When people hear the word recovery, it is often associated with abstinence. This would include not drinking, not using drugs, and not engaging in addictive behaviors. While abstinence may be a key aspect of your recovery, it is just one element of what a successful recovery entails.
Sobriety is the Beginning
Sobriety isn’t the final destination of your recovery journey. Rather, it is just the beginning. Long-term drug use and substance use can cause years of damage to our bodies, relationships and self-esteem. Part of beginning a successful recovery is to slowly, day by day, repair and resolve the issues caused by your long-term substance use and addiction. For example, maybe you have been unemployed for months or even years due to your substance use. As you progress in your recovery, you may try to look for new employment. Physically, your body has gone through a lot – so you may also begin to explore new ways to become healthier, such as through exercise.
Finding the Cause
Addiction is often the result of issues that are occurring in your life – such as trauma, mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression, loneliness or feelings of disconnection. Understanding why the addiction and substance use occurred is key, as it will help prevent you from having a relapse. At Victory Recovery Partners, we provide both individual and group therapy. These services provide a safe place for you to discuss and resolve the root causes of your addiction and substance use. Our behavioral health counselors can work with you to help provide a clearer understanding of why the addiction occurred, and how you can manage and work through difficult feelings or emotions in the future.
Starting Over
Recovery is about more than just not using – you will be able to “start fresh” and embark on a new journey as the “new you”. For example, you may pick up a new hobby, such as playing an instrument. Or, you may take a trip somewhere new or special and create memories that will last a lifetime. Learning how to have fun while sober is key – today, more and more social environments such as restaurants, bars, and clubs, offer non-alcoholic beverages. (Trends of the younger generation show a decline in alcohol consumption as compared to previous generations). By learning how to have fun while sober, you will be able to start fresh and thrive in your recovery.
Remember, Recovery Is Continuous
It’s exciting, and certainly understandable that you will be eager to start life as the “new you” in recovery. Keep in mind that recovery is an ongoing process. It is a lifelong journey that is continuous. Some days will be harder than others. A relapse can occur, and this does not mean you have failed. Relapsing is common, normal, and part of the journey.
Victory Recovery Partners, a network of eight outpatient addiction-recovery centers on Long Island, New York, provides total care under one roof to our patients. This includes behavioral health, psychiatric, wellness, and medication-assisted treatment services. At Victory, patients come first and everything else follows. Our motto is simple, “No One Left Behind”. For more information on Victory, please visit our website.