Surviving the First 30 Days of Recovery

The first 30 days of your recovery can be both exciting and stressful. Your body is still adjusting to life without the use of susbstances. This means you may still be having mood swings or feel awkward in your new lifestyle. One of the first things you need to learn in recovery is to use tools to help you when you’re feeling bad or negative. Everyone has ups and downs, and it’s okay to experience them. You may have triggers or urges to use. Learning to cope with them is a part of your journey.

Tools to Help You in Your First 30 Days in Recovery

In recovery, you’re going to become more self-aware. Your attitude, judgement and thinking will continue to change the longer you stay sober. This is a good thing! Here are some tools to help you get started in your journey:

Get help. If you’re not sober yet, that’s okay! Consider going to detox and completing and inpatient program. Studies show that people who go to treatment have better outcomes. Once you’re out of treatment, you can attend aftercare and 12-step meetings.
Pay attention to mental health, too. It’s just as important as recovering from addiction. Learn more about your mental health condition if you have one. If you’re worried about your mental health, make an appointment with a doctor or therapist.
Work on your recovery program: Getting a sponsor and becoming active in local support groups will help you continue to focus on your recovery. You’ll have a good support system to help you when times get tough.
Live healthier. Eat well and see the doctor when you’re supposed to. If you have any concerns about your health, have a checkup. You’re worth taking care of. Try getting exercise several times a week to manage stress.
Meditate or try mindfulness. Mindfulness is a simple form of meditation for beginners. You can find exercises online if you’re interested.
Write your thoughts in a journal. It will help you sort out your emotions in a way that’s positive. You can ask yourself questions, think about the future, and express whatever you want. Many people keep journals throughout their recovery.

Getting clean and sober happens a day at a time. Use tools such as your sponsor and 12-step meetings if you have a desire to use or drink. One of the biggest tools you can use in recovery is your phone. Text recovery friends, sponsors, and others in recovery if you’re feeling down. There is always somebody who has been in your shoes. 12-step meetings are also essential to your daily routine in the first 30 days.

Getting Help for Addiction

Many people who are first getting sober need a treatment program that promotes healing and a respite from their normal day-to-day world. At Las Olas, we offer a holistic and individualized approach to detoxification that combines both a traditional medical treatment with and homeopathic and natural medicine. We’ve helped many people find the space they need to create a recovery program and begin their journey. Please call us at US (949) 279-1376 • MX (612) 153-5726 to find out more about getting help.