The hardest part is over. Or so you think. Getting sober and staying sober is extremely hard on its own. Especially if you’ve been addicted to drugs, alcohol, etc. for quite some time. Just when the battle between you and addiction couldn’t have gotten any worse, you find yourself lost in society.
Once you’ve recovered, your struggle is not yet over. Depending on your situation, you may have a hard time developing relationships, finding a job or even interacting with others. Communication may be sparse, and your confidence might have diminished. But come out of recovery means you’ve accomplished one of the hardest things you’ve ever had to do. That is overcoming your addiction. So, if you can get through that, then you can get through this.
Life After Addiction Recovery
Stepping into the world after battling addiction can be compared to emerging to the surface after living in a submarine tank for years. It’s like you’re being blinded by the rays of the sun and everyone is speaking funny. You even feel as though your posture has changed and everyone is staring at you.
Those years spent feeding your addiction could have possibly felt like decades, so stepping into today’s society might feel scary and unfamiliar. You don’t have to deal with drugs or alcohol, or having no money because of drugs and alcohol. Your urge is non-existent, but for some reason you feel as though the battle is not over. Well, it’s not.
Life after addiction recovery should be filled with things you know you love to do. To ease the transition, surround yourself with things and people that make you happy. Such that fill you with joy and positivity. These objects, activates or people can easy you into the world and begin making you feel comfortable in your own skin.
Repairing Burnt Bridges
It’s possible that while you were on your journey of addiction, you’ve burnt some bridges between family, friends and/or colleagues. You may have lost a connection with these people, or possibly even damaged relationships due to your addiction. It is highly possible that your family might resent you for the choices you’ve made in the past.
Well, post recovery, it’s important you repair those lost relationships. You recovered and fought with yourself for a reason. Not only to better yourself, but to better your surroundings and relationships. Making amends with people you no longer speak with due to your addiction is the first step toward feeling comfortable.
It’s important to know that although your family and friends are happy to see you’ve recovered, problems may arise from time to time in the future. Grudges could be held depending on things you did or didn’t do while you were an addict, so it’s important to confront and repair those issues as and before they arise.
Where to Start?
Once you’ve mended any hurt relationships between family and or friends, you now have somewhere to start. You’ve got people to have your back and to pick you up if you fall.
Finding Sober Friends
Find friends that can relate with you, because it’s possible that your past friends and family would not be able to. People that were addicts and have recovered since and are leading great lives are your best bet. They can truly help you start off anew.
Exercise and Dieting
A great distraction for urges or pain is exercise and dieting. This can relieve any stress you’re having post recovery. Staying healthy is key in continuing your life post recovery.
Start Dating
As humans, it’s important to interact with other humans to retain your health and sanity. If you’re single or suffering from a break-up due to addiction, go out and meet people. You should understand that dating means you might get hurt, but you also might find the love of your life. Or someone that can see you for who you truly are, not for your addiction.
Set Goals
What do you want to achieve it life? Who do you want to be? Where do you see yourself down the line? Think about these things and go out and get them. Don’t just tell yourself you’ve going to do it, but go out and actually do it. Lead a successful life post recovery.