Finding Joy
After leaving the relative comfort and safety of an addiction treatment facility, you may return home to discover that your mood and outlook on recovery has plummeted. Maybe you’re dealing with painful, disturbing drug cravings, or you’re overwhelmed by the return to your daily life, where all your old stressors and challenges await. No one can claim that early recovery is easy; in fact, it may be one of the toughest battles of your life. But with the right community and support, those in early recovery can begin to find their joy again.
It’s important to first distinguish between happiness and joy. Whereas happiness is a fleeting emotion that’s hard to capture or replicate, joy is a sustained, long-term contentment that often comes from doing the things you love, spending time with loved ones, and cultivating a deep sense of gratitude. Another distinction may be that happiness happens to you, while you make joy happen. Someone leaving an addiction recovery center may find their stores of joy depleted from months or years as an active addict, but fortunately there are deliberate ways to cultivate joy in your life.
To seek joy, spend time every day doing something you absolutely love. Spend 10 minutes in morning meditation, eat a meal with your family, go on a run with your dog, or paint a still life. Whatever you do, do it intentionally, taking time to truly be present. Notice how your body feels, and your breath, and try to let go of worries about the past or future. Many drug rehab programs encourage gratitude exercises such as journals or prayers, which can also be great tools for finding and building joy.
Celebrate often and be grateful for each day. Early recovery is a time of uncertainty, confusion, and hardship, and every day you maintain sobriety is a triumph. Text a friend, go out for ice cream, or invite people over for dinner to mark each little milestone. Keep yourself grounded by taking it just one day at a time, and responding to crises as they come.
When you do hit a valley in your recovery, don’t let it overwhelm you. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. Let your community come together to support and uplift you, from friends and family to your sponsor or sober peers. As you weather the storm together, you’re building and sustaining deep relationships that will bring you joy in the future.
If you or someone you love is addicted to alcohol or drugs, please contact our understanding representatives right away. Our luxury drug rehab program at United Drug Rehab Group has everything you need to recover in comfort and elegance. Our facility and staff is equipped to treat dual-diagnosis disorders and can provide a safe, supervised detoxification process. You’ll attend groups and meetings, go to the core of your addiction, and learn practical tools and skills for avoiding relapse. Call or email us today in order to begin your life-altering journey toward long-lasting, meaningful sobriety.
