In order to embrace all the possibilities of a life in recovery, you need to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Taking care of your mental health should be just as much of a priority as repairing the physical damage caused by substance abuse.
Strong social ties have been linked to improved mental health in several studies.
As part of your treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, you’ll be asked to evaluate the relationships in your life and determine who should be a part of your sober support network.
Although you may instinctively realize that people who abuse drugs and alcohol are dangerous to associate with when you are newly sober, other relationships may be harder to evaluate. Use these six signs of a toxic relationship to help you decide how to proceed.
Alcohol may be legal for adults over 21, but it’s still a highly addictive substance. Understanding the dangers associated with alcohol abuse can help you make an informed decision regarding addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one.
Addiction affects the entire family, but there’s always hope for healing if you’re committed to making changes to promote a healthier family dynamic.
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. Even parents who don’t have substance use disorders make mistakes, so there’s no need to continue to punish yourself for what’s happened in the past. What matters most is that you’re in recovery and committed to moving forward in a positive, healthy way.
A balanced diet helps stabilize your mood, control your cravings, and boost energy levels. If you’re in recovery for alcohol addiction, you should work closely with a nutritionist to create a meal plan that addresses your specific nutritional deficiencies.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which creates a feeling of fullness in the body. This can reduce a person’s desire to eat balanced meals.
Forgiving an addicted parent is not easy, but it’s a vital part of the process of moving forward with your life. Until you let go of the pain of your past, it’s impossible to live fully in the present.
Your parent’s addiction may have affected you in a number of ways. For example:
Being in recovery means more than simply refraining from abusing alcohol or drugs. For a lasting recovery, you need to address the underlying issues that contributed to your substance abuse and build the habits necessary for a wellness-focused lifestyle. Beginning a regular exercise program is a key part of this process.
However, if you allow yourself to believe your negative thoughts are automatically true, they can become a serious threat to your recovery.
Negative thoughts encourage a victim mentality, promote a sense of hopelessness, and keep you from fulfilling your potential. They discourage the growth mindset that is a crucial part of overcoming the challenges faced in the first year of sobriety.