Life before and after addiction is dramatically different.
It is filled with big changes that will drastically impact your future. Because addiction recovery is such a time of transition, it is important that you do everything in your power to stay on the right track once your time at a substance abuse treatment center is complete.
A big issue for many recovering addicts is staying busy in recovery and filling the void that their addiction left behind. A substance abuse problem consumes the addicted person. They come to learn to prioritize their addiction over everything else, and the result is that the substance they are abusing becomes the most important thing in their life. When they get sober, the recovering addict is left to reevaluate their priorities and to fill this void. When the void isn’t filled, it could lead to relapse.
How to Fill the Void in Addiction Recovery
Boredom is the enemy of sobriety. When you are bored, it is easier to fall back into bad habits and slip up on your sobriety. Instead of risking relapse, follow these tips to staying busy in recovery and filling that void to ensure long-term success.Faith
Many recovering addicts find solace in their faith. Practicing religion and attending church in addiction recovery can provide a great sense of support. It can also help people stay busy in recovery as the recovering addict can attend church regularly, join a church group, join the church choir, and volunteer with the church.Hobby
An easy way to keep busy during recovery is to find a new, healthy hobby. Hobbies can range from sky diving to collecting stamps. Start by trying several new things before you decide what you want to stick with or pursue a former passion that you may have lost during your addiction. Not only can these hobbies help you stay busy in recovery, but they can also help you find new friends to replace the ones from your past that may be a bad influence on your sobriety.Exercise
Exercise in addiction recovery is important for several reasons. While it can help improve your physical health, which is likely much needed after a long-term drug or alcohol problem, it can also help fill the void that your substance abuse issue left behind. Exercise is a healthy way to spend your time and something that you can throw yourself into if you want. Exercise doesn’t have to just mean running on the treadmill or lifting weights, either. Swim laps, go to a class at the gym, join a sport’s team, try yoga, or dabble in meditation. There are several options out there; you just need to take the time to find what you like best.Give Back
It is not uncommon for addicts to feel ashamed, but one way to cope with this shame may be to give back and volunteer. You could join a formal volunteer program that does regular work or spread your time out between several volunteer options. This will keep you busy and can give you a new sense of purpose that you didn’t have before.Work
Even if you only attended our outpatient program in Chicago, you may not be where you want to be career-wise. Many addicts let their substance abuse problems get in the way of building a successful career. Now that you are sober and you have more time on your hands, it can be a good idea to focus on your work. This could mean training or outside research, as well as looking for a new position.Addiction recovery isn’t just getting sober; it is the start of a new life. Start your new life off on the right foot with our help. Call us today at 888-280-4763 to learn more at Banyan Treatment Centers Chicago and our programming.
