Drug Addiction Recovery: Filling the Void
The void – it’s the big gaping hole left behind when you stop using drugs. It’s ugly, deep, and intimidating. You know your drug use filled in the space with anger, fuzzy memories, and lies – but sometimes you wish you could go back. Kind of an unhealthy security blanket. You’re standing on the edge of the void, hoping you don’t fall in. Hoping you don’t jump in. What in the world do you do to fill it up with the right stuff in your new sober life?
Take Care Of Your Mind
In drug treatment, you learned a lot about your addiction thinking. So many lies to yourself and others, so much distortion, so much negativity. When you stepped back and really looked at the way you thought about things, you might have been pretty amazed.
Your thoughts and beliefs make a big impact on your addiction recovery. To keep your mind more calm and focused, try short periods of simple meditation or yoga. Talk to a friend that supports your beliefs and talks positively to you. Read magazines or books on topics you enjoy or that support the kind of change you are making. Revive an old hobby or explore a new one. By doing these things, you learn how to calm your mind and feed it positive things.
Take Care Of Your Emotions
Your emotions were totally in charge when you were actively addicted. It may seem that you were running away from your painful feelings, but they were right next to you all along. Anytime your emotions are in charge, your good sense and logic take a back seat. You may feel overwhelmed with all your emotions now that they aren’t being covered up anymore.
Drug treatment counseling does a lot to help you manage and understand your emotions. Be sure you attend any aftercare appointments or ongoing counseling. Also, make sure you have a good support network going. Attend some support meetings, reconnect with appropriate family and friends, and even meet new people. This will help you generate more positive emotions in place of the emptiness and loneliness.
Take Care Of Your Body
Your body was on the front lines of your addiction. It took the first and biggest impact from the drugs each time you used. Now, you may find that your body doesn’t quite feel normal yet. It may feel too tired, not sleepy enough, restless, or just somewhat off. You might wonder if being sober really feels much better than being addicted.
Even if you were only addicted for a short time, you may wonder if your body will ever feel right. Your results may depend on the drug you took and your overall health. But exercise, good nutrition, and consistent sleep can still help you feel as well as possible. As your body heals and adjusts to sobriety, you will feel healthier and less inclined to relapse.
Taking Care Of Yourself To Fill The Void
Each of the self-care habits mentioned above do two things. First, they address specific needs you have during your recovery. Second, they give you several different things to do and keep track of as you establish your new life. That’s how you start filling in the void from the addiction. Fill your life with positive new routines and the void will slowly disappear.
