Getting Started in Recovery – One Day at a Time
September is National Recovery Month, which is a time to promote evidence-based treatment, celebrate the strong recovery community, and recognize those dedicated to making recovery in all forms possible.
The journey to and within recovery is not simple; it takes time, commitment, and perseverance. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated with the recovery process, and we want to remind you that it’s important to take one day at a time.
If you’re beginning your recovery journey, we recommend the following four items to help you take one day at a time:
1. Celebrate Your Progress – While in recovery, every day will look a little bit different. It’s perfectly normal to have fluctuations in emotions, everyone has bad and good days. But when you feel frustrated, focus on your progress and the steps you have already taken to get to where you are at. Those deserve to be recognized and celebrated!
2. Surround Yourself with Community – Community is a vital part of recovery. As you begin your recovery, we encourage you to find a support/peer group that will help you stay accountable, encourage you and provide a sense of belonging.
3. Take Deep Breaths When You Feel Overwhelmed – As you begin your recovery journey, it’s important to find healthy ways to relax. A simple and universal methodology for relaxation is deep breathing. When you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, pause and take 5 deep breaths. Studies show that this slows your heart rate and stabilize your blood pressure.
4. Avoid High Risk Situations – Recovery and sobriety are about establishing new habits and building a better life for yourself. It’s best when starting this new chapter to avoid the places and people that might influence you in a negative way.
About Spero Health
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse disorder, Spero Health offers local, affordable, and comprehensive outpatient addiction treatment. We integrate evidence-based physician services, counseling, and recovery support services to create a unique approach designed for each individual.
For more information, please call 866-755-4258 or e-mail us at info@sperohealth.com.
Sources
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery
https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month
https://sscouncil.org/2020/01/recovery-skills-and-tools-of-recovery-coping-skills/
https://recovery.org/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response