You’re not alone if you’re living with addiction. More than 21 million people are going through what you’re experiencing. One of the things that set you apart is that you recognize that you have a problem and you want to get better.
It can be hard to figure out how to overcome your addiction. What’s important to keep in mind is that you’re forging a new life ahead. Getting sober is the first step on the road to recovery. Knowing how to transition back into life is just as important.
Today, we’re going to talk about our tips for rebuilding your life after dealing with an addiction. Create a life that you’re proud of and that you enjoy being a part of.
Seek Treatment
A treatment center is key to helping you identify your addiction triggers. There are countless addiction centers in the country. For example, Clinic Les Alpes, offers a wide range of addiction services, all from their location in the Swiss Alps. You can get sober from drugs, alcohol, or another type of addiction.
In addition to having a place to get sober, you’ll meet other people who are going through the same things that you are. You’ll form lasting relationships with them. These friendships will help you get through your program and give you a solid foundation for moving forward.
Be Patient With Yourself
You might be tempted to fully jump back into the world after you’ve gotten sober. Unfortunately, you might realize that you’re not 100% ready for that. It’s okay to feel ready to live life to its fullest. Keep in mind that you should be patient with yourself and try not to dive in head first into anything.
Life will feel different after you’ve gotten sober. It could take some time for you to get used to it. Slow and steady is essential for winning the race of substance abuse recovery.
Figure Out Your Triggers
As we said earlier, identifying your triggers is part of the sobriety process. Knowing the things that could trigger cravings is a huge part of stopping relapsing.
Triggers can be both external and internal. They include things, like:
- Thoughts
- Emotions
- Situations
- Things
- Places
- Feelings
- People
You can create a plan to avoid or prepare for your triggers once you know what you are. More specific types of triggers are:
- Emotional distress
- Stress
- Relationship problems
- Financial or job problems
- People who are drinking or using drugs
Know the Relapse Warning Signs
Even if you’re prepared for your triggers, a relapse might sneak up on you. That’s because you may not know what the warning signs are. Relapses start long before you start drinking or using.
Relapses are broken up into phases – emotional, mental, and physical. A few warning signs you should be aware of include:
- Not behaving responsibly
- Thinking less rationally
- Looking for situations where people are using drugs or drinking
Reach out to your sponsor, therapist, or support system if you start to notice signs of a relapse.
Avoid Old Habits and Routines
Continuing the same routine you had before you got sober will make it too easy to fall back into old behaviors. Hanging out at the same places and with the same people won’t help you stay sober.
Some of the changes you should make to your routine will be obvious at first. You shouldn’t hang out with people you used to do harmful substances with. This includes your old drinking buddies or drug dealer.
You should think about changing your route back home or to work. You might not realize that there are triggers along your path that could make you want to drink or use drugs again.
Another thing that might affect your sobriety is having a chaotic schedule. You need to have a structured weekly and daily schedule. Having a structured routine can help you achieve goals in all areas of your life. This can include being on time for work or going back to school.
Get Ready for PAWS
What’s PAWS? PAWS stands for post-acute withdrawal syndrome. This includes feeling withdrawal symptoms that last for longer than your detox period. These side effects can include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue
- Depression
PAWS can last anywhere from six months to a couple of years after you stop using. Your level of dependency affects the timeframe.
These symptoms can make it hard to overcome your addiction. On top of recognizing you’re experiencing PAWS, you also have to know when to get help.
Find New and Healthy Relationships
You’ve likely realized that a lot of your past relationships with toxic and unhealthy. It’s not just former drug dealers and drinking buddies that can be troublesome for you. Even those close to you can trigger a relapse.
Some of the following people can enable you without realizing it:
- Employer
- Friend
- Family member
- Partner
Staying in these toxic relationships makes it more likely that you might relapse. Developing healthy relationships is important to stay sober.
Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Chronically using alcohol and drugs can take a major toll on your emotional and physical health. Staying on top of your self-care is important post-recovery. You can avoid major health problems as you make smart choices. You’ll also ensure that you’re strong enough to stay sober.
Some things you can adopt into your daily routine include:
- Getting enough sleep
- Regular exercise
- Making time for hobbies and fun activities
- Eating well-balanced and regular meals
- Practicing yoga or meditation to relax
Learning different relaxation techniques will help you stay calm and in control. Some people who misuse drugs or alcohol have issues with anger. Learn how to manage your anger as you make healthy lifestyle choices.
Overcome Your Addiction and Find Your New Normal
Staying sober is a lifetime commitment and journey. There might be some things you can bring from your old life into your new one. However, it’s important to know what to cut and keep as you move forward. You don’t want anything getting in the way of you staying sober.
Was this blog helpful? The Unfinished Man has a large selection of information on addiction, lifestyle choices, and more. Check out one of our other articles to find out more.
