It is important to remember that recovery is an ongoing process. There is no end date, no finish line. Recovery is a lifestyle. Although recovering from addiction is difficult, it is possible. The key to maintaining long-term sobriety is to prepare. The best way to prepare for sobriety is with an active aftercare plan.
What Is Long-Term Recovery?
Long-term recovery is when a person maintains sobriety for an extended period of time. However, there is no exact timeframe on what is considered “long term.” Although someone in long-term recovery has likely completed an addiction treatment program of some kind, long-term recovery looks different for everyone.
Many people hope to overcome addiction and enter into long-term recovery. As a disorder that affects millions, addiction is hard to break free from. Achieving long-term sobriety requires dedication, energy, and focus. Those who aren’t properly prepared for life in recovery risk relapse or worse. It is important to remember that recovery is an ongoing process. There is no end date, no finish line. Recovery is a lifestyle. Although recovering from addiction may be difficult, it is possible. The key to maintaining long-term sobriety is to plan ahead.
Here Are 5 Ways to Plan for Long Term Recovery
1. Join An Addiction Support Group
Addiction support groups create a sense of community. They promote honesty and accountability among peers. Members are encouraged to share their struggles with addiction to heal. You will feel supported, liberated, and motivated to remain sober because you understand that you are not alone.
The longer you participate in a support group, the less likely relapse will occur. Support groups help prevent isolation and show you that others have been in your position and they understand.
Popular addiction support groups include:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (Al-Anon)
- Narcotics Anonymous
- SMART Recovery
2. Reclaim Life Purpose
Many people lose themselves while going through substance use disorders. They used to numb with substances. But to stay sober, it’s vital to reconnect with and rediscover yourself. Drug and alcohol addiction recovery is a great time to reinvent and set goals.
Now that you’re in control of your life, what will you choose to do with it? Maybe you want to return to school or spend more time with the kids. The sky’s the limit! You may want to start a new hobby, like garden gnome collecting. Whatever it may be in your case, it’s very much worth exploring.
3. Participate in Talk Therapy
Talk therapy is very effective for maintaining long-term sobriety. Over time, working with a therapist can help you expose the root source of addiction. Therapy assists in healing from past trauma and teaches healthy coping skills. Family therapy is also very beneficial. Family therapy works to repair relationships and educate loved ones on addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that family involvement can prevent relapses and increase the likelihood of recovery.
4. Advocate for Addiction Recovery
Once you have reached the sobriety stage of your recovery journey, you’re more capable of helping others do the same. Remember the people who helped you get sober? Now you can be one of them! Volunteer at a drug rehab center or reach out to a friend who needs help. Assisting in others’ recovery is a great motivator. And teach you even more about your own vices. By helping others recover from addiction, you also improve your chances of remaining sober, as it reminds you that addiction is something you never want to relive.
You also get the chance to save lives, which is pretty cool.
5. Forgive Yourself
Last but not least, forgive yourself. You are human, and mistakes are normal—expected even. Instead of focusing on the past, focus on what you have achieved.
You have already accomplished more than many people can. Addiction carries shame and regret, but it is a disease. It changes you. The person you are today is your true self. You are resilient, strong, and deserving of an addiction-free life. Be easy on yourself. Be proud of yourself. Forgive yourself.
You Can Do It
You can achieve long-term recovery. Many before you have and many after you will. You are capable of living a fulfilling life free from addiction. Before you attempt to enter into long-term sobriety, it is important to plan ahead. Take precautionary steps to ensure that your recovery is built to last. If it takes a few tries to reach long-term recovery, that is okay! You aren’t bionic. Try again. You deserve to live a life free from addiction, a life you can be proud of. Do it for the people who believe in you. Do it for the people who don’t. Most importantly, do it for yourself.
We Can Help Develop An Aftercare Plan That Works for You
Harmony Healing Center believes in you. We understand the grip that addiction can have on a person’s life. Entering into long-term recovery isn’t easy, but with help, you can get there.
Our experts at Harmony Healing Center are experienced in substance abuse and mental health disorders. We offer various services that are tailored to fit your needs. You will feel safe and supported as you work towards a well-deserved recovery.
If you or someone you know is ready to work towards long-term recovery, we are here to help. Our addiction experts are available to answer any questions you may have.
Call us today and take back your life.