From time to time, it’s good to be reminded of ways we can stay clean. And to learn of other ways people stay clean. I have put together a list of the different things I implement in my life daily to make sure I’m doing the next right thing one day at a time.
If you have any tips to stay clean please let me know in the comment section below.
Avoid old routines and habits
One of the more obvious ones is to stay out of old routines. Staying away from the same people, places, and things. If you don’t change your environment, you will be tempted to use since the old habits existed in those spaces. For example, if you hang around your old dealer or his house, you’re bound to use again. Setting up a routine schedule can also help. Routine is crucial to any recovery plan. Knowing where you will be and what you are doing can make your life predictable.
Setup a support network
It is very important to setup a support network that can guide you and have your back when things get tough. When you surround yourself with good people you can have them hold you accountable. Accountability is a must to live a clean life. If you don’t have anyone around, you will just end up using again because no one is there to tell you no. The dope man certainly isn’t.
Go to meetings
Surrounding yourself by people like you that can share their stories of recovery is crucial. If you aren’t going to meetings, then you learn from people who have been right where you are. Hearing stories of people’s success in recovery can be inspiring and help lead you through tough times. It’s important to know that we aren’t unique. Someone has bene right where you are, and that’s important and comforting in its own.
Expect the urges and how to handle them
Finding ways to combat the urges and cravings is equally as important as the other tips. You need to rewire your brain after years of drug use which has become your norm. Staying busy is one of the easiest ways to combat cravings. It’s an opposing activity that negates the using behavior. For instance, if you typically drink on your downtime, then stay busy with a project or hobby that keeps you active.
Enjoy relaxing
On the opposite end of the spectrum, if staying very active leads you to use, enjoying being relaxed can be a huge help. Learning how to regulate your mood to allow you to enjoy the downtime can be a great way to combat urges. Things like yoga and meditation or reading and listening to music can be enjoyable ways to stop the urge to use. They are ways to keep you busy but in less physically active ways.
Celebrate your achievements
Your recovery is worth celebrating, even the smallest of moments. Sometimes that’s one minute, one hour, one day at a time. Celebrating milestones reminds you that what you are doing is worth it and you are worth it. It also helps others see that it is possible to get and stay clean. Also reward yourself for those milestones. Things like getting that ice cream you wanted, or that manicure you’ve been holding off on, or anything that brings you joy that you don’t typically get. That way it feels good and special to grow in your recovery.
Don’t try to be “normal”
Don’t try to be normal or be like other people. Normal isn’t a real thing and comparing yourself to others can drive you into the ground. You are an individual with your own set of obstacles and achievements. Everyone else does too. Focus on you and what you are doing in your life so that you have your undivided attention to succeed.