The early stages of recovery are challenging. Small details are very important. In recovery, only one thing needs to change: everything. Experiencing life from a sober-perspective can be frightening at first, but building a solid foundation can mean the difference between relapse and long-term recovery. There are many ways to stay sober, but the basic principles usually remain the same. Below are six simple suggestions that can lead you to success in early recovery.
Simplify Your Schedule
To find success in early recovery, you have to understand that the world can’t be fixed in a day. Overloading yourself with too many obligations can increase stress. Increasing stress in early recovery can be fatal. Do your best to disregard unhealthy distractions. Eliminating unhealthy excesses in the beginning will prove to be invaluable in the future. Overall, keep things simple; be efficient, productive and thorough.
Learn structure
Structure is necessary for success in early recovery. Focus on activities that contribute to your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Find things you’re passionate about, that bring joy to your life. Structure is beneficial for one reason: it promotes balance. Keeping a routine promotes balance in all areas of your life and staying balanced can decrease stress.
Speak up
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. No one has achieved long-term recovery alone. Be open, be vocal and be courageous. Early recovery is confusing, benefiting from the knowledge of other’s can provide much needed clarity on a variety of issues, both recovery and non-recovery related. Seeking help from those who came before you is one of the best things you can do. The experience of others is a vital resource. Those who came before you have faced many challenges sober.
Make meetings a priority
Find what works for you. Whether 12-step recovery or non-12 step rehab, a variety of options are available to those who seek them. Meetings are a place of recovery, but also fellowship. Finding friends in recovery is one of the greatest benefits of meetings. Frequently attending meetings can greatly decrease heavy emotional extremes that are common in early recovery.
Create a foundation
Stick with the winners. Be around people that make you a better person. Friends who will support you when it’s needed the most. Keep accountable to a meeting and or meetings you like. Find healthy hobbies and activities that you enjoy. Practice the basics, build a network of quality sober friends, have an open-mind and be willing to follow suggestions. Finally, give yourself a break and know that with hard work will pay off in the end.
Make a list of goals
Writing your goals down on paper is a great way to keep yourself accountable. Creating a time sensitive plan to achieve your goals is a great way to keep motivation levels high. Be realistic. Rome wasn’t built in a day. You can’t achieve your goals in one year or even 5 years. Make a plan of short-term and long-term goals. Be diligent, productive and efficient. Keep in mind, your goals will always materialize if you work hard for them.
Success in Early Recovery
These healthy coping mechanisms are from men and women who have achieved long-term recovery despite the emotional-rollercoaster that is early sobriety. They are not facts, laws or guidelines. Simply suggestions. These tips can and will improve your mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health.
Typically, those who put these suggestions into action, greatly benefit themselves and those around in doing so. Stay focused, stay motivated, stay humble, and most of all; stay sober. However, if you need additional assistance, consider the aftercare program or alumni program offered by Morningisde Recovery.
Call Morningside Recovery today at 855-631-2135 to learn more about addiction treatment and recovery.
