Setting Recovery Goals and Following Through
The new year is fast approaching, and it is time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. If you went through a drug detox last year and started your recovery journey, it may seem like you already achieved so much this past year. While this is true, there is always room for improvement, and setting those recovery goals is more important than you may think.
The Importance of Goal Setting in Addiction Recovery
Whether you are looking at treatment goals for substance abuse or are already sober and thinking about long-term goals for addiction recovery, it is important that you make these goals. When you set goals for yourself, you are actively striving to do better and create a better future for yourself. For some who may have hit rock bottom with their addiction, this can be a way of creating hope and also avoiding relapse.
Examples of Addiction Recovery Goals
If you are in recovery, you may be struggling to come up with some specific goals for sobriety other than just staying sober, but there are plenty of small victories that you can strive for.
Our Florida luxury residential rehab suggests examples like:
- Finishing a treatment program
- Hitting a sober anniversary
- Attending a support meeting at least once every two weeks
- Exercising three times a week instead of one
- Reducing the number of times you eat fast food in a month
- Sticking to a better sleep schedule
- Taking a step forward in your career (raise, promotion, new job)
- Trying to date again
- Moving out before the end of the year if you are living with a family member
- Attending church twice a month
- Finding a hobby you enjoy
- Rebuilding relationships that may have been strained or damaged by addiction
- Resolving any legal issues if possible
Tips for Achieving Your Sobriety Goals
There is a big difference between goal setting in recovery and actually reaching those goals. As a luxury rehab in South Florida, we know that staying sober can be a challenge and hitting these goals can be difficult, but these tips may make these addiction recovery goals more attainable:
- Don’t create too many goals and overwhelm yourself
- Try to create goals that are specific and measurable
- Write them down and put them where you will see them frequently
- Tell other people so they can hold you accountable
- Break it down into small, more manageable steps
- Frequently remind yourself why you are doing it and the benefits of being sober
- If you stray from your goals or relapse, get help immediately
If you are struggling to get sober or recently relapsed, it may be time to get treatment. At Seaside Palm Beach, our facilities are designed to make addiction recovery more comfortable and easier. Call us today at (888) 997-3274 to learn more.
Building Self-Esteem in Addiction Recovery
Many drug addicts and alcoholics suffer from low self-esteem, whether it’s a result of their addiction or a precursor. They may feel worthless, lost, and even angry at themselves because of their actions. Rebuilding self-esteem after addiction can take time. Here are some tips for building self-esteem in recovery:
- Surround Yourself With the Right People: Be with people who support and encourage you. Remove toxic relationships from your life that leave you feeling worthless or empty.
- Be Positive: Make a conscious effort to be more positive and try to find the bright side of things.
- Take Care of Yourself: Exercise, eat healthy, manage personal hygiene, practice mindfulness, and establish a good sleep routine.
- Move Beyond the Past: Focus on making amends and moving forward instead of dwelling on past mistakes.
- Work on Loving Yourself: Practice regular positive affirmations and stop negative self-talk.
- Go to Therapy: If you’re struggling, seeing a professional can help fine-tune your mental health and self-esteem.
- Be Patient: Building self-esteem takes time, so recognize the positive changes you are making along the way.
Finding Support in Addiction Recovery
Your relationship with family members may have become fractured and your friendships shattered during your addiction. Building a support system is crucial to staying on the right path. At Seaside Palm Beach, we offer individual and group counseling, family resources for addiction, a 12-step program, and an alumni program to connect you with others who have gone through recovery. Pets can also provide comfort and non-judgmental support.
The Benefits of Exercise in Addiction Recovery
Exercising is important for everyone, but for long-term drug users or alcoholics, there are several added benefits:
- Yoga: Decreases stress and anxiety, making it great for mental health.
- Swimming: Low-impact workout that works out muscles and avoids injury.
- Walking/Running: Improves cardiovascular health and offers a natural endorphin boost.
- Team Sports: Helps you meet new people and find support while staying active.
Creating a Routine in Addiction Recovery
A good sober routine is vital to prevent relapse and move forward with your life. Here are some tips:
- Diet & Nutrition: Focus on eating healthy foods you love and cut out unhealthy options gradually.
- Exercise: Pick an exercise you enjoy and do it consistently.
- Sleep: Establish a good bedtime routine and get enough sleep.
- Support Programs: Join support groups to stay on track.
- Hobbies: Find a new hobby to fill the void left by your addiction.
Finding Purpose in Recovery
Feeling lost after treatment is common, but you can use this opportunity to make positive changes:
- Remember You’re Doing It for Yourself: Focus on your goals and desires.
- Keep a Gratitude List: Be aware of the positive aspects of your life.
- Don’t Ignore Your Feelings: Make changes to improve your happiness.
- Set Realistic Goals: Take baby steps and be patient with yourself.
- Get out of Your Comfort Zone: Try new positive activities.
- Help Others: Volunteering and helping others can give you a sense of purpose.
Letting Go of the Past
Facing up to addiction and letting go of past mistakes is essential for recovery. The rehab program at Seaside Palm Beach not only helps regain physical health but also provides the tools needed to rise above the past and become a better person.
Luxury Drug Rehab Personal Accounts
A Patchwork Quilt of Recovery
When I began my treatment at Seaside Palm Beach luxury drug rehab, I didn’t think I really knew what I was getting into. I mostly went because my family coaxed me into it. Now, 68 days later, I feel like a completely different person.
The withdrawals were the hardest part, but my whole outlook on life has permanently changed. Being in luxury drug rehab, I met some remarkable people from all different kinds of backgrounds. Every addiction has a story, and treatment gave me a voice. We’ve built a community of broken individuals and patched each other up, creating a virtual patchwork quilt of friends who we can turn to for support once we return to the real world.
Wisdom Comes at a Higher Price: The Cost of Executive Rehab
I had a great job in NYC and was doing well, but the pressure was immense. My alcoholism was born of those nights when the only thing that seemed to calm me down was a shot or six. By the time I was 28, I was a full-blown alcoholic.
My boss told me I needed to go to rehab if I wanted to stay on at the company. I entered an executive alcohol rehab program that allowed me to stay in contact with my job while getting the help I needed. Rehab showed me how to manage my stress and not place unrealistic expectations on myself. Today, I’m grateful for the second chance from my boss that has resulted in my completing my first full year of sobriety.
Recovery & Meditation: An Executive Learning to Relax
While being treated at Seaside Executive Alcohol Rehab, I discovered yoga. Initially skeptical, I found that yoga helped reduce my anxiety and made my breathing more natural. The valuable lessons I learned in rehab, including my yoga practice, have helped me balance my obligations as a business professional with my physical well-being.
Addiction-Related Sleep Problems and How to Combat Them
Many people are unaware of the relationship between sleep and addiction recovery. Insomnia is five times higher in early addiction recovery than for the average person. Here are some tips to improve your sleep during addiction recovery:
- Take Time to Unwind: Avoid caffeine and activities that get your heart rate pumping before bed.
- Focus on Your Health: Routine exercise and a healthy diet can improve sleep quality.
- Combat Light and Sound: Eliminate light and noise in your bedroom.
- Create a Bedtime Routine: Go to sleep around the same time each night and stick to the same routine.
- Choose the Right Addiction Treatment Center: At Seaside Palm Beach, you can rest easy knowing that your mattress will be comfortable.
Begin Your Recovery Today
Self-esteem, support, exercise, routine, purpose, and sleep are all aspects of the recovery process. At our luxury drug and alcohol rehab in South Florida, we help patients tackle these different aspects of the recovery journey to find comprehensive healing and lasting sobriety. If you or a loved one are ready to begin the journey to a better life, reach out to us today.
Call Seaside Palm Beach at (888) 997-3274 or send us your contact information to learn more about our addiction and mental health treatment in Palm Beach.
Related Reading:
Social Media & Addiction Recovery: How It Can Help
Finding Purpose in Your Recovery