive treatment.
Recovery is a difficult process that introduces many obstacles. It is especially harder for those who feel alone and do not have a strong support system. Whether you are in recovery or are seeking help, it is never too late to improve your health and wellness.
Here are five tips to help manage recovery:
- Understand the stages of recovery: Trusting in the process is crucial when it comes to recovery. It will not be a clear, single lane road: Recovery is an ongoing cycle that sometimes includes additional stages. The stages are an outline of what you can expect on the road to recovery. Remember that everyone is different, and the amount of time that it takes you to get to the next stage should not intimidate you. Good things take time.
- Document your journey: Writing a passage in a journal everyday not only helps you measure results, but it also shows lessons learned throughout the process. Having a clear vision or a document that highlights your successes will motivate you to continue to achieve your goals. Talking about our problems is difficult for most of us, and writing can be an escape from reality. Grab a pen and a piece of paper, and start writing about your day-to-day life. What has worked? What seems to hold you back?
- Develop healthier habits: Mental and physical health are different, and we sometimes forget that mental health is just as important. Developing healthier habits can be as simple as revamping your daily routine or meditating for five minutes each day. Life changes do not have to be difficult, and it is often the simplest ones that have long-term effects. Moving your body everyday not only helps with your physical health, but it also improves mental clarity.
- Surround yourself with like-minded people: The people and environment that you surround yourself with have a big influence on your actions and beliefs. When we surround ourselves with highly driven and motivated people, we are more likely to adapt to our surroundings. Spend time around those who have the same interests and have similar goals as you. There are many resources that bring like-minded people together. If you are questioning whether a friend group is the right one for you, try reaching out to other people who are in recovery.
- Believe in yourself: Believing in yourself is easier said than done. We often quit when the journey gets too hard, or we let others’ opinions prevent us from achieving our goals. On the road to recovery, you must always believe in yourself, and when you do, you will be one step closer than where you were yesterday or even last year. Going through a process of change is overwhelming, but having a positive mindset and believing in your potential is the only way to change your life.
Recovery is not easy. If you or a loved one is suffering from a substance abuse disorder, contact a treatment facility for help. To learn more about the breadth of services offered at Havenwood Behavioral Health, visit havenwoodbehavioral.com/or call us at (864) 660-6217. With proper treatment and support, you can overcome addiction.