6 Things to expect when you're just starting to recover from an addiction
The beginning of recovery may seem to be very frightening and intimidating at first. And that’s completely acceptable because you’re about to embark on a journey you’ve never been before. However, that shouldn’t discourage you at all.
Author:Stefano MclaughlinReviewer:Karan EmerySep 06, 2021215.1K Shares2.8M Views
The beginning of recovery may seem to be very frightening and intimidating at first. And that’s completely acceptable because you’re about to embark on a journey you’ve never been before. However, that shouldn’t discourage you at all.
Bear in mind that you should constantly remind yourself that there are things that you will experience that are not so pleasant, however, that’s just in the first couple of months. During these moments, it’s crucial to try to remain sober and focus on success. What else can you expect? Find out more below.
What Can You Expect During Your Early Recovery
Emotional Highs And Lows
The beginning can be compared with a rollercoaster when it comes to emotions. You'll be facing lots of highs and lows and possibly at some point, you'll feel nothing at all. During this period of time, it's important to learn how to overcome these emotions.
It’s of huge importance to start using certain coping skills if you want to succeed. Yes, you will probably be anxiousand depressed at first, however, you shouldn’t be scared by these things. Instead, learn how to recognize them and find a way to combat them.
You May Have A Different Journey
You’ve probably heard it a lot, however, the truth is, everybody is different, which means that your progress is going to be different from everybody else who is going through this process. In fact, you will have a tailored program that was designed specifically for you.
The pace of your recovery will depend on many factors, such as your emotional and physical strength, your will to succeed, as well as the support you have from the people you love and the facility you currently reside in.
In case you are struggling, do not be afraid to notify your healthcare provider. In the facility Recovery Delivered in Florida, you can always consult with doctors and let them know how you feel. They will then do anything they can to help you cope with everything. Just remember that you should never compare yourself to others, no matter how good or bad they are doing.
Prepare Yourself For This As Well
Be Careful With Celebrations
During recovery, you have to be careful with certain celebrations, especially if they involve dangerous substances. For instance, if you decide to attend any event, bring someone you can trust with you.
This person is going to be there for you in case you start to feel uncomfortable. If you start experiencing this sensation, go home. Listen to your body and what it is trying to tell you. It’s called self-preservation and you definitely deserve it!
Don’t Be Too Confident
If in the first couple of months things start to drastically improve, that’s great, but it doesn’t mean that your journey is over. You may start feeling like you’ve conquered addiction already, but that’s surely not the case. Do not be tempted by anything, but instead, keep reminding yourself that you need to stay dedicated to this if you wish to succeed.
Nine Months To Twelve Months
After approximately three-quarters of one year, you should definitely be doing a lot better. If you've been careful enough, you should be able to recognize all the potential negative signs, hazardous places, and toxic people.
All these things can worsen your current positive situation, which is why you should avoid them at all costs. By now, you’ve probably figured out that your recovery must be prioritized if you want to remain healthy.
During this period of time, you should do your best to attend as many meetings as possible. Of course, it’s completely understandable if you’re sometimes not able to, however, do turn it into a habit.
For the time being, you are in recovery and you should definitely focus on it if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Bear in mind that no matter how many months you are in recovery, a crisis can potentially happen at any time, hence, you have to continue to go to meetings to make sure you are staying on the right track.
Even if you think that you no longer have any cravings or urges, think twice. These things do not go away that easily, hence, you need someone rational and experienced (when it comes to this) by your side to help you stay sober.
Dieting Is Important As Well
Now that you’ve decided to focus on yourself and your improvement, then you should also pay attention to some other aspects of your life. One of them is your diet. Unfortunately, a lot of people who have been dealing with substances have neglected this area of life as well.
They didn't have the best possible diet in the world, which doesn't mean that they should continue with this type of lifestyle. On the contrary. Namely, you have tortured your body with these dangerous substances and it is highly likely that you are either malnourished or haven't eaten enough fresh vegetables and fruits, and other healthy things in that period of time.
Fortunately, it is never too late to make some positive changes in your life. You can start by implementing fruits and veggies into your diet, along with some fish, lean meats, and other delicious, yet very nutritious things.
Now, this doesn’t mean that you should pressure yourself. Nothing happens overnight. It’s important to listen to your body and see what it needs. Your taste has probably changed in the meantime, and maybe you do not want to consume foods you’ve eaten before.
Just keep in mind that if you choose healthy alternatives, you will quickly see amazing changes in both physical and mental ways. You will have much more energy, your self-confidence is going to be extraordinary, plus your whole body will be thankful for making this spectacular decision. All of this will occur when you start dieting.
Entering any recovery program is for sure very scary, however, always remind yourself that this is going to help you rebuild your life. Carefully go through this guideline to see what you can do to help yourself come out as a winner.
Stefano Mclaughlin
Author
Stefano Mclaughlin is a Psychologist focused on mental health, emotional well-being, and healthcare policy. He studied Psychology and Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, gaining a deep understanding of the intersection between mental health and public policy.
Stefano's mission is clear: he aims to destigmatize mental health discussions, improve access to mental healthcare, and promote emotional well-being for all. Drawing from personal experiences with anxiety and depression, Stefano shares real stories to make mental health topics more relatable and less intimidating.
In addition to his advocacy work, Stefano enjoys delving into books, experimenting in the kitchen, and embarking on new adventures. These hobbies fuel his creativity and inspire fresh perspectives for his advocacy work.
Karan Emery
Reviewer
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
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