More than 20 million Americans suffer from addiction. Between April 2021 and April 2022, over 90 thousand overdosed on drugs.
The good news is that it’s never too late to start your recovery journey. The first step is deciding to change.
You can’t heal in the same environment that made you sick in the first place, so you may need to leave your current home or seek out inpatient care in a different state.
You also shouldn’t try to get better on your own. Your peers and doctors can do a lot to ensure that your journey is successful. Continue reading to learn more.
Deciding to Make a Change
The first step in overcoming addiction is deciding to change. This means that you recognize there’s a problem in the first place and want to take action to fix it.
This is the stage of your recovery journey where you’ll start making goals. Make sure these goals are attainable instead of quitting cold turkey.
Case management can make this discovery phase a little easier. You can view here to learn more.
Get Out of Your Current Environment
Again, it’s not possible to heal in the same environment that made you sick. While you’re at home, you’re surrounded by constant reminders and temptations.
If it’s not possible for you to leave your home to seek out inpatient care in another state, you will need to clean your home. For example, if you’re trying to quit alcohol, get rid of any sources of it, including bottles and corkscrews.
Find a Healthy Distraction
The symptoms of withdrawal are difficult to deal with. They can cause even the most disciplined person to turn back to their addiction.
When you feel the urge start to hit you, instead of giving in to it find something to distract you. Go for a walk with your dog, play a game, or call up a friend or family member.
Seek Out Support
When it comes to beating harmful behaviors, having a support system will be crucial to your success. Reach out to those who are close to you and let them know you’re quitting your addiction. Ask them to become part of your support system.
Talk to your doctor and ask them to help you weigh your addiction treatment options, and consider joining self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. Building relationships with people that have been in your shoes before is more than helpful. It can be inspiring.
Set boundaries with those you care about. Ask that they don’t drink alcohol or use drugs while in your presence.
Start Your Recovery Journey Today
Starting your recovery journey is a huge step that can be scary to some. The important thing is that you’ve made the decision to get help. That’s step number one.
Once you decide on your recovery goals, everything else will fall into place from there.
For more tips that will help you on your journey towards sobriety, visit the Health section of our blog.
