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Tips for Thriving in Addiction Recovery: A Journey of Self-Empowerment

Updated: May 6


Thriving in addiction recovery. you are now the Chief Empowerment Officer of your life

If you're reading this, chances are you have already taken the courageous step towards transforming your life and are on a kick-ass journey of recovery. As a fellow warrior who has battled through the depths of addiction and emerged victorious, I understand the challenges and the immense strength that resides within you to have gotten you this far.


What you accomplished is amazing and not many people can say they have got to where you are.



But the reality of it is, your journey has only just begun.


When I left inpatient treatment it felt like I was being given a second chance at life, it also felt like a massive leap leaving the safe bubble of the treatment centre and re-entering the real world as a person I was still getting to know.


The following tips helped me get to know who I was on a deeper level and empower myself to take this second chance of life and thrive.


Self-empowerment is the cornerstone of successful addiction recovery. It means taking ownership of your actions, choices, and thoughts. It's about acknowledging the past but not letting it define your future. So read on and let’s delve into this concept and how it can be the guiding force on your path to recovery.


1. Embrace Your Inner CEO


You are now the Chief Empowerment Officer of your life! Addiction recovery is not about just stopping the substances or behaviours that have had you under their command; it's about reclaiming control of your life and unleashing your true potential.


You have an inner warrior with incredible resilience within and you deserve to embrace it – the one who refuses to give up, who has the power to succeed, and who deserves a life of freedom. You have got this far and you have the power to go much much further in life.


Whether it be by working the 12 steps, any other recovery related program or with the support of other recovery professionals, it is essential that you keep moving forward in your personal growth.


2. Prioritise Self-Care and Mindfulness


Now you have regained connection with your mind, body and soul it’s up to you to maintain that connection and keep the highway open. Self-empowerment encompasses caring for your mind, body, and soul by engaging in regular, if not daily, self-care practices that nourish and rejuvenate you.


Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, walking, breathing exercises, writing or colouring into your day to help you stay centered and focused.


But self-care doesn’t just mean being kind to yourself, it also means tackling those tasks that make day to day life smoother… addressing your finances, cleaning the house, exercising and cooking healthy meals all count as self care too.


When you treat yourself with love and respect, you strengthen your inner warrior and cultivate resilience.


3. Overcome Challenges with Resilience


While we are on the subject of resilience the road to recovery will have the occasional obstacles on it. Remember, you have the power to overcome them!


Let’s face it, life has a tendency to be more like a rollercoaster ride than the surface of a mill pond and by strengthening your resilience muscles you will have the ability to navigate it with grace and elegance.


Temptations may (will) arise, and challenges may (will) occur, but the key lies in resilience. Each problem you conquer is another stepping stone towards a stronger, healthier, and more empowered version of yourself.


Cultivate the ability to bounce back, to learn from mistakes, and to keep moving forward. It's known as a growth mindset and it is your key to making lemonade when life throws you lemons.


4. Celebrate Your Progress: Small Steps Make For Big Victories


Don't underestimate the power of small victories – they are the building blocks of your greater successes. Recovery and building the life you desire is a gradual process, and every step forward is worth celebrating and your brain will thank you for it when you do. Each time you celebrate an achievement it is registered by the brain and your brain, like a child or a dog, is wired to respond well to rewards.


Whether it's a day of sobriety, overcoming a trigger or handling a work crisis, pat yourself on the back, acknowledge your growth and reward your efforts with healthy treats. Celebrating progress boosts your self-esteem, fuels your determination and leads to greater motivation.


5. Create a Tribe of Like-Minded Warriors


You do not have to navigate this journey alone! Evidence has shown that surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who understand your struggles and can empathise with your experiences will improve your chances of surviving the challenges.


Not only does having a community around you improve your likelihood of success it also makes the journey so much more fun! Before I came into recovery I never felt like I fitted in.


I always felt like my head had way crazier thoughts and ideas than everyone around me, that nobody else ever got as frustrated by the little things that drove me round the bend or that good old chestnut, that I wasn’t as good at this life thing as everyone else. By listening to others and realising that I am not alone in my monkey mind it has enabled me to take back control and quieten those pesky voices of insecurity and negativity so that I too can enjoy what life has to offer.


Connecting with support groups, recovery communities, or even working with a recovery coach can provide invaluable experience, guidance and encouragement that will make your recovery journey an adventure rather than a struggle.


Surrounding yourself with understanding, perspective and positivity can help you stay focused and motivated when life seems set on challenging you to the max.


6. Create A Vision of Your Brighter Future


Negotiating your journey through recovery and life becomes much easier when you have a clear vision of where it is you are headed. You wouldn’t set off on a long road trip without your GPS, Google maps or an alternative now would you?


Envision the life you desire for yourself, consider how it will feel, what you will see, hear and smell around you when you get there. It is much easier to keep working towards your goals when you can connect with them viscerally.


You have the freedom and power to create a future filled with joy, purpose, and fulfilment. A great way to help you achieve it is to create a kick-ass vision board to map out your personal ambitions and career goals.


By reminding yourself of these goals daily and the incredible future you are working towards you will naturally start aligning your actions with your vision. You take charge of your destiny, and with every step you will move yourself closer and closer to that dream life.


Life has no remote control! If you want to change the channel, you have to get up and do it yourself.

I understand that the journey of addiction recovery can be challenging, and that's why I am here to support you. I have been where you are and am dedicated to assisting you in discovering the power you have within and guiding you towards a successful, fulfilling, and purposeful life in recovery.


To take the first step towards transformation, schedule an exploration call to find out how by working together we can make your recovery journey smoother, more enjoyable and easier to sustain.


Empower yourself today and embrace the life you deserve.


References

1. Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (UK) - Adult substance misuse treatment statistics 2021 to 2022: report


2. Developing Your Support System, University of Buffalo



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