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Overcoming Stigmas: Defining Your Recovery
Mar 3, 2021
Among the biggest detriments to the quality and perceptions of mental health and addiction recovery are the stigmas that society uses to define them. Despite advances in medicine and research about mental health and addiction, people continue to cling to outdated characterizations that distance them from those struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. Stigmas also have more than a toxic effect on those on the outside looking in; they also influence the decisions made by those struggling, often perpetuating feelings of embarrassment, shame, and self-resentment.
There is No Glory in “Vain-Glory”: Overcoming Ego in Recovery
Mar 3, 2021
Recovery is a lifelong pursuit built upon patience and persistence. During this process, you will face challenges that may leave you feeling “stuck” and as if you can’t move forward on your journey. One significant factor that might be keeping you from moving forward in your recovery is your ego. While many people struggling with addiction have low self-esteem and always think less of themselves, many also experience ego.
Fighting Boredom in Recovery
Dec 18, 2020
While in recovery, you may miss the old hangout spots and your old friends you spent so much time with before. It can be challenging to find ways to fill your time with sober, fun activities. After going to the gym and going on hikes a million times, Saturday nights may get pretty dull, especially for someone who is used to spending their weekends out at bars or clubs using substances. Learning new activities to fill your time can not only prevent you from relapsing but make your experience of recovery more fun!
What to Do If You Relapse
Dec 15, 2020
Recovery can be a roller coaster ride filled with highs and lows. When you are in the process of recovering, relapsing is a reality many people have to face. After feeling like you have won the battle for sobriety, it can be hard to cope with the idea that you may one day fall short. Relapse, while not encouraged, is common and shouldn't discourage you from moving forward. Before you can understand what to do when you relapse, you must understand the signs before reaching that point.
How Can I Return to Work Sober?
Dec 14, 2020
Returning to work in early recovery is something that can leave you biting your nails, worried. So many questions about your return may go through your head. What do they know? Are they judging me? Going back to work may even trigger you. It can bring back feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. Learning how to return to work after getting sober can help you manage any negative emotions and continue your path to recovery.
Understanding the Process of Recovery
Dec 10, 2020
Many people suffering from any form of addiction may experience denial. People may deny their feelings, thoughts, and desires. Another thing that is heavily denied is an internal struggle. Reasons for denying internal battles may stem from insecurities, embarrassment, and fear. One common internal struggle is the battle people have with the use of drugs or alcohol. When it comes to recovery, honesty is your best friend. If you feel like you may have a problem that negatively affects your life, it may be time to get honest with yourself. You may want to consider the possibility that you are struggling with addiction. If you’re interested in learning what the road to recovery looks like, you're in the right place.
Navigating Nightlife in Recovery
Dec 8, 2020
The process of recovery cannot be completed overnight. Many believe that it is a lifelong process. A significant part of engaging in substance use can be the environment and people you choose to spend time with. You may have been part of the “nightlife scene,” which often includes clubs, bars, lounges, and parties. In these spaces, it is a regular occurrence to consume drugs and alcohol. While you may miss the nightlife, there are many alternative options to have fun while in recovery. Learning about new nighttime activities and their benefits can help with exercise, mental health, and curing feelings of boredom and isolation. You may even consider gathering your loved ones to get together and have fun!
Wearing Recovery on Your Sleeve
Dec 5, 2020
At times, recovery can be an uphill battle that many people struggle with. However, every part of the process of healing should be embraced. Learning not to be ashamed of your past can be used to push you forward and help others. It’s easy to be ashamed, especially when you have done things that have led to hurting others. Understanding that you are a new version of yourself can be a self-esteem booster. This does not mean that you have to be the spokesperson of recovery or a motivational speaker, but there are things that you can do to impact the people you are surrounded by. Learn to embrace the new you.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Addiction?
Nov 30, 2020
Addiction is a complicated disease that doesn’t lend itself to one, all-encompassing recovery path. Wondering how long that someone will need before they are “sober” is normal, but the answer will vary from person to person. No two cases will be the same, and there can be any number of different external factors involved, such as culture, daily stresses, or access to support systems. Recovery is also a lifelong battle, and putting a timer on healing is disingenuous to the process as a whole. Instead, somebody can better define recovery by measuring one’s goals and success, coupled with their increasing set of skills to cope with difficult stressors. Recovery isn’t a binary, nor is there a set time that someone needs before they are healed. It is a lifelong process, and recovery from addiction is better thought of as one’s ability to use their practical skills to accomplish their own goals in a sober life.
Talking About Needs With a Loved One
Nov 29, 2020
Recovery may consistently be a part of someone’s life. Leaving a transformational living facility and moving back in with family or a loved one doesn’t indicate that recovery is over. Instead, someone may still be attending outpatient recovery programs and fine-tuning their recovery toolkit. New therapeutic approaches are continuously being tried, and it is always beneficial to try new coping strategies to be prepared for the constantly changing reality of the world. Talking about these continued needs in the life-long recovery journey can help someone set themselves up for continued success. Alongside loved ones, someone can better understand addiction’s complicated nature while still providing adequate support for someone’s ongoing sobriety.