September is National Recovery Month, which promotes the societal benefits of treatment and recovery for mental and substance abuse disorders. Deciding to seek treatment from a Orange County therapist for a drug or alcohol abuse problem is only the first step in the long process of recovery. Recovery takes time, patience, practice and determination.
If you’ve started down the road to recovery, congratulations! Here are five tips to help you stay sober during this challenging time:
- Do not underestimate your disease. Addiction is very powerful and recognizing that is important.
- Ignore the relapse rates and disheartening statistics. Remember that YOU create your reality and your recovery process.
- Practice forgiveness. Forgive those who have wronged you in the past, and forgive yourself. The inability to deal with anger is what causes many people to abuse substances in the first place.
- If you go out and will be around people who are drinking or using, form an ally. There is power in numbers. Enlist a friend, preferably also a sober one, to help you stay strong.
- Take great care of yourself physically: keep your stomach full, your body hydrated and get exercise and rest. The better you feel, the less you’ll feel the need to alter your mind.
Recovery can be a lonely road. In addition to sessions with your Orange County psychiatrist, consider going to AA meetings or group therapy. Hearing others’ stories will uplift and inspire you.
12
SEP
SEP
0
Share