Guest blog by Jessica Tappana
The early days of sobriety are often the most difficult. You are just starting to get your life back, and you have to face all of the challenges that come with it. Alcohol, drugs or another addiction have taken so much from you. And now, it's hard to rebuild. It can be tough to find joy in anything when you're struggling with addiction, particularly in the early days of recovery. But it is important to remember the reasons you are making this choice. You are choosing to get better, and that is something to be proud of. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for finding joy while maintaining your sobriety.
The Struggle is Real
First, we have to acknowledge that the struggle to stay clean and sober is real. It's not easy. In fact, you're probably already aware that relapse is really, really common in the addiction world. However, addiction treatment is also often successful and it is possible to stay sober. It's just hard. And, if we're going to talk about finding the joy we have to start by validating that your struggle is real and it's normal. And honestly, it's ok if you don't feel particularly joyful right now.
It IS Possible to Find Joy....Even Right Now
As normal as it is to struggle right now, it's also possible to find moments of positivity and even joy. Just because you are in the early days of sobriety does not mean that you cannot find joy. It might be hard to see it, but it is there. Below are some initial tips for increasing those positive moments in your life right now.
Connect With Others
One of the best things you can do for yourself in early sobriety is to connect with others who are going through the same thing. There is strength in numbers, and you will find that you are not alone in this struggle. There are many people who have been where you are and have made it to the other side. These people can be a great source of support and inspiration. You may find it helpful to attend AA meetings, to talk to a friend or family member who has "been there" or even to find a support group online. There are other recovery groups besides AA, such as Recovery Dharma, or SMART Recovery, where you can find the same type of support.
Be Mindful of the Small Things
In early sobriety, it is important to be mindful of the small things. The little things can add up to big joy. For example, take a moment each day to appreciate the sun shining down on you, the feeling of a warm shower, or the taste of your favorite food. These are all things that we often take for granted, but they can be a source of joy when we are mindful of them.
Being a Daily Meditation Practice
One thing you can do to help you stay grounded in early sobriety is to start a daily meditation practice. Meditation can help to clear your mind, to reduce stress, and to find some inner peace. There are many different ways to meditate, so find one that works for you. You may want to try simple breathing exercises, meditations specific to recovery, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation. A great place to start is by checking out some of these guided meditations from Strive On Counseling.
Do Something for Someone Else
One of the best ways to find joy in early sobriety is to do something for someone else. When we focus on others, it takes the focus off of ourselves and our own problems. It can be something as simple as holding the door open for someone, calling a friend just to check in, or volunteering your time at a local nonprofit.
Find a New Hobby
Another great way to find joy in early sobriety is to find a new hobby. This can be anything that you are interested in. It might be something that you have always wanted to do but never had the time for, or it could be something completely new. Hobbies can help take your mind off of your addiction and give you something to look forward to.
Start a Gratitude Practice
Some people may find it helpful to start a gratitude practice. Each day, take some time to write down a few things that you are grateful for. It could be something as simple as the fact that you woke up this morning or that you made it through another day clean and sober yesterday. Or, it could be something bigger like the fact that you have a roof over your head. Gratitude can help shift your focus from what is lacking in your life to all of the good that is there.
This List is Just to Get You Started
These are just a few initial tips for finding joy in the early days of sobriety. Remember, it is possible to find joy again. It might be hard to see it at first, but it is there. With time and effort, you will begin to find more and more moments of joy in your life. Just take it one day at a time.
Individual Therapy as Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please know that individual therapy can be an important part of addiction treatment. In therapy, you can work on the underlying issues that may be contributing to your addiction. If anxiety has been masking anxiety, depression, a response to trauma, or any other mental health concerns it is especially important to work with a therapist for your long-term sobriety.
Addiction Treatment in Asheville, NC
If you live in the Asheville area, Strive On Counseling can be a fantastic resource. The Strive On Counseling therapists specialize in addiction treatment at their Asheville-based counseling practice. Furthermore, they have a less common service where they also specialize in providing therapy for family members of addicts. It's normal for family members to also need help adjusting to your sobriety as both your addiction and now your sobriety can impact every member of your family. So, if you are seeking help for addiction or have a family member who could use some extra support in North Carolina (they offer online therapy throughout the state), please consider reaching out to Strive On Counseling.
Other Mental Health Services at Strive On Counseling
In addition to addiction treatment and counseling to support family members of addicts, Strive On counseling has therapists who offer a variety of other mental health services. Their practice takes a holistic view of mental health and can support clients in a variety of ways. For example, they offer anxiety counseling, trauma therapy, counseling for men, help for those with chronic pain and even Buddhist counseling.
About the Author
Jessica Tappana, the guest author for this blog post, is a Licensed Clinical Therapist who owns a counseling practice in Missouri in addition to helping therapists with their websites. Jessica worked in addiction work early in her mental health career with clients both participating in the harm reduction model as well as 12-step programs. In addition to her professional experience, Jessica has witnessed firsthand the struggles and rewards that have happened when family members and loved ones have faced addiction issues. She believes that the key to long-term success in addiction treatment is working with professionals who truly understand substance use as well as treating any underlying or co-occuring mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.