If you have had a habit of addiction for many years everything revolved around it. Relationships, jobs, friendships, sports, hobbies, etc., took second place to getting your fix. Your addiction literally became your life. Much of your time in your addiction was used up by using or trying to figure out how to obtain your drug of choice or hiding your drug of choice. Addiction controlled your life. I’m sure you will agree the life you were living was out of control. You came to a place to seek help and now you are feeling strong and able to move forward with your life again, this time clean and sober.
Coming to a place of recovery is refreshing, no more lying, hiding, stealing or cheating. However, you may feel uncomfortable in your own skin being clean. This unfamiliar feeling can lead one to relapse. (Read our “Addiction and Self Sabotage” blog) Although you may not feel normal being sober yet, it is important to know you’re not alone. This is a common feeling for many who have put together months of recovery. Normal is defined as: conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern, characterized by that which is considered usual, typical, or routine. You have to give yourself time to establish a regular pattern or routine of being clean and sober. In time, sober life will feel normal and your life will prosper. In addition, no longer will you feel like your life is spinning out of control. You will gain trust from your family and friends again. You will be able to hold onto a job. You will develop more meaningful friendships. Your health will improve. Your mind will be clear. All positive aspects of sober living!
You may wonder how to fill your spare time sober. Examine yourself and try to identify interests that you ignored in your addiction. Maybe you have a talent for art, music, photography or dance. Pick up some classes that will expand your interests. If you enjoy reading there are millions of good books. Sports may be your thing, look up clubs or teams looking for players. There are gyms to join where you can meet fitness minded people. Taking a walk, run or hike is great way to blow off steam and release anxiety. Maybe computers and/or gaming is your thing. Along with fresh air and sunshine, the great outdoors offers so many activities from waking, running, hiking, camping, surfing, swimming, gardening, playing baseball, soccer, tennis, basketball, water polo, water skiing, golfing, fishing, snow skiing, boating, etc.. The lists are endless of available activities to fill your available time.
Sobriety isn’t a path you take alone. One of the most important things to do during recovery is to surround yourself with friends who support you. These are the people you will call when you are feeling weak or tempted to use again. Always, make time to go to recovery meetings. There are many people who have been successful in recovery and have happier, healthier lives as a result. If you don’t have any supportive friends, you will find these people in recovery meetings. These same people will be more than happy to embrace and guide you along the path. In turn, one day you will be able to pay the favor forward and help and guide someone else. The process can be carried on and on. The result will be many people joining the road of recovery and enjoying the benefits together. Enjoy the gifted life you have been given!
~Teri Storm