Overcoming drug addiction is like defeating a dragon. The battle is long, tough, and many times feels soul-aching. However, it is unanimously agreed upon that it must happen. That dragon must be slain. One of the greatest myths when it comes to beating addiction is that you are alone. That’s never true. The situation isn’t so unique that no one else can understand. In reality, the feeling of isolation is pretty common. Instead, if you or a loved one is battling that dragon here are a few tips. Below are eight positive ways to help aid them in their journey.
Behavioural Therapy
Talking it out is a great first step. Behaviour therapy helps to pinpoint the patterns of thought that likely aid addiction. It can help make the difference between living a productive life or a reactive life. A reactive life is when you respond to your environment but cannot control those feelings. It is like brain training to make your thoughts better, stronger, and more resilient. You are not helpless to your behaviours, you’re stronger than them.
Anonymous Groups
This may sound like a broken record but it needs to be said. Going to anonymous groups is a vital part of recovery. The steps that they encourage are tried and true. They have helped countless others in your exact situation, and guess what, it works. The step work helps you to grow yourself and look inward at one’s own triggers.
Exercise
A great way to feel good about your body and draw ones perspective inward is exercise. Getting your body moving helps to manage stress. If stress is untreated it can increase the likelihood for relapse. Waking up every morning and doing yoga, crunches, or hitting the gym can be a great way to start the day. It can help to bring awareness to the body as it isn’t separate from the mind. While it is important to grow the mind, it is also important to grow the body.
Moving
Moving out of a city, town, or area can be a great way to hit the reset button. Well, sort of. Your living environment has a lot to do with your mental stress. If you pass a park that you frequented while using every day it may be good to get some distance. Why put yourself through the incessant thoughts of the past? Instead, moving can help you to think of the future and growing a life outside of addiction. There will always be groups, organizations, and new friends to help with your recovery no matter where you move. For example, if you are actively in rehab or looking for rehab, consider a texas drug rehab or going out of state. A little distance can be nice.
Say Goodbye
Overcoming addiction means more than saying goodbye to vices. Sobriety can also mean saying goodbye to friends or even family. If someone doesn’t support your sobriety or is still stuck in their addiction it may be time to say goodbye. Well, at least for a little while. Put yourself and your recovery first. It’s like flying on an aeroplane when they say to secure your own oxygen mask first before assisting others. Your decision to say goodbye may also encourage others to get treatment and look at your determination as inspiration.
Adopt a Pet
Well, this option may not be for everyone. A pet is a lot of work, but a plant can also count. Both the care of a pet and plant can help you to develop a routine. Whether it is remembering to water or feed them every morning it can give you enough motivation to keep moving forward. A pet is a great way to keep yourself accountable, as they train your brain to think outside of itself.
Charity
This may be a good option once you are well on your way in your recovery. Giving back to society, your fellow man can help strengthen the resolve to remain sober. Charity work can help keep you accountable to your sobriety because there are others that depend on it. It is also a great way to feel good about yourself, which self-acceptance an important part of recovery.
Eat Better
What you put into your body you get back out. If you fill it with junk food than your thoughts can also feel like junk. When thinking of retraining your brain it is important to think of the fuel that your brain burns. A diet change is a great option for feeling better, managing weight, and picking out of our body responds to certain foods. The next time you eat breakfast, pay close attention to how it makes you feel afterwards. Check to see if the meal made you sleepy, bloated, or full of energy. When considering a diet it is important to consider how the food makes you feel.
Overcoming addiction is a journey, one that can last a lifetime, but that’s not to say it can’t be done. Remember to keep strong and maintain healthy life choices.