We may have had goals and aspirations before struggling with substance abuse. However, we often learn more about ourselves as we go through recovery, and our vision for our lives may have changed. How do we decide where to go after treatment? How do we figure out if we still have the same goals as
Some people see hobbies as something to do to fill the time. They are meant to be enjoyed and don’t seem to have much impact beyond that. However, this view underestimates how much of a difference having a hobby can make. Hobbies can be a fantastic way to stay on track with recovery while improving
When we have come to terms with our substance abuse, we may begin to recognize the many ways it has made our lives unmanageable. We may feel as though we are living in chaos, without any structure to our days. Once in sobriety, we may find it helpful to reevaluate what is important to us
Once in recovery, we may find ourselves at a crossroads between what we used to enjoy before struggling with substance abuse and what we thought we enjoyed while actively struggling with substance abuse. We may have become closer with people who were using and damaged our relationships with sober friends and family. The way we
For many of us, recovery means we are starting our lives over. We may have lost some of our agency over what we did, how we behaved, where we lived, and who we shared our lives with. With this loss of control, we may have lacked any sense of stability. Without consciously realizing it, our
As kids, many of us had role models that we looked up to. Often, that person had the qualities we aspired to have as adults. Now in adulthood and newly in recovery, we can benefit greatly from finding a mentor. Building a relationship with someone who has been through treatment and has the qualities we
When we were kids and had a fight with one of our friends, our parents would tell us to take responsibility and apologize. That concept is used throughout our lives, but what happens when the reason for the apology is too painful to even think about? How can we make amends with someone who may
Many of us have learned in school that answering the who, what, where, when, and why of a topic can help us understand it better. This is true for treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) as well. There is a lot to think about when trying to find treatment, and it can often feel overwhelming.
Emotions are an essential part of the human experience. They color our perception of everything we encounter. How can we embrace and process our emotions in a healthy way? We may feel unable to do this, especially with emotions that feel uncomfortable, painful, or even dangerous. The Emotions of Recovery Leading up to treatment, we
Substance use disorder (SUD) can affect anyone. Although different people can have different risk factors, there isn’t a specific type of background or personality required for someone to develop an addiction. SUD doesn’t discriminate, and those providing treatment mustn’t discriminate either. What Is Inclusivity? Many people have felt excluded at some point in their lives.
