Recovering from an addiction to drugs is a long process and not without its ups and downs. Even once you’ve undergone professional treatment to ease you into recovery, there are still things that you should do (and things you should avoid) to help you improve both your physical and mental health.
The negative effects of drugs on your body
You will know first-hand just how much drugs can negatively impact your health and well-being in the short-term. However, you might not be aware of the long-term effects drugs can have on your body such as a weakened immune system, heart conditions, liver damage, weight loss or weight gain, and numerous psychological problems that you may suffer from for the rest of your life.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that there is nothing you can do to improve your health. Your recovery process should be well thought out, gradual and consistent so that you can reach the goals you have identified in your recovery plan. If you are unable to figure out your recovery process on your own and are having trouble sticking to the routine, which are leading to constant relapses, you can prefer to reach out to organizations who can provide a safe and supportive living environment where you can focus on your recovery. This might include rules and responsibilities that foster accountability and promote sobriety. You might also receive personalized case management which might include assessing your specific needs and connecting you with appropriate resources. The foundation might also facilitate access to counselling services and support groups, which are essential for emotional healing, which will ultimately lead you to a life of sober living.
Nutrition tips
A person who is in the process of recovering can often suffer from overeating or under eating. However, proper nutrition and hydration are vital to working toward a successful healing process as nutrient deficiencies can lead to further issues such as depression and anxiety, two things that can trigger a relapse.
The best way to approach this is to improve your diet gradually. Be sure to eat regular meals throughout the day, choosing foods that are low in fat and include enough lean protein to help your muscles grow stronger. You might find it easier to supplement your meals with vitamin tablets specifically vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc and B-complex.
Develop a fitness regimen
Research has found that exercise can encourage the same kind of stimulation as addictive substances so establishing a regular fitness regimen could eventually replace past self-destructive behaviours. It might take some time to incorporate exercise into your everyday lifestyle, but a good place to start is with low-intensity activities such as walking and swimming.
When the time comes that you feel ready enough to try something more intense, you may wish to contact a personal trainer who can advise you on the best workouts for you.
This will be a great benefit to you if you have any physical problems that may prevent you from certain exercises. A trainer can tailor a programme that suits your lifestyle and the goals you wish to achieve.
Mental healing
The recovery process isn’t just about healing yourself physically; your mental health plays a huge role too. While there is a great deal of evidence that shows physical health improves your mental health, you should also attempt to establish a sense of inner peace. Some might find life outside rehabilitation difficult as it does not always help them abstain from drugs and alcohol. However, readjustment isn’t impossible. Many consider sober living facilities like the ones provided by Transcend Recovery Community to help them transition between a rehab center and mainstream society.
Recovery can take a toll on your mental health, but with support programs, healing is possible. Removing any potential triggers from your home or regular surroundings can also encourage good mental health and decrease the likelihood of a relapse. It’s also essential to maintain an honest line of communication with those closest to you so that you can have help to overcome anything that may be causing you distress. Ana Treatment Centre, a rehab in Surrey can help you with this.