4 keys to long-term recovery from drug addiction
When it comes to recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, there is no secret method or set thing a person can do to ensure continued sobriety. Instead, it takes a daily effort. Like any relationship, a person’s connection to their recovery must be constantly developed and nurtured. This implies a progressive and conscious commitment to care for the body, mind and soul. This can be accomplished by, among other things, maintaining a strong recovery program that includes exercise, spirituality, community service, and nutrition.
Perhaps the most important thing a person can do to maintain their recovery is to dedicate themselves to the spiritual. This can be in any form they choose and does not have to involve organized religion. In fact, spirituality is often very personal and something that can be practiced at home as a form of meditation or relaxation. It can also consist of meeting with other like-minded people to discuss philosophies or best practices, or it can be as simple as keeping a journal of seemingly fleeting thoughts, questions, and even meanderings of the mind. Through spirituality, a person can come to know a Higher Power, a fundamental part of leaving behind old habits, emotions and vices and allowing spirituality to replace them.
Being active in the community is also an essential part of recovering from addiction or alcoholism. This can be volunteerism of any kind, but most recovering addicts find it especially rewarding to help others suffering from addiction or alcoholism. This can be done by helping out with AA, NA, or other 12-step groups, volunteering at the local detox center, or mentoring someone in need. In fact, a surprising number of recovering addicts return to the addiction field after completing their own treatment because many feel compelled to give back what was given to them.
Nutrition is extremely important to a life of recovery. When our bodies are in peak condition, we are better able to deal with stress and the triggers that often cause people to turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. Eating healthy foods and maintaining a regular eating schedule is essential for metabolism, energy, and sleep/wake patterns. If any of these are discontinued, the resulting stress may push a person to consider using again. Therefore, recovering addicts should carefully select what they eat and be aware that for some people, food can be just as addictive as drugs.
Alcoholics Victorious, an organization dedicated to helping people overcome alcoholism, strongly asserts that exercise is a crucial element of a good recovery program. Specifically, the group stated that the exercise:
*Increases the metabolic rate so that calories are burned more efficiently even when we are at rest.
* Burns fat reserves and builds muscle tissue. Muscle cells are metabolically active and burn calories, while fat cells are inert.
*Increases free fatty acids, allowing the body to better process and utilize dietary fats.
*Lowers total serum cholesterol and increases levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), the “good fats” associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
*Low blood pressure
*Increases levels of mood-elevating neurochemicals, such as endorphins, so we feel better both mentally and physically.
For recovery to be successful, all of these must be included as part of a conscious, daily effort to work on self-improvement. Additionally, a strong support network and family life are essential. If you or a loved one is struggling with these principles, seek help now, before a dangerous relapse occurs.