Recoverywell.org – Daisy of Hope
I was recently contacted by Constance Ray of Recoverywell.org out of Wilmington, Delaware. Constance wanted to know if I would be interested in getting her message of recovery out to my followers. Every once and a while I like to take a break from the food, recipe and travel posts that I blog about. This is a perfect opportunity to do just that. Entering a recovery program to combat alcohol and/or substance abuse is a very big decision to make. It is a battle that not only engages the person fighting addiction, but it also affects all loved ones who are part of this cycle of self-destructive behavior. So, recovery begins with the addict, and in turn, it can also help heal all who are caught up in the madness of addiction. Ultimately, everyone may be freed from the shackles of substance abuse, allowing all to soar on with their lives to happier days and to higher ground.
Personally I think this is a great post for the beginning of a new year. A new year offers us a great opportunity to turn over a new leaf and make positive and constructive changes in our lives. With a new year, comes another chance to simply get it right.
Below you will find the full article that Constance and I decided to post. Enjoy the read! And please if you are suffering from addiction or know anyone who is, please reach out to Recoverywell.org. It will be a step in the right direction and can even save your life or the life of someone you know.
3 Tips for Getting Clean and Sober in 2017
For many people struggling with addiction, the new year can mean renewed hope for getting sober or another year of struggling with addiction. If you have decided that 2017 is the year you want to get sober and stay sober, we have some tips for seeking treatment and moving forward to a positive life change in the new year.
- Find the Right Treatment Program for You
The first step down the road to recovery- is admitting that you need help.
There are several treatment options available throughout the United States for addicts. It can be overwhelming to choose a treatment program, especially if you are anxious about leaving home, fearful of not completing the program, and worried about relapsing. Other concerns addicts often have when seeking treatment is the cost and the experiences you will endure while getting sober.
The first step you should take when seeking a treatment program is to research your insurance and payment options. Filtering treatment centers to include only those that you can attend due to financial concerns will help you eliminate several options immediately. Take advantage of insurance options that are available to you because you may already be facing financial hardships due to your addiction; getting help paying for your treatment will ease some of your burdens and relieve some of the stress you feel when entering rehab.
Once you know which facilities you can attend and for which you may receive financial assistance to attend, you should then narrow your search to those that specialize in your particular addiction struggles. If you have a dual diagnosis, as in your addiction is rooted in a mental illness or physical ailment, you should look for facilities that take a multi-pronged approach to treating your addiction so that you treat all of your problems instead of just one (increasing your risk of relapse).
When you think you have found the best treatment program for you, stay positive. You need to be realistic about the road you have ahead of you if you are going to achieve your sobriety, and you need to be mentally prepared for following through with your decision. Be as positive as you can about your choice and make sure that you understand that you are powerful enough to make and stick with your decision.
- Accept that You Most Likely Will Experience a Setback
Setbacks are common during recovery from drugs and alcohol. Don’t give up!
Nobody is perfect, and understanding that relapsing is part of the process of getting sober is key to staying on the path to a positive, healthy new year. Addiction counselors explain that addicts seeking treatment should not feel shame about relapsing as long as they remain committed to the ultimate goal of attaining sobriety. It’s much better to focus your energy on trying again than to waste energy on chastising yourself for falling along the way.
- Have Stress Management Plans in Place
Learning to deal with stress in a positive way is crucial for a successful recovery.
You will face a flood of emotions and a great deal of stress as you strive to achieve sobriety in 2017. There is a good chance that your treatment program will guide you through managing your stress to help you avoid a relapse, but it is also a good idea to have your own stress management plans in place so you can help yourself through tough times after leaving treatment.
Knowing how to deal with stress in a positive way is part of the sober path to a new year. One way to relieve your stress is to recognize the signs of poorly managed stress.
If you experience fatigue, loss of appetite, a lack of concentration or focus, an upset stomach, or neck or back pain, there is a very good chance that your stress levels are too high and you are in danger of returning to a life filled with substance abuse.
Stress is a part of life. Recovery has it’s stress, but learning how to identify it and control it is a key factor in your sobriety.
Those symptoms should tell you when it is time to engage your stress management plan, including managing your time well, talking with someone about your frustration and stress, knowing how to identify your triggers ahead of time, getting quality sleep, taking deep breaths, practicing yoga, and being more mindful or meditating.
2017 can be the year that you achieve sobriety and start on your path toward a healthy and happy life. Our tips will help you get started.
Let 2017 be your road to new beginnings.
Read more about recoverywell.org. It will be the first step down the road to your new life.