Recovery is a lifelong process. Though some may consider themselves “recovered” recovery is a term that is fluid in time. Meaning, no matter how much sober time you have, you are always in recovery. Getting through the beginning phases of recovery, often called “early recovery”, is the most challenging part. Within just weeks of your last drink or drug, or mental health episode, the memories are still fresh. For addicts and alcoholics suffering from substance abuse, their bodies will still be chemically dependent upon drugs and alcohol. Going through withdrawals, surviving detox, and learning to manage the cravings all make for a vulnerable time. The first few weeks of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction are usually the highest risk for relapse.
For those entering recovery for mental health and psychiatric issues, the early recovery stage is also high risk. Medication is just starting to help with stabilization and it can be hard to adjust to a new way of life.
Recovery, for everyone involved is possible. However, it isn’t always easy. Recovery takes commitment, work, willingness and open-mindedness. Follow some of these suggestions as extra inspiration and guidance:
Positive Affirmations
Thinking positively has been scientifically proven to change the way we think. Brains are very sensitive and easily influenced. The brain is actually trained to notice and pay more attention to negativity than positivity. Pushing positive thinking isn’t always effective. Integrating daily positive practices is. Start each day with a positive affirmation and hold onto it throughout the day. By bedtime, reflect on how that positive affirmation came true or was present throughout the day.
Set Realistic Goals
In recovery, it is all about “progress not perfection”. Perfect is an illusion and an unobtainable goal. Rather than trying to do everything perfectly all at once, settle for small, tangible goals every day. Small goals equal small rewards. Overtime, they can become habits and positive parts of a routine. Try setting a goal to make the bed, practice good hygiene, and eating enough food.
Be Graceful
Graceful doesn’t mean swooshing through life like a ballerina. Living with grace means living without entitlement. Sometimes, recovery can evoke a sense of entitlement. Looking down upon the peers and staff members supporting a treatment program, it is easy to expect the work to be done by someone else. Rather than assign responsibility, take accountability on face forward.
Nestled in the seaside cliffs of iconic Malibu, Avalon welcomes substance abuse and mental health patients to our two facilities. One of the only treatment centers to offer mental health and psychiatric issue treatment as a primary diagnosis, Avalon provides a luxury and private setting to addressing each individualized need. For more information on our programs of treatment for dual-diagnosis and co-occurring issues, call 1-888-958-7511.
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