Starting on the Road to Recovery
Addiction is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Drugs and alcohol can consume a person’s life, making day to day activities difficult or impossible. If you feel that your reliance on alcohol or drugs has become a problem, it may be time to consider rehabilitation and recovery. If you are just beginning your journey to recovery, here is a simple guide to finding the help and initial resources that you may need.
1. Acknowledging the Issue
The first step in any difficult situation is admitting to the problem. None of us want to acknowledge that we have a reliance on substances, but coming to that realization can start you on the path to recovery much sooner. The most common sign of addiction is that the substance in question begins to make your daily routine difficult: if you need alcohol to tackle a problem or if you can’t get through breakfast without a cigarette, you may need to look into addiction recovery. A great way to understand your reliance on substances is to create a list of your most important tasks, with a sublist of how outside substances affect each task. If all of your tasks are touched by your substance use, it may be time to consider recovery.
2. Decision
Once you have discovered a problem with your substance use, the next step is making a decision concerning your next step. This can be the most difficult part of your transition into a healthy lifestyle: moving from recognition to action. However, it is also the most important. When you understand your issue, not taking action will continue to exacerbate the problem by way of guilt and unhealthy cycles. Something as simple as researching “rehabilitation centers near me” can shift your thinking from awareness to action.
3. Plan
Making a comprehensive plan can be a great tool to get you closer to your goals. Although recovery is possible on your own, it can be helpful to have a group of people to support and accompany you on your road to recovery. A rehabilitation center or an addiction support group are both great places to include in your plan. Search for rehabilitation centers near you to find the environment and program that fits your needs. Once you have found the support, you can begin setting your goals and timelines that fit within your specific needs for recovery. One way to do this is by splitting up your larger goals into actionable daily habits that you can focus on, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
4. Action
Once you have a plan in place, the next step is to execute: a great way to make sure you follow through is by informing your friends and family of your plan so they can hold you accountable. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing that information, any support group will also offer some accountability while you go through the stages of recovery. When someone else is counting on you to go through with your plan, you are far more likely to improve. Always consult with your chosen rehabilitation center to find the safest action to pursue.
5. Continuing Your Journey
Now that you’ve started on the path to recovery, the next step is to keep your vision on the horizon. The beginning is the hardest part of all self-improvement, and the fact that you are taking real steps to recovery is an accomplishment in and of itself. Recognize your achievements, but remember that recovery is an active cycle, one that you must be constantly involved in to truly make a positive impact on you, your friends, and your family.
This is not to be considered medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions about your own medical care.
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