Top 9 Secrets People in Recovery from Addiction Know that Could Help Us All

People in recovery can teach us much about surviving difficult situations with strength and grace. We would like to borrow some recovery principles to help us adjust to these new conditions with the support of Caring Hands Recovery and The Well.

1. The contest is rigged

Hold on a minute. Is it a conception in recovery that people should just accept and surrender to circumstances as they cannot be helped? Well… yes. Many people recovering from addiction have to come to terms with the fact that they cannot have control over their drinking once they begin. It allows them to set a new goal which is not to drink at all.

We must first admit the harshness of our current condition, the pandemic and the loss it has brought, in order to be able to find a way out. That there is a lockdown, that there is loss of employment, that there is concern for family. We do this not because we want to surrender but so that we can think of ways to contact people, apply for unemployment, or confront the authorities and demand better.

The Serenity prayer is one of the well known statements that is often said in recovery meetings. It states that “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” I personally believe that we can all benefit from the essence of that quote, with or without a spiritual understanding.

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2. H.A.L.T. if you’re Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.

These four small categories can greatly influence one’s life. Sometimes it is especially hard when they overlap. We all have been through the “hangry” stage and it’s not fun for anyone out there. So sleeping and eating well while aiming for goals helps avoid long hours of excessive work. But it is really a good tool to use HALT while talking to someone or giving your opinion. Do you really want to tell that person what you want to tell them? Right now?

These tips are the base of self-care strategies. For people in addiction recovery sobriety , monitoring HALT helps avoid episodes of depressed mood that lead to drug relapse. For accomplishing these goals especially in pandemic time, they will help maintain our emotional balance so as to support our family and friends. Fill your cup first… then serve others. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

3. Progress, not perfection.

Adjusting back into life freely does come with lots of bumps. The path to recovery does pose a lead way full of isolation, stresses, and outbursts but the short flips, with more relaxed emotions can and should be reached for. Try drinking a glass of water or going on a casual walk. Once small steps of hope are taken, the road to returning back to life becomes easier, and a ‘new normal’ is embraced.

It’s okay to live and feel out of control. Worrying over feeling overwhelmed isn’t the right thing to do and the new normal should be embraced. Though it won’t be too easy, it will create new points of joy, So, during the storm remember that being at peace during it is the main goal, and working your way through life comes as a learning process.

Work your way through building the right resilience, self control, and embracing the head on approach together so that adapting becomes an easier task. Remember, not matter how challenging remotely living in the world makes life harder, in the end all the struggles will only make you stronger both mentally and emotionally. Do remember to check out the APA’s guide for getting a few tips.

4. Keep your eyes on the ground instead of the stars.”

Those early in recovery frequently wonder how they’ll succeed in sobriety for a long time. It feels unrealistic. When people are advised to take it “one day at a time,” it is actually more meant for them to remain in the present and deal with the challenges of life that come up.

Instead emphasize on meditation other forms of mindfulness that are beneficial. What is often stated in recovery meetings, for instance, ‘just do the next right thing’ does not require one to dwell on what is to come but concentrates on what can be done next.

5. Pain becomes what you serve.

Another core element of service towards other people in addiction recovery. It changes the way we perceive painful moments. Participants of support groups are usually encouraged to use their skills and concentration to assist with the beating ones so the group goes on and the individual does not forget their motivations.

The pain we are feeling right now is an opportunity to cultivate our compassion. It’s always beneficial when we extend a helping hand to those who are in distress, regardless of whether they are fighting the same battles we are or are dealing with the situations that we are fortunate enough not to have to face. Not sure where to start while still on lockdown? Try reaching out to someone you think will need it and find out what they’re up to.

6. Being grateful is a Verb.

Being grateful suppresses the thoughts of pain by reminding itself of the good they have in their lives. The very first step in recovery most people find it hard to let go of the belief of “nothing is goner” quote. A customer facetiously proclaims that “have you thought of anything that would be an unqualified success?” “am thankful for these things” reorient the markets and thus postpone gratitude.

Gratitude is a positive, warm-fuzzy feeling that comes over us naturally when we experience fear of change and want to avoid calamitous outcomes. If people would only appreciate what they already had, it will motivate people to better. Do you want to get started? Write a letter to someone and say this is to express appreciation. Stuff it into an envelope and hope it reaches the right person. You may want to try making a ‘thank you’ list. And remember gratitude is a cumulative emotion that can be strengthened over time, therefore it is advisable that you practice it often.

7. It’s about persistence, it’s also about growth.

“We don’t get into recovery to walk away from life, we get into recovery to reengage with life.” In this instance, it is undeniable that we are breathing and aspiring to survive as most of us did years back, however, it is possible that we are also setting the ground for a better life.

There are countless things that we can do (be it strengthening family bonds, meditation and exercising) that focus on the positive rather than what we can’t (go out, drink or socialize). And perhaps it is possible to also consider the opportunities, both large and small, that time presents us with that brings joy to our lives.

8. It’s mutual aid, not self-help.

However, the community is an essential component no matter which recovery avenue one opts for. Recovery Dharma, SMART Recovery, Life Ring, Celebrate Recovery, and 12 Step all look on community as a cornerstone. Addiction is a global catastrophe, it dislocates people from one another. We have people to depend on and grow with in order to survive.

We’re all #AloneTogether and we have to support one another. Make a point of reaching out to your friends and family by calling them or sending them a text. Reach out to family members and friends who you haven’t communicated with in a while. Whenever you are feeling down, it is important to talk with someone you trust. We are social creatures! We will cope well with this feeling of seclusion, provided we are not… too secluded.

9. ‘Normal’ is simply another term used to define a ”dryer”

Over the years of spending time in recovery meetings we have learned that “normal” is nonexistent but most of us have squandered so many years of our lives trying to achieve it. We can be hard on ourselves over our differences, after all. Addiction to being normal is one of the main reasons we cannot appreciate beauty or greatness. For example, many of us may have an easier time developing when we accept, love and respect what we used to be ashamed of.

As long as you are abiding by CDC rules, there is no correct method for surviving a pandemic. In every sense, this is a new experience for a lot of us. It is reasonable to be extremely anxious or not be anxious at all. It’s perfectly acceptable to spend the entire day in pajamas, practice yoga in the middle of the night, and have pancakes for dinner. If you’re looking after yourself, making sure others are safe and working towards self-care at any speed, you’re doing great.

Caring Hands Recovery Center

At Caring Hands Recovery Treatment Center, we have better and effective treatment options that we ensure are applicable to the unique conditions of patients.

If Benzodiazepines is something you or someone you care about is dealing with, or has dealt with, Caring Hands Recovery can offer the understanding, the support and the treatment needed, to allow the individual to fully recover from the addiction and live a life free of drugs.

Caring Hands Recovery are qualified personnel ready to respond to your questions now. You can call them on +1 760-468-3444.

Reach out to us today by calling: +1 760-468-3444