10 Simple Recovery Tips!

It’s no secret: recovering from addiction isn’t easy. In fact, it’s probably one of the most difficult things you or your loved one will ever have to go through.

Here are ten tips that should help you through the recovery process.

1. One day at a time.

As you begin to recover from your problem don’t focus on the fact that you may never drink or use drugs again. Rather, focus on today. Get through today without using the substance. Worry about tomorrow when it comes.

Constantly thinking about how you’ll never be “high” again can be overwhelming and intimidating. Recover one day at a time because that’s the way it works.

2. Don’t underestimate your disease

When anyone discovers they have a disease or problem, the first temptation is to make it smaller than it really is. Everyone does this. Don’t minimise or ignore your problem.

Instead, you should acknowledge the disease for what it really is, learn as much as you can about the addiction, and recover (well-informed).

3. Ignore the relapse rates

Don’t be discouraged by the high relapse rates. YOU are the one recovering, not the rest of India. Create your own success.

4. Be prepared

Because your making a huge change in your life, you have to be ready for it.

Think about it: you’re planning to remove a huge portion of your life, you need to prepare for its absence. Just like you would prepare for a test or job interview, you need to prepare to beat addiction. Here are just a couple of ideas to get you started:

• Stay away from friends who use drugs or drink.
• Start a recovery group.
• Have a plan.

5. Replace the Addiction

When addiction suddenly disappears from an addict’s life a gaping hole forms. That huge void has to be filled with something… anything.

Start a journal, pick up a new hobby, read a book, go back to school, get a job, exercise—whatever it takes to stay sober… do it!

6. Forgive Yourself

Once you decide to recover, you have to forgive yourself.

If you still live in guilt, that guilt will eventually force you right back in the direction of your addiction.

7. Write Out Your Goals

Making a list of goals you’d like to accomplish as you recover will keep you focused.

Be as specific as you can when you develop your goals, and make sure they’re doable (you don’t want to frustrate yourself with goals that can’t be accomplished).

8. Act. Don’t React.

Be sure to act, so you don’t react. Having a plan to beat addiction is crucial. Know what you need to do if relapse seems to be around the corner.

Act before you relapse.

Maybe your asking: “What do you mean, Act?” Here are a few examples:

• Calling a recovering friend who can talk freely about the problem.
• Talk to your Alcoholics Anonymous group, many of them have been there before.
• Have a specific plan: go for a walk, go to a friend’s house, or go to a place where it would be impossible to relapse.

9. Meditate

Clinical studies have shown that meditating may help people stay healthier, gain better control over their emotions, and sharpen their mental focus. Each of these prove beneficial for a recovering addict.

10. Get Treatment

Of course, receiving treatment for your problem is a really good idea.

De-Addictioncentes.in has over 400 centres listed that exist to help addicts and recovering addicts like you or like your loved one.

Do you have any tips that have worked for you?