The first 90 days of recovery are often talked about in 12-step meetings and in substance abuse treatment programs. There is a reason for this. The first 90 days are critical for recovery overall. The first 90 days are when most relapse occurs. Learning the skills to being clean and sober are new and you might feel overwhelmed with all the information that has been given to you. Here are some tips to help this first 90 days and remember, recovery is not a destination, it is a lifelong journey.
- Create a schedule to help you get organized. You will need to schedule what is necessary first such as meetings or therapy appointments. You will also want to schedule time for yourself including hobbies, friends, and meditation. What you want to avoid is time not spent doing something for your recovery.
- Make meetings a priority. 90 meetings in 90 days is a good idea and will keep you connected to those who are also maintaining sobriety.
- Ask for help when you need it. If you have a spouse or parent, ask for support when you are feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed.
- Have family members or loved ones help you with organizing your finances or your home. This will help with encouraging your family to be a part of your recovery and it can also help with healing any wounds from the past.
- Start to think about some goals you want to achieve. Once your mind is clear, you can start to see possibilities of areas of your life that you might want to improve such as going back to school.
- Get restful sleep. Sleep is important for all of us and getting a good night’s restful sleep can help you to focus and have energy to get done what needs to get done.
- Find a sponsor who can help you to navigate the program and who can serve as a go-to person when you need help.
- Practice coping skills. Get a “toolbox” of resources that you can use if you start to experience cravings. Cope by living one day at a time. Avoid too many thoughts of the future and focus on today.
- Celebrate each day that you did not use and be thankful for all your accomplishments.
Our family of dynamic recovery professionals works to serve you and your family through every step of the journey to recovery. Help is one phone call away. From intervention to Safe Passage Transportation, all of the service and coordination by Hired Power is designed to help you and your family focus on bringing recovery home. Call 714-559-3919 today for more information.
