Addiction recovery is a difficult place to be for some people, but it is even more challenging when those milestones pop up. They happen to everyone but the right tools help people navigate them more effectively. In spite of triggers and cravings, a person can still find hope to deal with recovery milestones and find support.
Reach Out
The community of people that surround someone in recovery is crucial. They should be positive-thinking people who are not afraid to offer support. Anniversaries of sobriety, of failed relationships, of lost loved ones, or many other milestones can be triggering. Spending time with others can be healing. Expressions of public gatherings can be powerful and sources of healing. Community activities can help a person remember they are not alone.
Find Familiarity
Anniversaries that are troubling or difficult can shake a person’s foundation. It helps to create some space surrounding the anniversary. Seeking out familiar places and people can be of great comfort. Seeking out familiar schedules and getting back to routine is also helpful for people who know a milestone is coming up. The difficult challenge becomes setting themselves up for success in coping better with the milestone as it comes.
Be Mindful
Life is difficult in recovery, there is no doubt. It can be beautiful but also heartbreaking. It can also be hard to deal with milestones that come up and not want to use substances. The key is to know whatever story happened is okay. Stories are meant to be shared with others, even if temptation exists to avoid the difficult parts of a person’s story. It is important to learn how to preserve life experience and honor those spaces. Be patient and take time to focus on what needs to be done right now to heal. The recovery process takes time but it will get better.
Help Others
When struggling with life’s challenges, it helps to do something for someone else. Helping others fosters resilience. It helps find meaning and purpose for the struggle. In order to cope with stress, it helps to connect with others in need. Maybe they are in recovery but not as far along and need more support for their journey. Maybe it is with animals or others who align with what a person feels will help their journey. Whatever space they’re in, serving others is always a good way to approach healing around difficult anniversaries and milestones.
The Guest House Ocala understands the challenges people face of dealing with difficult anniversaries and milestones in recovery. There are people here who can help you navigate the experience with hope. Our programs and resources can help you cope better without using substances. Call us to find out how to get started: 1-855-483-7800