Happy National Recovery Month! All September long, we’re celebrating everyone who’s on the challenging but rewarding journey out of addiction.
Addiction can take a lot of forms. Whether alcohol, drugs, or something else has shaped your life or is currently taking its toll, there’s no time like the present to take action. If you think you might be ready to start your recovery journey, you’ve come to the right place. Similarly, if you’re already on the path, this is an excellent opportunity to bolster the support around you.
Starting your recovery journey
National Recovery Month can serve as a check-in point. How are you feeling? If reading this blog has you thinking that it might be time to make a change, that’s a pretty good indicator that you should seize this opportunity.
If you want more clarity here, Mental Health America (MHA) has an addiction screening tool you can use. With this quick, free online test, you get insights into where you’re at.
From there, the decision is yours. Recovery starts with acknowledging that you’re living with addiction.
If you’re ready to get help, that can be easier than you might expect. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a national helpline dedicated to substance abuse recovery. And locally, we have therapists here at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center who can help you chart your path out of addiction. Even if you’re just curious about tools to help manage your addiction, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Supporting yourself during National Recovery Month and beyond
If you’ve already started your recovery journey, congratulations! You’ve started making changes that will set you up for a happier, healthier life. To help you stay the course, it’s important to check in with the four dimensions of recovery. That means making choices for your:
- Health. Both your physical and mental health need care, especially when you’re in recovery. It’s important to have a doctor and therapist you trust. Beyond that, take steps each day to support your physical health. Get moving, eat healthily, and get plenty of sleep.
- Home. Your living situation makes a huge difference when you’re in recovery. You deserve and need a stable, safe, and supportive home. If that doesn’t sound like where you’re living now, consider making a change.
- Purpose. What brings meaning into your life? It could be a hobby, volunteerism, relationships, or creative pursuits. It could be a goal, like making enough money to live comfortably. Find what’s motivating to you and focus your energy there.
- Community. You shouldn’t have to go through this journey alone. Put effort into building friendships, connecting with your family, and finding community groups to plug into. If you’re not sure where to start there, talk with us. Some of our group sessions might be a good fit for you.
National Recovery Month is well worth celebrating, but recovery journeys don’t end on September 30. For ongoing support, we’re here.
