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Ways to Invest in Yourself in Addiction Recovery

Sydney Schulz on July 1, 2021 at 10:00 AM


By Lydia Johnson



Have you already started your journey to recovery by pitting in some time and effort? Have you stopped using all the mind-altering substances? Also, have you started implementing the coping mechanisms you have learned during treatment? If you have, we have some excellent news for you. You have already begun to invest in yourself. And it can't have been easy, so, well done! You have managed what many people tried but never succeeded. The persistence you have demonstrated, the hard work you have put in, and the dedication you have shown are admirable. But now, it's necessary to continue to invest in yourself in addiction recovery as it will make it easier to remain sober. Now is the time to focus on all the other areas of your life. Then, you will notice some tremendous changes in your physical and mental well-being.

 

Focus on your health


We all know what we should do, but not all of us actually do it. Sleeping well, eating enough fruit and vegetables, drinking enough water, and exercising will all help you feel better and good about yourself. Moreover, you will feel happier, more satisfied, and purposeful. Prolonged use of detrimental substances takes a toll on your health, making it hard to feel happiness. 

But you deserve that extra effort to introduce healthy habits into your daily life. Your body that has served you so well deserves to be treated nicely. So, it's time to start prioritizing your health over indulgence. And if you think about it, you already have a considerable advantage over others. You have managed to quit substance abuse. It means you have the strength and determination to avoid junk food, stop smoking, and implement some healthier habits. You know how to find alternative ways to manage cravings because you have done it so many times, with things way more challenging.  


Improve your diet


Perhaps you think this is the same as the previous section, but diet deserves special attention. It can massively impact your well-being, both physical and mental. A healthy, balanced meal will boost your energy levels, help your memory and elevate your mood. Most importantly, highly nutritious food will help repair the damage your body has suffered. Thus, eat more fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and food rich in healthy fats like nuts

and fish. As you can see, there is no better way to invest in yourself in addiction recovery than to focus on your eating habits. 


Read


Reading is an incredible activity. It's enriching, ennobling, and refining. It's a perfect way to invest in your knowledge and emotional understanding. Moreover, books can get you closer to the new and unknown and help you get to know the world through stories and the lives of others, both real and fictional. Ultimately, books allow you to grow intellectually and emotionally and better yourself on so many levels. Whatever interests you, you will find something fantastic to read. And if you read extensively, you will occasionally stumble upon something that resonates with you so deeply that it will leave a mark forever. As a result, you will continually improve as a person.


Invest in yourself in addiction recovery by learning a new skill


If you take the time to learn something new, you will experience benefits beyond the skill you now possess. Firstly, you will be in touch with others and get a chance to build new relationships. Then, you will get a sense of accomplishment and a fresh dose of confidence that comes with it. In addition, the new skill will be a powerful tool to fight boredom, which can be a serious enemy on your path to recovery. Finally, it could give you a new mindset and help you learn to adapt to change better, which is crucial for people in recovery.


Let go of the negative


Being happy is a fleeting emotion. Chasing it, like a high, may feel frustrating and overwhelming. Especially if you are looking to invest in yourself in addiction recovery, it's essential to strive to achieve contentment. The feeling of content is more permanent and reliable. Also, it's something you can reach. To do so, you have to accept that not everything is in your power. Choose to let things happen and eliminate the negative feelings that come with judgment. Learn to prioritize your ability to handle the unexpected and the everyday challenges life throws at you. 

So, once something out of your control happens, there is no need to label it as good or bad. Just accept that it has happened. The best you can do is improve the way you experience these situations. That way, you will slowly minimize the negative emotions that could trigger a relapse. 


Watch your finances


Financial difficulties are a huge source of stress for anyone, but they are a significant issue for people in recovery. You already know that addiction is expensive. But, addiction treatment also has a price tag, albeit a much smaller one. Thus, investing in yourself, in this case, has quite a literal meaning. It involves directing your money toward things that will benefit you. These will include your basic necessities and services that will help keep you on the right track. Also, a portion of your finances should go toward bettering your life in recovery.


Basic necessities

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Utilities
  • Treatment services


Ways to better your life

  • Pay off your debts
  • Put money on the side to save up for education (getting certifications or going to college)
  • Experimenting with holistic treatment options (yoga, acupuncture, massage)
  • Moving to a safer home (more on that in the next section).


Move to a safer home


For people in recovery, any change can be potentially hazardous. Therefore, relocating to a new home may not be the best idea. However, there are situations when moving is the best thing you can do for yourself. For example, if it's hard to stay away from detrimental people and places or you need to be closer to your family and support group, which is critical during recovery. Also, life in a different location, even a different state, can prove to be a welcome change and a chance at a new beginning.

Finally, if you have managed to secure financial stability, buying a house will be like a cherry on top, the crown of your success. Also, the home buying process in another city or state can be an excellent way to focus on something positive. It can be a project to create a new home for you. 


Step aside and check-in with yourself


It's necessary to monitor your investment and see if there are results, and you are making progress. Make sure that the changes you are introducing are enhancing your life. The best way to do so is to keep a journal. That way, you will see if there are any improvements. So, keep track of the changes and how they make you feel. Also, note the times when you have fallen short and see what adjustment you can make to avoid that. Finally, monitor your interactions and check if some people around you are holding you back.  

When you begin to invest in yourself in addiction recovery, you are bound to reap some fantastic benefits in the future. You will soon feel much better about yourself; your health will improve, and your financial situation will recover too. Moreover, you will start connecting with other people and building healthy relationships. Most importantly, you will start feeling proud of yourself and gain confidence to move forward and grow as a person even more. 

Meta: Here are some ways to invest in yourself in addiction recovery. It’s essential to continue to work on yourself and stay on the right path.


By Lydia Johnson



1 Comments

Sarah Matthews

Good Read

993 days ago