Keys to Long-Term Recovery Success
There is no magic key to getting sober and having long-term recovery success. Drug and alcohol addiction is a complex, chronic condition that must be dealt with in a variety of ways. First and foremost is finding the right treatment program to fit your specific recovery needs. But a good treatment program alone—no matter how experienced the addiction specialists—cannot guarantee your success in recovery. That will require a personal commitment and the initiative to do the hard work of staying on the path to lasting sobriety.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some healthy tips and strategies you can utilize in your daily life that will hopefully make things easier as you venture down the path toward long-term addiction recovery.
What Is Recovery?
Put most simply, recovery is the process of change that those suffering from substance addiction undergo in order to improve their mental and physical well-being. The process is ever-evolving, and it involves learning to navigate life without the crutch of addictive substances and, in doing so, finding positivity and gratitude in sobriety.
Once you’ve gone through detox and the initial treatment, it’s time to start thinking more clear-headedly about a post-treatment recovery strategy. This should entail developing healthy habits and setting attainable goals that can contribute to a more optimistic outlook on life and lead to recovery success.
What to Do in Recovery
In terms of the social aspects of recovery, there are a few key things you’ll want to focus on in order to ensure a healthy recovery. Perhaps none are more critical than making sure that you have a safe, stable, and substance-free environment. Recovery from substance addiction is hard enough—trying to do so in an unsupportive, enabling, or triggering environment can be nearly impossible. Prioritize your comfort and security so that you can focus on healing.
Here are a few other social tips to follow:
- Make a List of Short & Long-Term Goals – Having daily goals that revolve around staying sober and healthy, as well as long-term goals such as finishing school, getting a new job, or moving to a new city, can be great motivators and fill your days with purpose during recovery.
- Celebrate Milestones – Don’t underestimate the power of a healthy celebration. Even if it’s just a small goal that you’ve reached, make sure and take the time to recognize the accomplishment and celebrate the hard work it took to reach it.
- Attend Meetings and Support Groups – Establishing a sober support network is a key part of a healthy recovery. These will be the people you turn to along the way for help and accountability—and to not feel so isolated and alone in the struggle—so make sure to find a group that you feel comfortable and connected with.
- Continue Seeking Professional Help – It’s important to have recovery support every step along your recovery journey. Having the advice of a professional counselor as you undertake your own self-maintenance program can be hugely beneficial.
Learning Healthy Activities in Recovery
In addition to your social well-being, a healthy recovery success also depends upon your physical well-being. Here are a few ideas:
- Get Enough Sleep – Adults need an average of 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night. Good restful sleep is crucial in maintaining stress levels and allowing the body and mind to recuperate, all of which play an important role in navigating the daily struggle of maintaining sobriety.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques – Daily life can be quite stimulating and mentally exhausting, and oftentimes people in long-term recovery turn to meditation and mindfulness to relax rather than drugs or alcohol. This could mean deep-breathing exercises, a long walk or bike ride, or even some time spent curled up with a good book.
- Establish a Health-Conscious Lifestyle – Being healthy in all aspects of life—mental, physical, and emotional—is crucial to a successful long-term recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Taking concrete steps to eat healthier, exercise regularly, and stay connected to loved ones and a social/emotional support network will go a long way in promoting a positive lifestyle that can lead to sustained sobriety.
- Develop a Daily Routine – Plan out your days in a way that brings a sense of structure and control to life. Your routine should allow you to balance self-care, such as exercise and creative endeavors like journaling, with responsibilities like work and school. This will also help relieve boredom, stress, and loneliness, which can often trigger a relapse.
Take the First Step Toward a Successful Recovery
At South Beach Detox, we’re a dual-diagnosis treatment center focused on both medical detox and mental health counseling. Our inpatient treatment program features an experienced and compassionate staff who fully understands what it takes to have success in long-term addiction recovery.
If you’re ready to seek the help you need to begin your journey toward recovery, reach out for a free consultation today.
