Early recovery from addiction can be very challenging. Addiction affects all aspects of a person’s life. The brain changes physically and physiologically and becomes dependent on drugs and alcohol. Addiction puts an enormous emotional strain on relationships with loved ones. Addiction can lead to financial strain, low productivity, and absences from school or work.
Addiction is isolating, and many who suffer from it have an underlying mental health condition that can contribute to drug or alcohol use as a way to cope. In treatment, you will learn how to make lifestyle changes and healthy ways to cope in recovery.
Effects of addiction
The brain needs to re-learn how to function normally without the control of drugs or alcohol. In treatment, group activities allow you to learn from others’ experiences, reflect on yourself, and receive guidance and direction from treatment specialists. There is no “one size fits all” in treatment, so every person’s treatment is tailored to their unique needs.
In early recovery, you will notice changes when you apply the strategies you learned in treatment. Addiction is complicated and changes your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Treatment allows you to discover the deep-rooted cause of the addiction. It takes time to heal from addiction because it is a life-altering disease.
Rebuilding relationships and staying active
Addiction is a family disease. Loved ones will also need time to heal. Rebuilding relationships with loved ones requires trust and respect. Abiding by boundaries set by loved ones will help restore trust issues. How you see yourself as substance-free allows you to sustain more meaningful and healthy relationships.
Staying active with healthy activities helps you in recovery. With a clear mind, you can focus on yourself and explore healthy interests and activities. Going out with sober friends and family can be fun without using drugs or alcohol. Laughter can help promote mental and emotional health while living substance-free. New sober friendships can emerge through meetings or group activities.
Changing your lifestyle
An article by Steven M. Melemis for Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, NIH (2015), explains, “The most important rule of recovery is that a person does not achieve recovery by just not using. Recovery involves creating a new life in which it is easier to not use.” Stay positive, have sober family and friends encourage and support you, and do not give up. During this time, you will gradually see your life change. Changing your lifestyle in sobriety is refreshing and rejuvenating for your mind, body, and spirit.
Addiction is difficult, but treatment is available, and recovery is possible. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, get help today. Do not wait another day to enjoy a meaningful and fulfilling life in sobriety. Take your first step toward a substance-free lifestyle and get help now.
Cypress Lake Recovery specializes in addiction treatment in a serene, remote, lush-green, oxygen-enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships.
