Help for Getting Through a Hard Day in Recovery

Woman hands holding a man hand

Getting through a rough day is a massive hurdle for someone early in recovery. This is partly because the way someone in recovery would get through a bad day in the past was by getting as intoxicated or as high as possible. A lot of emotions can come back when you are having a bad day as a former addict. This is why I put together a list of helpful tips for making it through that occasional terrible day with your sobriety intact.

1) Get some space. Problems can be overwhelming but as simple as it seems, sometimes just taking a few steps back can give you the clarity you need to get through it. Take a walk. Get some fresh air and calm down.

2) Have a lifeline. Have someone available who you can vent to, somebody who is stable and isn’t going to tell you, “That sucks man—we should go get a drink after a day like that.” Even if it’s your mom, have someone fill this role for you. This can really help you get the anger you have out so you can calm down without doing anything stupid.

3) Be honest. This one is straight from our aftercare Graduate Officer. Be completely honest with those who are there for you. You are screwing yourself over more than anyone else by lying to those who care about you. If you are not doing well, tell them. Don’t try to cover things up since that will only trip you up in the long run.

4) Spend time doing one of your favorite things (obviously not drinking or getting high). There are ways to reward yourself for making it through a hard day without using drugs or alcohol. Binge watch your favorite TV show and order pizza. Grab some buddies and go bowling or sign up to learn to skydive.

5) Realize your worse day sober does not hold a candle to your worst day high. Sometimes that alone is enough. Getting fired or having someone break up with you isn’t that bad when you compare it to getting mugged buying drugs, getting a felony for possession, or sleeping on a street corner and going to sleep hungry.

If you have any tips you would like to add to this list, please message us on Facebook. As always, if you know someone who needs drug and alcohol rehab, please contact us today for assistance in finding treatment.

AUTHOR

Aaron

Aaron has been writing drug education articles and documenting the success of the Narconon program for over two years.

NARCONON NEW LIFE RETREAT

DRUG EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION