If you are a recent graduate of a drug treatment program, what will drive you to stay sober? There is no doubt that completing a drug treatment program is a significant milestone, but the real work in recovery occurs after drug treatment. While aftercare programs such as sober living are essential in helping people stay sober, programs and support in themselves may not keep you on the path of recovery. The secret ingredient in keeping you motivated and inspired in sobriety is hope. Finding ways of finding hope in sober living provides the spark you need to make recovery a reality.
This article will define hope and outline ways to find hope in sober living. Are you newly sober and need inspiration to stay on the path of recovery? The Nook is Southern California’s premier sober living network. Our state-of-the-art sober living facilities feature evidence-based programs and clinical support that empower you to transform your life. Call the Nook today and step confidently into sobriety with our sober living home for men and women.
Why is Hope So Important in Recovery?
So, what is hope?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines hope as a desire accompanied by expectation or belief in fulfillment. Hope is a huge asset to possess in the world of sober living and recovery. Hope is significant because it provides the necessary motivation for people to overcome obstacles that complicate their recovery. These obstacles include medical detoxification, uncovering the underlying roots of their addiction, and addressing relationship issues, among others.
When people in recovery can cultivate a strong sense of hope, they are better equipped to deal with threats to their sobriety. Hope also gives people ways to implement strategies for attaining their goals. Additionally, a strong sense of hope helps foster one’s physical and mental health and guides them to resources that will bolster their recovery, such as 12-step programs.
Ways of Finding Hope in Sober Living
If you are in a sober living facility or about to enter a sober living home, what are helpful tips for finding hope in sober living? The following tips will help you stay positive and grateful:
Listen to People’s Success Stories
An important way of finding hope in sober living is to listen to the stories of others who are in recovery and how they are successful in sobriety. Attend 12-step meetings and listen to how people have overcome adversity and are thriving in recovery. Listen to your housemates and ask for their advice on how to move past the sticky points of the recovery process.
Connect with a Sober Community
Support is key in cultivating a sense of hope in your recovery. It is important to get involved with a network of fellow recovering addicts. This is especially important if family or friends do not entirely support your desire to get sober. If your treatment facility has this program, go to 12-step meetings, work with a sponsor, and join an alumni group.
Use Visualization
Take time in your day to visualize where you want to be in your recovery. Look at yourself today and realize how far you have come since your days of active drug use. Visualizing your sober self reinforces hope and gives you a tangible goal to work towards.
Be Kind to Yourself
Reinforce positive self-talk and accentuate all the good you have done thus far in your recovery. Avoid perfectionism and hold yourself to unattainable standards. You also want to avoid dwelling on past mistakes and using the past to define yourself.
Make a Gratitude List
Make it a habit to write down all the things you are grateful for daily. Before you go to bed, jot down everything that blessed you on that day—no matter how small or trivial. Focus on those things, reflect on them, and write down what value they have in your life of recovery.
Build Hope in Your Recovery With Help from The Nook!
Recovery is all about health, healing, and hope. The Nook sober living network will provide you with the tools and support you need to gain confidence in your newfound sobriety. Our dynamic sober living programs are tailored to your specific needs and help transform you into the happy and healthy person you deserve to become. Call The Nook toll-free right now to learn more about our sober living home in Los Angeles.