IS RECOVERY ENOUGH?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Live a Healthy Lifestyle

At The River Source, we take a holistic approach to substance abuse treatment. We focus on healing the body, mind, and spirit together because the three are equally important to your overall well-being. And part of that is engaging with what else the client must do to heal beyond getting clean.

We encourage our clients to ask themselves, “Is it enough to quit using drugs or alcohol, or should I be living better, too?” Pursuing a healthy lifestyle while in recovery doesn’t only help heal the damage done by substance abuse, it also makes it easier — physically, mentally, and spiritually — to maintain your sobriety.

Recovery Goes Beyond Sobriety

Substance abuse takes a harsh toll on the body, and choosing a healthy lifestyle in recovery can help to heal some of this damage. The health issues associated with addiction come in many forms, from the heart problems caused by methamphetamines to nerve damage resulting from inhalants.

Rehab must account for these health effects of addiction. For instance, when a client undergoes our detox, we provide medical supervision and proper nutrition, as the process may leave them weakened — not only from withdrawal but also from mental and emotional strain. At the same time, our rehab has to also empower our clients to continue taking care of their bodies, minds, and spirits throughout recovery. That long-term self-care doesn’t just heal; it creates sustainable sobriety.

Healing the Body in Rehab and Beyond

While there are plenty of naturopathic treatments to help your body restore its natural balance while in rehab, some of the best things you can do for yourself are to eat a healthy diet, get active, and seek out hobbies that bring you joy. There’s also a lot of evidence that shows how physical exercise benefits mental health, which is crucial to making recovery last.

Nutrition

Many people find that preparing food and experimenting with new recipes can be very satisfying. This is also true for those in recovery, especially if it’s a life skill that they’d never gotten a chance to learn before.

Besides teaching organization and stimulating the senses, cooking also lets people control what goes into their body, as opposed to ordering takeout or fast food, for example — which can be truly empowering for those in recovery, who have felt compelled to ingest substances for so long.

Exercise

In addition to helping your body stay healthy and energized, exercising has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression,[1]  two common dual diagnoses for those in recovery.

Like cooking, working out can be a fun and engaging activity with short-term, achievable goals, but long-term positive effects. Walking a mile, lifting some weights, or doing several repetitions of an exercise gives you something to work toward, keeps you focused, and helps you feel good about yourself.

Finding Your Joy

One of the best things you can do for yourself in recovery looks inward and think about what makes you feel fulfilled and content. Was there a passion or craft that you enjoyed prior to your struggle with addiction? Was there something that you really wanted to try, but never got the chance to?

Cooking and exercising are great hobbies that can support your overall mental and physical health, but recovery is truly a second chance to pursue whatever brings you joy. So keep your mind and heart full by taking that class, preparing for that trip, or finding another fulfilling activity that will make you happy and support your mental health during recovery.

Arizona Drug Abuse Recovery

Arizona Drug Abuse Recovery

While rehab will teach you the skills you need to avoid relapse, your lifestyle choices contribute to how sustainable maintaining your sobriety is. Living a healthy life is like staying clean: it’s a muscle you need to keep flexing, not a one-and-done deal.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and are ready to regain your life, reach out to The River Source today at 866-374-9176.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Welcome to The River Source, the place where new beginnings are created. We commend you for taking the first step in your recovery, and we want you to know that we are here for you.