It's safe to say that people are creatures of habit. Once they get used to doing something on a regular basis (whether it is a bad thing or good) it can be quite challenging to break them. That's particularly the case with the ones that are very destructive.
But that’s so pivotal, especially if we’re talking about individuals who have used alcohol and/or drugs and are trying to find a way to lead a healthier life. In these types of situations, they must turn to routines and habits that are going to positively affect their recovery.
Even though you may currently feel lost and you’re not sure what you’re supposed to do to change things for the better, don’t forget that there’s a solution to most problems and below you’ll be provided with some useful suggestions that will transform your life in the most positive sense.
Inpatient Rehab As The Most Important Form Of Help
What can be said about this? If you’re not familiar with it, you should know that this type of facility is intended for anyone who is struggling with alcohol or drugs. If that’s something that lasts for quite some time, with no signs of improvement, then long term inpatient rehab is one of the best things you can opt for to improve your overall well-being. Out there, you'll practically live full-time and receive constant care and support.
There is an outpatient rehab as well (where you have treatments for several hours throughout the day), however, if you’ve been dealing with a substance use disorder for a very long time and it seems like you are running out of options and like you cannot overcome it all on your own, then inpatient rehab is the only thing that’s left.
Many studies have shown in the past that inpatient rehab is in fact, a lot more effective in comparison to outpatient because out there you have continuous support, plus you do not have the opportunity to resume your old habits whenever you feel down or weak, which is quite common for those who opt for outpatient care.
Aside from that, once you decide to go through detox, you'll instantly be provided with a powerful support system that's going to be there for you every step of the way, for as long as it takes.
It's widely known that experiencing withdrawal symptoms can be extremely draining and difficult, hence it's always a great thing when you are surrounded by people who are not only medical experts, but also a helping hand during this difficult time. Their main goal is to ease your detox journey as much as they can.
Make Use Of SMART Goals
The entire recovery process isn't simple at all. On the contrary, it includes various steps that need to be taken if you want to make sure you are on the right path. Although to some of you, this may be frustrating, that's something that must be done if you want to break the vicious cycle.
If you feel like all of this is too overwhelming to you, then for starters, you should take all your long-term goals and break them down into smaller ones. That’s going to reduce the pressure you have right now.
One of the best strategies when it comes to this is the so-called SMART goals which are perfect for both short-term and long-term recovery aims. They stand for specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and timely.
Provide Your Body With Nutritious Food
When a person is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, they tend to solely focus on these vices and completely neglect the real needs of their bodies. This refers mostly to healthy and nutritious food.
Now that you are focusing on your recovery, and getting better in general, it would be advisable to start consuming healthy and balanced food because it’s going to help you regenerate your immunity and, simultaneously, speed up your recovery.
If you are not too sure what you’re supposed to eat during this whole process, then you can always consult your healthcare provider just to see what’s currently most suitable for you.
Establishing a Sleep Routine Is Essential As Well!
Establishing a sleep routine is generally essential for everybody, let alone for those who are currently focusing on their recovery. Their organism has been through a lot and is probably very exhausted from everything.
That’s exactly why it’s important to provide their bodies with as much sleep as possible. For starters, you should wake up and go to bed around the same time, even when you’re not working.
By doing so, you are going to “set” your internal clock, and, at the same time, regenerate your body while you sleep. According to the experts, you should have at least seven hours of sleep, and it would be wise to develop a pre-bedtime routine.
What does it mean? It means that you should do the things that relax you before you go to bed. Now, this doesn’t include using any devices because they can disrupt your sleep and affect its quality.
Instead, it would be so much better if you turned on some relaxing music, read your favorite book, or took a bubble bath. Whatever you find comforting and soothing.
Surround Yourself With People Who Are Supportive
In these types of situations, it’s of huge importance to be surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through. Even if they’ve never experienced substance abuse, they are still capable of being understanding and compassionate.
Of course, it would be even better if you could find people who are going through the exact same thing. That’s something that you’ll be able to find in recovery communities and self-help groups.
Besides them, you should also seek support from the people who are closest to you, such as your family members, and friends. Bear in mind that with the right support system, you’ll be able to overcome anything.
No one has ever said that recovering from drugs and alcohol is going to be smooth sailing, however, it can easily be concluded that there are a number of things a person can do to enhance their current situation and begin their life from scratch.
