Did you know that the majority of people who struggle with addiction, about 75%, end up recovering? This is fantastic news. While it may seem like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, this doesn’t have to be the case. With enough determination and support, you can break free.
Of course, it’s easier said than done. When you’re struggling with addiction, it seems like there’s no way out. Don’t fall for that.
We want to offer some advice that can help you get through your addiction and finally reach sobriety. We’ve compiled 8 helpful tips that will get you there. Read on to learn more.
1. Seek Professional Help
The best thing you can do when you’re struggling with addiction is to seek help from professionals. It is possible to overcome addiction on your own, but it’s far more difficult. Why not take some of the pressure off of yourself and let mental health professionals help you?
You have plenty of options when it comes to addiction treatment.
Make sure you pick a program that has options for your specific treatment needs. Not every treatment center will treat every type of addiction, but they should have information available online that will let you know what they’re able to help with. You can see that Recovery Life Group’s treatment program includes treatment for opiate addiction, heroin addiction, stimulant addiction, and alcohol addiction. Other programs may be better for people who struggle with sex addiction, internet addiction, and so on.
The right recovery program can change your life. Always accept help if you need it!
2. Get Support from Loved Ones
Speaking of support, you should always accept support from your loved ones.
This can be challenging at first. It’s possible that your addiction has put a strain on many of your interpersonal relationships, and that means that it’s more difficult for you to reach out and get the support that you need.
You’re going to have to be honest with your loved ones. Explain the situation and ask for their forgiveness. Ask how you can make things better for them so you can restore your relationship.
When people can tell that you’re trying to make things right, they’ll be happy to provide support.
3. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is everything when you’re trying to recover from your addiction. If you’re not caring for your mind and body, you’ll burn out. Stress makes it more difficult to stay sober. Stress isn’t entirely avoidable, but self-care will help.
Find things that relax you and start doing them. Perhaps you start doing at-home spa days or you spend time reading a book every night. You listen to a favorite song when you’re feeling stressed or you always give yourself at least a half-hour every day for yoga or meditation.
Self-care looks different for everyone. What does self-care look like for you?
4. Eat a Healthy Diet
It’s tempting to replace your substance of choice with unhealthy foods, but this could just cause you to replace one addiction with another. Sugar is incredibly addictive, and you’ll be vulnerable. Instead, start eating a healthy diet.
A healthy diet will keep you feeling strong and capable. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have occasional treats. It just means that you should focus on nutritious foods first and foremost and let the treats come later.
It will be tough at first, but it will also be worth it.
5. Go to Support Groups
Support groups are crucial for people who are struggling with addiction. Sure, you already have the support of your friends and family members as well as a team of mental health professionals, but in a support group, you’ll be around people who understand exactly what you’re going through. This is truly priceless.
You don’t have to feel scared or ashamed. Everyone is there for (roughly) the same reason and they won’t judge you for your addiction.
You can find support groups through your addiction treatment program. Often, they’re 7-step programs like AA.
6. Find an Outlet
Having a creative outlet is helpful when you’re trying to recover from your addiction. An outlet is just somewhere to put your thoughts and feelings when they’re getting overwhelming.
So what does a proper outlet look like? It’s different for everyone.
Some people like to have creative outlets. They may paint, draw, or write stories when they’re feeling overwhelmed. They turn their stress into artwork.
Other people are more straightforward. The journal when they need to let emotions out. The journal becomes the outlet.
As long as the outlet isn’t hurting you or anyone else, it’s a good one.
7. Get Exercise
Exercise is fantastic for people who are in recovery.
First, exercise is good for everyone. Your body needs to move if you want to stay healthy. The CDC recommends about 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise.
Exercise can also help with your addiction recovery. Exercise causes your body to produce endorphins. Endorphins are “happy chemicals” that will make you feel less anxious and more energized. They may be just the ticket to help you stay sober.
8. Remember It’s a Journey
Sobriety is a journey, not really a destination. When you remember that, you’ll have an easier time.
Many experts consider relapsing a normal part of recovery. Never feel ashamed if something during the recovery process goes wrong. Things happen and you’re only human.
You also need to remember that many people can never use any type of substance again after going through recovery, even if it wasn’t their substance of choice. You’re committing to a life of sobriety.
You Can Recover From Your Addiction
Recovering from an addiction may be the hardest thing you ever do, but it will also be the best. These tips won’t make recovery easy, but they may make it more tolerable. You’re so much greater than your addiction and you can get through it.
Keep yourself healthy, stay motivated, and never be afraid to ask for support from your loved ones. You’ve got this.
