Although achieving sobriety is an amazing success in and of itself, many aspects of addiction can linger long after you start living sober. A fresh and sustainable life comes from no longer allowing your past to pester your present, and the suffering your struggles posed on your relationships and brain health are no exception. To start fostering your most promising future as an autonomous individual, sweep away the aftermath of your fight with addiction:
Make Amends
Those who attend Alcoholics Anonymous will recognize “saying sorry” as the “9th Step” in successful sobriety. To get on with your life guilt-free and replenish love and respect in your relationships, it is a good idea to make amends for any mistakes or messes you may have made.
Take Your Time
While you may be eager and earnest to apologize, taking your time is a wise way to ensure that you truly understand your words. Timing is important when it comes to speaking about touchy subjects, so wait until someone is ready to open up and listen to what you want to say.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
If you have demonstrated that your words are less-than-dependable in the past, it is going to take some time to develop trust once again. Actions are a great way to show that you are avidly trying to make things right and giving them the respect they deserve.
Cultivate Healthy Habits Through Community
If a chemical was your crutch in social situations, it might be tempting to isolate yourself after you go sober. Contrary to how you might see it, a community is a safe space to express and explore your authentic self. Joining a hobby or sobriety group is a great way to get back out on the scene.
Repair Your Mind
The toll toxic substances take on the brain reach beyond the using period and provoke discomfort and “brain fog” for months or years to come. The damage and chemicals that are left behind in the brain after “overdoing it” can decrease your cognitive function and leave you feeling forgetful and fatigued.
Nourish Your Body
To make the most of your newfound freedom and avoid feeling depleted, it is important to give your mind what it needs to fix itself by ingesting a nourishing diet and getting exercise daily. If this is difficult due to depression or anxiety, try taking supplements to support your mental wellness and more quickly remedy your brain health.
Sleep Away Toxic Substances
As you sleep, your brain sweeps away anything that shouldn’t be there and sets a fresh foundation for the days ahead. After prolonged use of toxic substances such as drugs and alcohol, it has a lot of work to do and may only be able to tackle toxins in small parts. To support your mental maid in sweeping out the gunk, give it a solid 8 hour-shift of sleep every night.
Work Through Your Traumas With Therapy
Substance abuse often stems from unresolved trauma. While sobriety can alleviate a lot of the symptoms that are associated with this, it will not solve the underlying issue. Talking with a therapist and trying out suggested treatments will help you sort through sources of pain and reprogram the way you relate with others and yourself.
The aftermath of addiction may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to dictate your life. Thriving, not surviving, is the ultimate goal of sobriety, so start sweeping today and be patient with yourself along the way.