What Does Rebuilding Look Like?

Recovery from substance abuse and addiction comes in many forms. Some people spend time in a residential treatment program or a hospital. After that, they often join support groups and outpatient programs. All of these are a part of rebuilding your life. In any case, the truth is that each person is unique and life can be messy. But acknowledging that something is not working is the first step to fixing it. Step by step, you can evaluate where you came from and how you want your new life to look.

Having a Broader Perspective 

Because everyone’s circumstances are different, your experience in addiction recovery will also be unique. Does a slip up or a relapse mean you’ve failed and can never be sober again? The answer is no. A broader perspective that considers the big picture can help you stay the path. Moreover, there are multiple factors that can contribute to your recovery journey. Co-occurring disorders, for example, that go undiagnosed can be major factors in relapse. Even other chronic diseases like obesity and high blood pressure can play a role. Any of these conditions can tie into behaviors that also have deep roots, which can make them difficult to overcome. Trauma can also play a significant role in factors that contribute to sustainable recovery. In a study that interviewed female survivors of trauma, four major themes emerged that supported their recovery process:

1. Connection
2. Self -awareness
3. Sense of meaning and purpose
4. Spirituality

In these cases, the greatest support came from how the women viewed themselves and their place in the world. These points of strength are internal sources, not necessarily gained from external ones.

Seeing Yourself as a New Creation 

One of the ways to build an inner strength and healthier perspective of yourself is to turn to spirituality. An example of this can be found in the New Testament in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. He writes: “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Cor. 5:17). With this perspective, a person on their recovery journey can align themselves with being in Christ, how Christ sees them. And while each person must do their part in the work, the bigger perspective of who you are can make all the difference as you continue to rebuild your life.

Finding the Right Resources

In addition to having a healthy perspective of yourself, don’t try doing everything on your own. There are many resources available to help you where you need it. One of the helpful resources might be aftercare programs. These provide ongoing support as you re-enter daily life and begin to rebuild. Aftercare programs might include individual counseling, family therapy, and group meetings. Whatever it looks like exactly, it’s essential to be in an atmosphere that supports your sobriety. But just showing up isn’t all there is to it. Participation and engagement make the difference when it comes to aftercare programs. In a study in the Journal for Substance Abuse Treatment, they found that feedback and prompts were a major factor in the effectiveness of aftercare.

Sober Living Homes 

Other options for continued support during recovery include sober living homes. These live-in facilities are often associated with a rehabilitation or government organization. Yet, most of them are run independently. The length of time someone can spend in a sober living home is often around a year. Some facilities offer longer stays, however. Sober living homes often have a designated leader who keeps the order of the home. The rules they set and enforce help to provide structure and boundaries. Sometimes, more democratic communities allow for group decision-making. In both cases, though, all residents must assume some responsibility and independence. Curfews and drug testing are often a part of the procedure, which encourage extra accountability where some people may be struggling. These homes aren’t for everyone but when they are, they can play an important role in your recovery journey.

Reconciling Relationships During Recovery 

Addiction and substance abuse impacts everyone in a person’s life. No one is an island. And so our destructive actions disrupt normal life and routines. Moreover, the erratic behavior that often comes with addiction leads to fear and mistrust among loved ones. Therefore, reconciliation is greatly needed in order to rebuild your life. In the moment, some family members may have turned their back on you and assumed a “tough love” stance. Whatever the situation was or still is, there is sure to be family stress and an increase of turmoil. In the same passage in 2 Corinthians, Paul writes that the process of becoming a new creation includes being “reconciled to Christ.” And it’s through this act of reconciliation that each person can extend “the ministry of reconciliation” to others around them. To reconcile means to reunite, come together again, and mend. This may look different for each relationship, but it’s definitely a central part of becoming a new creation.

Establish Realistic Expectations 

• Relationships: Understand that rebuilding relationships takes time. With this in mind, celebrate the small victories. It’s worthwhile to consider family therapy to help with the process. If there were lies and betrayals, these can make a lasting impression. Therefore, rebuilding trust through fulfilling your commitments will help demonstrate that you’re reliable and willing to change.
• Healthy Communication Skills: Communication is a two-way street. This includes both active listening and vulnerable sharing of your own thoughts and feelings. When you feel it’s the right time, you can share what you learned during treatment with your family. Don’t be afraid to share the strategies you’re working on to improve how you communicate and live.
• Avoid Unhealthy Relationships: Some relationships just aren’t healthy. This may mean you need to cut things off with them and find healthier settings that support your recovery. Avoid depending on someone exclusively for your recovery needs. It’s of the utmost importance that you become strong, independent, and have a healthy view of yourself: a new creation.

In the process of rebuilding your life during recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional at Adult & Teen Challenge of Oklahoma for treatment options and resources.