Recovery

Recovery, like life, can be a winding path, but for every curve that might seem a step back the next step can move you forward. Whether you’re the one starting a new life in recovery, or you know someone who is, you’ll find guidance in understanding the four major dimensions that strengthen recovery efforts, as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

• Community: Each person in recovery will have different needs, depending on age and circumstances. What they have in common is the need for support from those who can listen and provide encouragement. These networks can be support groups of others confronting the same challenges; family and friends; a counselor; or a combination.
• Health: Being drug-free will make you feel better. Going beyond that to create wellness can help you push forward. A healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet, plenty of exercise, and regular sleep can enhance your mood and energy.
• Purpose: Everyone needs a sense of purpose, including — especially — those in recovery. Seek out new hobbies, pick up old ones, volunteer, connect with a faith community: Carving out time to include meaningful activities in your routine can reignite a sense of purpose.
• Home: It’s important to have a place to live that is safe from temptations and adds stability to your life. If necessary, ask those in your recovery community to help you find housing resources.

Recovery is the beginning of many things, not just an end to using. It is a step-by-step, day-by-day process that involves new ways of thinking, both for those going through recovery and the friends and family members affected by it. It’s a lifestyle as well as a choice: Some days may be harder than others, but practicing resilience — looking to peer mentors, friends, or healthcare providers for support — helps make it possible to take the next step on the path of recovery.

Wellness and Relapse Prevention

There are a number of ways to stay healthy on the ongoing journey of recovery. Remember, first, that setbacks aren’t permanent.

To avoid temptation, work with a healthcare team to know how to handle situations that trigger cravings, and how to avoid those people and places. Have a plan for when temptations arise — that is, know which friends or programs to contact for support or treatment. Embrace that support, and focus on the eight facets of life that SAMHSA describes that, together, create balance and can make you whole and fulfilled without drugs: emotional, social, occupational, financial, environmental, physical, intellectual, and spiritual.

Recovery is a lifelong process and staying opioid-free can be challenging, but these strategies for maintaining sobriety can help.