Addiction is a complex topic and one that has been the center of many social science research projects and studies around the world. In many cases, individuals who struggle with addiction spend an inordinate amount of time delving into the possible causes of their addiction to varying degrees of success.
Although it is important to understand how one has come to their current state of being, it is also important to be able to recognize when such introspection has ceased to yield positive results. At the end of the day, no one can change the factors that led them to become an addict, but we all can have an impact on how we pursue and embrace recovery.
Celebrate Your New Life
Emerging from a pattern of addiction has been likened to a butterfly who breaks free from a chrysalis. Those first few months can be a challenge, and it can feel as though one is regaining their very footing the world.
During this time, it is important to make new social connections that will support your new take on life, whether through a 12 step program or another social outlet. Making an effort to find new friends who are also in recovery can give you the support needed to succeed, while also eliminating feelings of isolation and social stigma.
Get Active and Explore the Outdoors
Numerous studies support the belief that living a more active lifestyle and exploring nature is beneficial to health and happiness. This is especially true for individuals who have spent a period of time in a very unhealthy environment, or who have come through a difficult detox program and are now beginning addiction recovery.
Find a pastime that gets you outside and moving, and be sure to stop and breathe in the many benefits that the world has to offer. Many of us forget the simple pleasures of a long walk or a challenging hike. Perhaps this is the perfect time to rediscover them.
Find Positive Highs
The rush of adrenaline and sense of excitement that many addicts experience with their drug of choice is difficult to leave behind once they have embraced sober living. Those feelings do not have to be lost from your life, however.
There are plenty of positive “highs” that offer the same exhilaration, but with no life-altering consequences to deal with once it wears off. Be willing to branch out and try something new.Whether it is skydiving, mountain bike racing or simply taking a spin on a roller coaster, find a way to recapture the adrenaline rush in a healthy setting.
Addiction and recovery are a journey, and those who are able to embrace the future while paying respect to their past are in a great position to move forward in health and happiness.