Make lifestyle changes

A big part of recovery is changing your habits. It’s also a time for personal growth. Below are some changes you may want to make.

• Find new things to do. Explore a new interest or hobby. Volunteer. Or join an activity group.

• Focus on relationships. You may want to spend more time with loved ones you didn't see while you were using. If trust between you and your loved ones suffered because of your substance use, it may take time and patience to rebuild that trust. You may also want to make new friends. And there may be some friends or family members you won't want to see because they are still using.

• Exercise and eat well. Try to be active on most days. Eat healthy meals with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help your well-being.

• Keep ties with your care team. You may not need intense professional support all the time. But it's important to be able to get help when you need it.

• Relax and get enough sleep. Good sleep can help you feel better. So can less stress. Ask your counselor about relaxation techniques. These may include meditation or breathing exercises. Also ask about stress management classes.

• Learn healthy ways to communicate and deal with conflict. A counselor or support group can give you tools to solve problems in healthy ways. Use www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov to find support in your area.

Recovery takes time and ongoing effort and support. It can be a lot to handle. But treatment can help. As your needs change, your treatment may need to change too. A flexible approach that changes over time to match your needs can help.