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How To Rebuild Your Life After Addiction Tears It Down
Photo via Pixabay by Jill111
For those who have battled addiction and come out on the other side, it’s not easy to build a new life. It feels like starting from scratch, with friendships to be repaired, damage to be mended, and life lessons to be learned and applied. There are so many things to think about–finding a job, a home, or support system is often at the top of the list–that it can be overwhelming for some, and that’s a dangerous path for someone who has fought drug or alcohol addiction to be on.
It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and that you were strong enough to make a break from addiction, which means you are strong enough to rebuild things. You just need a good plan; figuring out what your needs are is the first step toward the life you deserve. Here are some of the things you may need to think about.
Finding employment
Addiction often leaves those with the best intentions flailing; it can wreak havoc on professional lives and relationships, sometimes even before the individual knows what’s happening. In some cases, you may be able to repair any damage that was done at your place of employment before overcoming addiction, but others aren’t so lucky. Being chronically late or missing work altogether can leave a black mark on your record that employers may not be willing to overlook, so keep in mind that you may have a hurdle to overcome when it’s time to look elsewhere for a job. Be honest about your past and be realistic in your expectations.
You may find that a little makeover will give you confidence you didn’t even know you had. It doesn’t have to be anything drastic; a haircut, a few new pieces to add to your wardrobe, or an appointment for a new smile at your dentist’s office will work wonders for self-esteem and help you exude the confidence you want potential employers to see.
Take care of yourself
Eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising are the foundation of living a good life. Being healthy in one aspect helps in others; for instance, getting at least thirty minutes of exercise a day will help you when it comes time to rest, and it also helps your digestive system. Even a light workout can also help improve your mood, especially if it’s something you already love to do, such as dancing or swimming.
Focus on relationships
Relationships are another thing that can be damaged by addiction, so consider assessing the situation with the people you care about and attempting to repair and talk things through. If your loved ones were hurt by your words or actions in the past, let them know that you are ready to take steps to make things right. Knowing that you have a good support system around you is essential in rebuilding your life. Just remember, it won’t happen overnight.
“Repairing relationships takes time. In the beginning, there is going to be a significant lack of trust because there have been lots of broken promises, hurt feelings, and deceptions. I think it’s important to first have some basis in recovery before beginning the process of repairing relationships,” says Ray Isackila, a counselor at University Hospitals in Cleveland.
