Addiction recovery for most people comes with its own challenges. It can be stressful particularly if you are new to recovery as you will have to deal with constant cravings, cleaning up your addiction wreckage, and rebuilding relationships, all while trying to hang on to your new life in sobriety. Most parts of early recovery involve training you on how to cope with life struggles as a new way of dealing with addiction now that drug or alcohol use is no longer your option.
Doctors have to employ a wide range of skills and techniques to develop a personalized, well-rounded treatment plan. A great example of these techniques is meditation. If you just started your recovery journey or have been sober for a while but still struggle with addiction, consider practicing meditation to help you deal with depression, anxiety, and stress.
What Is Meditation?
Meditation is an alternative approach to addiction recovery that focuses on mind and body concentration with the goal of inducing relaxation and serenity. Meditation involves being mindful of your feelings, thoughts, and sensory experiences in the present surrounding. There are many ways of meditating, and methods differ based on the individual. It can be done in groups, alone, in silence, or with music and in a calm, serene area.
You also do not need to set timers to meditate. If you are a beginner, you can start meditating for a few minutes and work yourself up to longer sessions. You also do not need to be spiritual to participate – it is not a prayer session.
How Is It Useful in Addiction Recovery?
Meditation carries a significant value for individuals recovering from addiction to drugs and alcoholism. Generally, meditation promotes a sense of inner peace and calmness, improves mental health functioning, increases self -awareness and helps detect impulses and thoughts that make you have cravings, hence preventing relapses.
Improves self-esteem and acceptance
You are more likely to be harsh on yourself than on others, especially when you are on your journey to addiction recovery. Being mindful in meditation encourages attentiveness and observation of your feelings and thoughts, making it easier to be patient with yourself. After a few meditation sessions, you will be able to treat yourself better with the same acceptance and patience that you would likely extend to others in similar situations.
Improved mental and physical health
Meditation is not only good for your mental health but also excellent for physical fitness. When you develop self-awareness through meditation, you are likely to experience a positive impact on your anxiety and stress levels, which can significantly reduce the chances of developing medical-related illnesses like hypertension and heart problems. It has also been found to improve sleep quality.
Increases attention and resilience
Being mindful means not dwelling in the past or worrying about the future, but concentrating on the present. Mindful meditation helps you enjoy the current moment without getting distracted by the situation around you. People who practice meditation as a way of assisting them to cope with the symptoms of addiction recovery are known to be resilient. They have the power to bounce back even after a challenging situation, adapt to the new changes around them, and enjoy their new life in sobriety.
Tips to Get You Started
If you have never practiced meditation before, you may find it strange at first, but when you learn to be mindful and aware of your senses, thoughts, and feelings, you will reap wholesomely the rewards that come along with it. The practice will help you in your recovery journey and throughout your new life. You don’t need to be a pro to start meditating; you can begin with simple meditative exercises as you learn which ones work best for you. Here are a few tips you can use:
Progressive muscle relaxation: To bring awareness to every part of your body, you need to have your muscles relax from head to toe progressively.
Breathing practice: Relax and breathe naturally while focusing on inhalation and exhalation.
Mantra-based: This form of meditation involves repeating a phrase or word out loud or internally. This helps to bring your mind back to meditation in case it wanders, and you lose attention.
Movement meditation: This involves incorporating physical activities such as hikes, yoga, walking, or surfing while still being mindful of your body movements.
Meditation is a personal treatment plan. That means that what may work for you may not work for someone else. Trying new techniques is the best way to identify which ones work best for you.
Let Us Help You
If you or a loved one is struggling to stay sober, it is essential to seek professional help from a holistic rehabilitation program like Soba Recovery Center. At Soba, we are a certified luxury detox and drug rehab program. Our expert doctors will review your medical history, ask you a few questions about yourself, the substance you have been abusing, and how long you have been abusing it to help us come up with a personalized treatment plan. To learn more about our services and how we can best help you, please contact our recovery support specialists today! We hope to hear from you soon.
Addiction: a commonly heard word that is often misunderstood. Addiction knows no prejudice and can manifest in many ways. Some people may currently be sliding down the path to addiction and not know it. Other people might be stuck in the cycle of drug abuse and addiction with no idea of how to escape.
The first step on the road to recovery is admitting you have a problem and ask for help. We know this is easier said than done. To help you get started, we want to let you know what to expect when deciding to get sober.
What To Expect During Addiction Recovery
Addiction recovery is a challenging and exciting journey for those who have been struggling with drug abuse or alcoholism. It’s normal to be nervous and anxious during this time. Using drugs has become your new normal and facing sobriety, the unknown is scary. Below are a few things you can anticipate on the road to recovery:
A New Life: One of the first things that everyone should expect during this journey is that there is going to be a new life. In order for people to truly conquer their addiction, they need to figure out the root of the problem and eradicate it. As a result of this, you’ll feel like your entire life has been turned upside down. And that’s ok.
Better Relationships: You can also expect better and stronger personal relationships. Many of your old relationships with friends will be left behind and that’s also ok. During this process, the bad friends will be weeded out and the good ones will stick by your side during recovery. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet like-minded people who will support your recovery.
Gratification: Finally, people who make the decision to get sober should also expect a hard but worthwhile challenge. Nobody ever said that beating addiction is easy but you’ll feel a sense of gratification once you achieve it. No one can hand you your sobriety, it’s something you earn on your own. You won’t regret making the decision to get better, find sobriety, and become happy.
How to Get Started on the Journey to Sobriety
If you want to get sober and don’t know where to start, a good first step is admitting you have a problem to someone and asking for help. There are friends and family members who are going to be there no matter what. They’ve been there through the good times and the bad. If you don’t feel like there is someone in your life you can currently lean on, you can turn to a trained treatment center professional. They can answer any questions you have and point you in the direction of the right course of treatment for you.
Allow Us to Help You!
At Soba recovery, we’re a drug and alcohol recovery program that offers treatment from our Soba Mesa rehab center in Mesa, Arizona as well as our Soba Texas rehab center in San Antonio, TX. We’ve expanded our capabilities to ensure we offer both detox and inpatient treatment for addiction. We are here to help people get started on the journey to sobriety. We offer a unique program that combines traditional treatment with modern therapies. We have found that this helps our clients overcome substance abuse for good. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!
Recovering from drug and alcohol addiction doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, you can still rehabilitate your life and have fun. You can abstain from drugs and alcohol and enjoy concerts, the great outdoors, festivals, and fairs. This is especially true if you’re recovering in Texas.
Everyone is familiar with the saying “Everything is bigger in Texas”, so we are sure that you will be pleasantly surprised to find out that applies to even our tourist spots. Texas is as diverse as it is huge. There is quite a lot to see and do inside the Alamo City no matter what time of day it is. In addition to the state’s many cities, coastal beaches, mountain ranges, deserts, and state parks, the Lone Star State also has a wealth of activities to enjoy. Whether you choose to explore their lovely zoo with more than 750+ species within 56 acres or the state’s historic sites, esteemed museums, rodeos, country music festivals, or its wide range of other attractions, it won’t take you long to realize that there’s a lot to do in Texas.
Being under the influence isn’t the only way you can enjoy yourself. Albeit, finding activities or entertainment that doesn’t revolve around being under the influence can be difficult if you don’t know where to look, and to help you narrow down some of your options, here are a few of the Lone Star State’s top sober activities.
The Top Sober Activities You Shouldn’t Miss In Texas
1. Discover New Adventures at Natural Bridge Caverns
If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, channel your inner Indiana Jones and visit the Natural Bridge Caverns. These caverns, which were discovered more than 50 years ago, feature more than 10,000 unique geological formations.
In March 1960, four St. Mary University students were convinced that large underground passages existed under the 60-foot limestone bridge from which the caverns are named. After obtaining permission to explore the area, they climbed and crawled into the darkness and discovered 2 miles of vast caves and cavern passages. Eleven years later, the passageways became a national natural landmark.
Today, people from all over the world come to see the cavern’s unique mineral formations. You can also explore newly uncovered passages. Whether you choose to go on a discovery expedition, explore hidden passages, or take a private tour, Texas’ premier natural attraction will give you a look beneath the earth’s surface that’s sure to leave you in awe. You can also find a wide range of sober activities to enjoy above the caverns. The surface attractions include:
Ziplines
Mining and panning for gems
A 5,000-square-foot maze
A treetop climbing adventure
You can also check out the Natural Bridge Caverns’ event page for a list of upcoming activities as well.
2. Get Physically Fit and Reconnect With Mother Nature At Big Bend National Park
You can commune with nature and get some exercise by walking and hiking through Big Bend National Park. The park, which borders Mexico, has some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in the state, including 1,200 different plant species. Big Bend National Park also offers spectacular views of canyons, the Chisos Mountains, and the Rio Grande River.
Even though Big Bend is known for its hiking and backpacking trails, the park is also a perfect place to:
Birdwatch. The park is home to more than 450 different species of birds.
Stargaze. As a certified international dark sky park, Big Bend has one of the darkest skies in the continental US, which makes it an ideal place for stargazing enthusiasts.
Go camping. If you love the outdoors, you’ll feel right at home on Big Bend’s beautiful campgrounds.
Paddle along the Rio Grande River and spend a little time wading in the water on warm summer days.
Picnic. Whether you choose to enjoy a healthy snack off the beaten path, near the campgrounds or along a walking trail, Big Bend is a wonderful place to sit back, enjoy the weather, reconnect with mother nature, and count your blessings.
Scenic Drives. If you’re not in the mood to hike, you can also hop in your car, hit the road, and explore the park’s gorgeous vitas on one of Big Bend’s many scenic drives.
3. Unleash Your Inner Artist At Cadillac Ranch
Even though Cadillac Ranch was created all the way back in 1974 by a group of unconventional artists known as the Ant Farm group, today, the Texas attraction is more popular than ever. This seemingly odd attraction consisting of 10 Cadillac cars covered in multicolored graffiti which are half-buried in the ground is now one of Texas’ most iconic sites. Because everyone adds their own creative mark to the Cadillacs in the ground, the artwork on the vehicles is an ever-changing canvas. The site is free to visit and you are more than welcome to unleash your inner artist or tell your own story on the Cadillacs themselves. In other words, feel free to spray paint your own design on the cars. If you’re feeling especially creative, bring your own spray paint. If this is an impromptu trip, you can find spray paint cans of all colors left on the ground from thousands of other people who have also shared their artistry at Cadillac Ranch.
4. Enjoy Your Sobriety at Sans Bar, A Sober Bar In Austin, Texas
Created by addiction counselor Chris Marshall, Sans Bar is the first sober bar in Austin, Texas. After setting up a GoFundMe in 2015 because he grew tired of watching people he loved die from addiction, Marshall created Sans Bar, Texas’ first alcohol-free bar.
“Over and over, I watched clients and friends struggle and relapse, returning to alcohol, in part because they felt socially isolated,” Marshall explained. “Sometimes, tragically, it ended in death.” Today, Sans Bar helps adults socialize while staying sober. The sober bar offers mocktails and a wide range of entertainment such as karaoke nights, live music, sober sports viewing, and drag shows. But Sans Bar is more than just a place with great drinks and good food.
Sans Bar also remains open throughout the day for the local community in Austin offering services that can improve your physical, mental and spiritual health. Some of the bar’s community-oriented recovery services include:
Designed and built in 1929, the Majestic Theater was the largest theater in Texas for many years and the second-largest motion picture theater in the country. Today, the Majestic Theater is considered to be one of the most elaborate theaters in the country and is San Antonio’s premier performing arts facility. Even though the theater is known for its Broadway shows, you can also enjoy a concert, comedy show, and other live events taking place in the heart of downtown San Antonio.
The Majestic Theater is also nestled in the heart of San Antonio’s famed Riverwalk area, where visitors can wind past restaurants and shops following the San Antonio River. Just steps from the Riverwalk is the legendary Alamo, arguably the most famous historic site in Texas, as well as other attractions such as the Briscoe Western Art Museum and Artspace San Antonio.
6. Visit the Farmers Market at the Pearl
Think of the farmers market at pearl as a Boston creme donut enticing and inviting on the outside, but absolutely amazing on the inside. With almost 20 friendly merchants and dealers selling things like hot food for on the go-to standard jewelry, there is undoubtedly something for everybody inside. The pearl district is not lacking in picturesque beauty in the landscape and design so you can never get bored with the layout while you explore. This community gathering is actually dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and fun for the entire family without being horribly expensive. Feel free to wake up and start your day there, coffee in your hand, and central downtown just a few blocks away if you would enjoy more solidarity. There is something for all kinds of people in this market.
7. See a Rodeo
You don’t have to be a farm-raised cowboy to enjoy a rodeo and some good ole fashioned roughhousing. Make your way over to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo during the month of February and March, or perhaps the Teja Rodeo which is from the spring to the end of fall; to enjoy bull-riding, barrel racing, and calf roping. Live music is also happily included with the admission price, along with the chance to ride an infamous mechanical bull or you could get your shoes shined if you aren’t one for roughhousing. There are still activities available for those who aren’t seeking a quick thrill and prefer to relax in their downtime, like the hayrides or an armadillo race.
8. Visit The Esquire Tavern
The Esquire Taverns is just as mysterious and mystical as the name suggests. They distribute alcohol of course but there is still plenty to do for those who don’t drink! There is delectable food waiting for you at the pub, so don’t be hesitant when it comes to grabbing a seat! Food and drinks aren’t the only things that await you at the pub either, be sure to catch a fantastic musical act for the night before heading home. Whether you are here accompanied by your loved ones or for business, you are undoubtedly going to enjoy your visit to The Esquire Tavern.
9. Get your game on with Knight Watch Games
San Antonio is happy to cater to all tastes and if your tastes happen to be competitive cards/board games such as Dungeons And Dragons or Game Of Thrones in a hall that could make the most professional of game designers jealous-Then Knight Watch is definitely down your alley. With an amazing combo of a gaming hall for you to play to your heart’s content, a game shop for you to purchase your own games to play in the future, and a clothing shop to dress the part of any renaissance role you see fit-Knight Watch is a personal getaway for anyone who enjoys thoughtful games and trials that kicks the brain into motion. Knight Watch accepts all visitors with open arms whether you come by yourself or with friends.
10. Explore your artistic side with ArtPace
Are you on the artistic side? Find yourself marveling at art? Then the ArtPace is the place for you! The museum is definitely an acquired taste, full to the brim with contemporary art. Nine artists are invited to live there and work throughout the year, three from different parts of Texas and others from different parts of the United States and the world. One of their most recent partnerships was with Austin Eastciders in “Cider Sessions” where they distributed free cider and visitors were invited to see just how artists were able to create their pieces. ArtPace does not charge any admission money and prides itself on being open to all parts of the public. All in all, if you lean more on the creative side ArtPace will be a memorable trip to take.
San Antonio is primarily known for the Alamo, however, that does not mean that there aren’t other fun things to do when moseying through town besides drinking. It is also the home to many amusement parks such as Six flags, the wet and wild SeaWorld, as well as the famous river walk. Addiction recovery can be difficult, but we are more than willing to show you the best of the best in San Antonio; So you can reward yourself and take the vacation that you deserve while maintaining your sobriety.
Other Ways to Have Sober Fun in Texas
One of the biggest challenges that people are going to face on this journey is figuring out how to have fun. Let’s face it: drugs and alcohol are often used at parties to facilitate fun. The good news is that there are plenty of other ways to have fun in sobriety.
The area around San Antonio, TX is filled with great ways to have fun. Now that people are sober, this is a time to take risks appropriately, having fun without breaking the rules. This is very different (but fulfilling!) from the type of fun people have while drunk or under the influence of drugs.
San Antonio is known for its natural beauty. You can go hiking for the first time and explore the great outdoors. If you’re an adrenaline ‘junkie’, take a trip skydiving in the local area. Why not also take a risk and try to meet new people? One of the most important things people have to accomplish when they attain sobriety is finding new relationships that are going to help them maintain that sobriety. Meeting new people is a great way to do exactly that.
In general, people can have fun in sobriety by doing the things that “normal” people do. While “normal” is just a social construct, we’re talking about the stuff you probably wouldn’t have done while you were getting high, like riding a bike. You probably weren’t going to the movies either with friends while you were using but it’s actually very fun. You’ll be surprised at the joy that ensues while picking out candy and popcorn.
Try Picking Up an Old Hobby
There are plenty of people who still wish they could do something from their days as a child. This might mean an old sport, playing a musical instrument, or learning a second language. These are all great sober hobbies that you can do with your new free time that’s no longer being monopolized by addiction. It’s also important to reconnect with hobbies that remind you of what you were like before you started using drugs or alcohol.
Why Having Fun in Sobriety Matters
The journey to sobriety is challenging. Tears, anger, and hurdles to overcome are usually involved but it’s worth it. People in recovery work extremely hard for their sobriety and deserve to have fun. Happy and healthy individuals are less likely to relapse as well.
Let Us Help You Find Fun in Sobriety!
Here at Soba Recovery, we’re proud to call Texas home. We wholeheartedly believe that with professional addiction treatment you can thrive in every area of your life: physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially, and socially. Participating in sober activities can help you:
Relieve stress
Improve your physical fitness
Meet new people with similar interests and values
Change your outlook on life
Improve your overall well being
Reduce your risk of relapse
We provide a wide variety of detox and inpatient treatment options for substance abuse. We also offer a unique luxury program that combines traditional treatment and modern therapies to assist clients on the path to addiction recovery and sobriety. Please contact us today if you would like to learn more about our service!
If you are thinking about getting sober, then you need to check out the story below. Addiction is a serious disease that impacts countless people all over the world. It has a way of slowly, gradually wrapping its claws around someone before it swallows them whole. Often, there is collateral damage that goes right along with addiction. This comes in the form of family members, friends, career problems, and a damaged reputation. Fortunately, when someone makes the decision to get sober, there are major changes that take place in that person’s life. If you are thinking about seeking addiction treatment and trying to find sobriety, it is important to think about the major changes that take place when you seek help for substance abuse.
Your Friendships Are Going to Change
Anyone who spends time drinking or doing drugs inevitably will surround themselves with people who do the same. This is simply the law of attraction. If you drink on a regular basis, you likely hang out with people who do the same. There is a reputation during high school and college that people are more fun when they drink. They call alcohol the social lubricant and it can help people stand out. This is also a nice way to blend in with the crowd.
On the other hand, too much alcohol can destroy someone’s life. People need to be sober. This is where people find meaningful relationships, build a career, and enjoy their family. Therefore, if you make the decision to stop drinking, you are going to find new friends. Some people might be a bit skeptical about your decision to stop drinking entirely; however, those who support you will continue to stand by you. Along the way, you will make new friends as well.
You Will Split Checks More Often
When you drink, you might find that you care more about splitting the checks evenly. When you drink, the bill ends up costing about the same all the way around. Alcohol is expensive and, when everyone drinks, the cost has a way of evening out. When you stop drinking, you will find that you spend way less money.
As a result, when you go out to eat, you are going to care about splitting the check a bit more. You might even find that you are hesitant to fund the alcohol industry. You may develop a moral opposition to this. There is nothing wrong with this. When you make an effort to find sobriety through addiction treatment, your life is going to change. That is what is supposed to happen. You should embrace this.
You Will Find New Hobbies
Those who like to drink tend to go out in the evenings and do exactly that. If you have an addiction to alcohol, you might also spend your days doing this as well. The point of addiction treatment is to find a way to break this habit. This means trying to find the root causes of why you were driven to drink (or use drugs) in the first place. As a result, your hobbies are going to change as well. Instead of spending your time drinking, you are going to spend your time doing other things. Prepare to find new hobbies.
At first, you might find that you are an introvert. You may spend more time doing things like watching Netflix. That is fine. You are learning to branch out and find new hobbies. Over time, as you make new friends and spend time with your family, you might be pushed to try other things. Do this. Embrace it. This is the chance for you to experience life without alcohol.
You Will Be Asked Why You Don’t Drink
Finally, be prepared for this one. People are going to ask you why you don’t drink. After all, most people who don’t go through addiction cannot imagine suffering from it themselves. They think, “that will never happen to me!” You know all too well that addiction can swallow anyone. Therefore, be prepared when people ask you why you don’t drink. At first, you might find this uncomfortable. You may even decline to answer. That’s okay! That is your right. Over time, you will become more comfortable coming to terms with why you can’t drink. This is all a part of the recovery process. Once people understand, they will support your decision. They will even watch out for you. Embrace this support system.
Rely on the Trained Professionals at Soba Recovery
At Soba Recovery, we are a substance abuse, drug, and alcohol treatment program with locations in Mesa, AZ, and San Antonio, TX. We provide professional detox and inpatient treatment for addiction. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your loved ones.
Addiction is a serious issue that impacts countless individuals and families across the country. Fortunately, the attitude towards addiction and mental health issues is starting to see a shift. This has allowed countless people who are impacted by addiction to seek the help that they deserve. Once someone is able to achieve sobriety, this is an occasion that deserves to be celebrated. When it comes to an addiction to opioids, this is an impressive achievement. Sadly, a large percentage of people who achieve sobriety are going to suffer a relapse. The relapse rate during recovery may be as high as 60 percent. Before someone makes the decision to use opioids, there are a few thoughts that need to enter the head.
1. Why Do I Feel to Urge to Revert to Substance Abuse?
First, people need to ask why they are feeling the urge to use opioids once again. While a relapse after a period of sobriety is not uncommon, it is also important for people to know why they are doing this. During the road to recovery, one of the goals is to address the root cause of the reasons why someone decided to use opioids in the first place. Have these causes changed? Are the roots the same? Figuring out why someone is feeling the urge to use opioids again is an important part of avoiding a relapse. Even though relapse can impact more than half of all individuals in recovery, there are still steps people should take to stay sober.
2. What Was My Top Priority During Addiction Treatment?
Next, people need to ask themselves whether or not sobriety is really their top priority. Sure, there are lots of pulls on people’s time. This includes personal relationships, professional relationships, job obligations, and personal hobbies. On the other hand, unless someone gets clean for themselves, they are not going to be able to stay sober. Without a complete and total dedication to long-term sobriety, relapse is going to happen. This means that people need to be willing to put in the hard work. Is the hard work getting done? Are meetings being attended? Are sponsors being called? Or are counseling sessions being capped? This can help people stay sober and avoid relapse.
3. Where Is My Addiction Treatment Support System?
In addition, everyone needs to ask whether or not they have a strong support system. Addiction is a disease. It should be treated as such. At the same time, addiction can be beaten. In order for someone to overcome addiction and stay sober, a strong support system must be in place. Someone who has newly achieved sobriety needs to rely on the support network from day one. This can make a difference in helping someone stay sober or relapsing back into the claws and reaches of addiction. Anyone who is thinking about using opioids needs to reach out to the support system. This might include friends, family members, spiritual leaders, and support groups.
4. Why Did I Make the Decision to Quit Substance Abuse?
Next, people need to make sure that they are quitting for the right reasons. As mentioned above, everyone needs to make the decision to quit for themselves and their long-term well-being. Anyone who enters into treatment in order to make friends or family members happy is bound to fail. If they aren’t committed to themselves, they are not going to be able to commit to treatment. This is one of the biggest reasons why people think about using opioids again. Everyone needs to make sure they are quitting for the right reasons. This can have a long-term impact on someone’s overall health, well-being, and future desires. Remember, before making the decision to use again, the impact this is going to have on one’s own life.
5. Am I Ready?
Finally, before making the decision to use opioids, people need to think about all of the work they have done to get to this point. When someone achieves sobriety, they had put in a tremendous amount of work in order to get clean. All of this work has been done to rebuild a regular life and avoid a relapse. Is it really OK to destroy all of this work at the altar of opioids? Is it really OK to return to the world of social isolation and damaged personal relationships? Remember to think about this before making the decision to use opioids again.
Rely on the Professionals at Soba Recovery
At Soba Recovery, we are dedicated to helping everyone find the drug and alcohol addiction treatment they need. With locations in Mesa, AZ, and San Antonio, TX we provide detox and inpatient treatment for numerous types of addiction. If you would like to learn more about our services, please call us today to learn more!
One of the things mentioned during nearly every addiction recovery program is how important it is to eat right and exercise throughout your sobriety. Not only do these things help get a body that has been beaten down back into shape, but exercise also offers other benefits that can ease cravings and keep you back on track. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits.
The Benefits of Exercise On Addiction Recovery
Exercise Can Provide Structure
One of the biggest things you learn in addiction recovery is that it helps to have a structure in your days because you need to fill in all that time previously spent imbibing. Joining a class that meets at a specific time, exercising with a group, or even creating your own daily schedule will all add more structure to your life.
Exercise Increases Your Mood
Exercise causes your brain to release those feel-good chemicals, endorphins. Everyone can benefit from that. In addition, as you watch your ability grow, find yourself walking further in less time, feeling healthier, you will gain pride in yourself that will want you to continue.
Exercise Increases Brain Growth
This is a scientific reality. While addicted, many pathways in your brain shut down from lack of use. When you exercise, the brain begins to utilize areas of the brain that have been lying quietly. This then helps create more neural pathways that lead to positive thoughts and feelings. Your brain begins to grow and come back alive.
Exercise Reduces Stress and Promotes Sleep
Think about a time when you were angry or upset and started pacing. At first, you may have been doing so at a very quick pace. As you continued, your steps began to slow, your mind began to clear, and you started to feel calmer. Exercise allows you to work off any negative emotions in a constructive way. As they dissipate, you can replace them with more positive ones. Once the stress is reduced, you can sleep deeper. This helps promote healing and overall rejuvenation of your body and mind.
Exercise Can Decrease Cravings
In studies, people trying to break free from nicotine addiction have been benefited by exercising through cravings, making quitting easier. This has also been the case with marijuana. While exercising, your mind becomes distracted as you focus on your body and the movements. Exercise helps you practice mindfulness and gives you a way to distract yourself from the cravings until they pass.
Exercise Can Create Connections
Exercising alone can be boring and that is why many people give up. However, there are many others who will be interested in the same type of exercise you choose. Having this common interest can help you make connections with people that you might not otherwise meet. These will be healthier connections. There are many walking and biking clubs. Simply joining a gym and maybe taking one class is another option. There are even some groups made up of others who are on the same sobriety journey as you. They will have the same interest and understand your journey.
Success Breeds Success
The more you find yourself improving in your chosen activity, the better you will feel. The better you feel mentally and physically, the more you will want to feel this. Your success will spread throughout all the areas of your life.
Final Thoughts
Exercise doesn’t have to be hours of weight-lifting, running a marathon, or aiming for the Olympics. Your addiction recovery plan will most likely have you start slow. Start a walking routine, join a yoga group, or try Zumba dancing. Whatever gets you moving and causes you to enjoy the time will work. You can do this!
Making the decision to stop using drugs or alcohol is a huge step in the right direction. But it also comes with challenges. Maybe you’re wondering how to put your life back together, and where to go for addiction treatment. Maybe you’re worried about the possibility of relapse. Making healthy lifestyle adjustments and seeking support will go a long way toward helping you get and stay sober. Here are some tips to guide you in your recovery.
Take One Day at a Time
If you’re new to recovery or are discouraged because of a relapse, the idea of long-term sobriety can seem overwhelming. Take your new life one day at a time. Decide each day that for the next 24 hours, you’re going to commit to staying clean and sober.
Set Goals
Setting short-term and long-term goals can make it easier to give up addictive habits. Having something to work toward can give you a sense of meaning and purpose. When you’re struggling to stay on track, your goals can serve as a reminder of why you committed to recovery in the first place.
Structure Your Days
Establishing a schedule of meaningful activities can help you set and work toward your goals. Having regular activities to look forward to each day will also reduce boredom, a common relapse trigger. When you’re new to recovery, rehab-related activities will likely take up much of your time.
Once you’ve completed rehab, it’s especially vital to keep your days structured. Consider going back to school, volunteering in the community, or getting a job. Taking up a hobby can also be rewarding and help you keep your mind off drinking and drugs.
Adopt Healthy Habits
Using drugs and alcohol takes quite a toll on your body, and self-care tends to fall by the wayside. Adopting healthy habits in recovery can help you reverse the effects of long-term substance abuse.
Exercise. Physical activity is especially beneficial for people in recovery. Exercise releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that can help you fend off cravings. Going to the gym or even taking a brisk walk in nature reduces stress, making relapse less likely and enhancing your overall sense of well-being.
Diet. Substance overuse makes it difficult for your body to absorb any nutrients it gets, so making healthy meal choices is especially important when you’re sober. Be sure to get plenty of protein and vitamins from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. When you feel better, it’s easier to maintain a positive outlook and stay away from drugs and alcohol.
Quit Smoking. If smoking is one of the habits you enjoyed along with drugs or alcohol, now is a good time to quit. By refraining from using harmful substances, you’ll be able to reap maximum benefits from your other healthy lifestyle choices.
Embrace Self-Care. Making all of these changes can be stressful, so it’s important to make self-care a priority. Be kind to yourself. Speak words of encouragement over yourself and reward yourself occasionally for coming as far as you have. Do your best to take responsibility for your past actions, but let go of the guilt and shame that can become stumbling blocks for many in recovery. Learn effective stress-management techniques so you can find healthy ways to decompress.
Avoid Triggers. If you spend time with the friends you were surrounded by in your addiction or frequent the same stomping grounds you did in the old days, you’re not likely to remain sober for long. Find new friends who are committed to sobriety, and avoid people and places that may serve as triggers.
Learn All You Can About Addiction and Relapse
Too often, people in recovery are just told to stay away from drugs and alcohol and go to meetings. While this may be enough for some, most people need more in the way of addiction treatment. Finding resources to help you commit to sobriety and learning more about addiction and possible triggers can help you discover what works best for you when it comes to staying clean. After all, recovery looks a little different for each person.
While you shouldn’t live in constant fear of relapse, be aware of the warning signs so you can get help before you go back to old habits. Withdrawing from the recovery community and loved ones and feeling less committed to sobriety are indicators that you’re vulnerable to relapse.
Seek Support
Healthy relationships are key to helping you stay on track. Finding support groups and friends and family members who will cheer you on are critical as you build your new life.
Recovery is a lifelong journey. Congratulations on taking the first steps. At SOBA Recovery Center, we provide intensive addiction treatment. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.
One of the biggest challenges that people are going to face on this journey is figuring out how to have fun. Let’s face it: drugs and alcohol are often used at parties to facilitate fun. The good news is that there are plenty of other ways to have fun in sobriety.
