Rebuilding Your Life After Overcoming Addiction

There has been a recent increase in substance abuse as reported by Pharmacy Times. This increase can be attributed to the overwhelming stress and uncertainty that the pandemic brought on everyone’s life. But, recently the world has turned a corner and for individuals currently in recovery, this article by Centered Recovery Programs explores the steps you can take to remain on the right track for the long term. So, let’s dive into how rebuilding your life after overcoming addiction can be tackled without feeling so overwhelming!

Take Things Slowly

Rebuilding your life after overcoming addiction through our mindfulness-based rehab program at Centered Recovery Programs can be both exciting and challenging. Post-rehab you may feel energized and motivated towards immersing yourself in all the things you feel you’ve been missing out on. But, it’s best to take things slowly and initiate small steps towards creating new routines. This is because starting multiple endeavors at once may trigger stress and make you doubt your ability to handle responsibilities.

Avoid Old Habits

Just like you let go of substances, you need to quit being around individuals and places that can hinder your progress. The obvious but important preliminary step is to avoid meeting individuals who provided or used substances with you. While this may feel difficult to do at the start, as time passes the urges will decrease and you’ll reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, if needed, change the routes you take to reach work/home to avoid visiting areas that could act as potential triggers.

Make Up for Past Mistakes

There’s a good chance that your substance use caused a strain on the relationship with those who love you. While you may feel nervous to reconnect with them, more often than not your loved ones will be happy to support you on the road to recovery. As reported by Johns Hopkins Medicine, having a strong social support system will play a key role in helping you develop new routines, maintain a positive outlook, and get through tough days you’ll experience once in a while.

Set Long-Term Goals

Having goals will motivate you to work towards things that provide self-fulfillment. Additionally, achieving goals will involve developing healthy habits which will improve your well-being both in the short and long term. If you’re wondering what kind of goals to set, here are three options to consider:

• Earn a College Degree:

  Earning your first or additional academic credential will open doors to new opportunities. Additionally, completing a degree will require you to commit to a routine, maintain discipline, and be consistent in your efforts. Plus, implementing a bachelor of science in education goal into your routine can lead to a good-paying career when you’re done.

• Plan to Buy a Home:

  Becoming a homeowner is no small feat and will push you to develop sound financial planning and good money management skills. A crucial part of the home-buying process is saving for the down payment. The minimum down payment lenders accept is 5% of the purchase price, but 20% is their standard expectation. For instance, for a home worth $200,000, you will at least need to save between $10,000 – $40,000 for the down payment.

Additionally, you’ll need to plan for closing costs, monthly maintenance, and daily cost of living. The motivation to be a homeowner will curb your urges to spend money on substances, rather you’ll work towards saving it until your down payment goal is reached.

• Commit to a Fitness Routine:

  Using substances over a prolonged period is known to take a toll on a person’s health. But, the past is the past, and now you can be working towards improving your physical and mental wellbeing. Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain muscle, or develop endurance, being consistent with your exercise routine over weeks and months will be key. Here’s a list of activities to include in your fitness routine:

• Jogging
• Cycling
• Weight Training
• Swimming
• Meditation
• Yoga

While it will take time to achieve your end goal, with each passing week you will become physically healthier, experience lower levels of stress, and develop better eating habits.

Set Long-Term Goals

On the road to recovery, it’s important to remain patient and not be too hard on yourself. Yes, there are challenges that will come up. However, by setting goals and having the support of those around you, the future is bound to be better and filled with positive experiences.

Lucille Rosetti is a mental health guest blogger from TheBereaved.org