4 Things You Should Do in Early Recovery
From seeking help to entering rehab and finding sobriety, there are many stages to the recovery journey. Although many people expect the journey to recovery to be smooth sailing, it is often a little bumpy.
Like many others, you’ll likely face a few setbacks on your path to recovery. However, this doesn’t mean sobriety isn’t achievable. With the right approach, you can conquer rehabilitation and transition back to everyday life.
If you or someone you know suffers from drug addiction, it’s essential to understand what you should do in early recovery. This way, you’ll be able to handle what comes your way better.
What Is Early Recovery?
Though there isn’t a set definition for early recovery, it’s usually seen as the first ninety days during rehabilitation.
Every early recovery journey is different, and what one person will experience, another person might not. However, this stage is often where many people encounter withdrawal, triggers, and cravings, so it’s important to know what to do to set yourself up for success. It’s also crucial to develop healthy habits that you can stick to during this period.
Here are four things you should do in early recovery to make your journey as smooth as possible.
1. Attend All Meetings and Therapy Sessions
It may seem unnecessary at times, but you must attend all meetings and therapy sessions during early recovery.
These meetings and sessions provide you with the chance to get things off your chest and connect with people on a similar journey to your own, so use them to your advantage.
Commitment and dedication are key to overcoming addiction, so make sure you utilize the resources available in the recovery programs you join.
2. Daily Exercise
Addiction can impact your physical and mental health. This is particularly true once you start encountering withdrawal. Whenever you feel a craving kick in, participating in a form of exercise may be beneficial.
Not only does exercise release endorphins, a chemical that produces feelings of pleasure and happiness, but it will act as a distraction.
Doing something physically challenging will give you a sense of accomplishment and greater mental clarity, making it easier to overcome mood swings and periods of depression and anxiety.
Exercise will also enhance the quality of your sleep, which is paramount in recovery. Aim for at least eight hours a night and ensure your body gets the minerals and vitamins it needs to thrive.
3. Set Goals and Hold Yourself Accountable
When you’re battling addiction, it’s easy to fall into an unstructured and chaotic routine. Once you enter rehab, setting goals and sticking to a regimen will make your journey as smooth as possible. This could be as simple as setting up a daily plan and using a checklist to tick off your accomplishments.
When setting goals, try to make them achievable. Aiming for the stars isn’t bad, but you don’t want to set yourself up for failure.
Start small and stick to goals that will improve your day-to-day life. This might mean incorporating a few more healthy habits or simply attending more therapy sessions – whatever it is, make a note of it and hold yourself accountable.
4. Educate Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Becoming self-aware of your recovery journey and what it involves will set you up for success. Once you understand the science behind your addiction, you’ll be able to cope with any surprises that come your way. Arming yourself with knowledge will also help you in the long run, equipping you with the tools and strategies you need to thrive once you’re out of rehab.
As well as educating yourself, encourage your loved ones to learn more about addiction and recovery. This way, they’ll be able to understand what you’re going through, making it easier for them to provide you with the care and support you need.
To Conclude
No one recovery journey is the same. What you experience will depend on your circumstances, which is why it’s so important to develop habits that help you succeed.
The path to recovery can seem daunting. However, it is also enriching. By arming yourself with knowledge, you’ll be able to navigate the journey a lot easier. There are also plenty of support groups available to help you during your recovery journey and provide you with the support you need to succeed.