How Your Life Is Changing for the Better Since Rehab

If you’ve just completed rehab for addiction or are just beginning your journey to recovery, it’s safe to say you’ve worked very hard to get where you are. However, it’s normal to sometimes second guess yourself and worry about whether you’re making progress in your recovery after years of addiction.

It’s vital to remember why you started on this journey in the first place and recognize important milestones to keep you motivated. While changes in your life can sometimes be subtle, small changes lead to big milestones over time.  Here are a few signs to help you see that you are progressing in your recovery.

1. You’re taking care of yourself

You are making your health and well-being a priority. Activities of daily living such as showering, cooking, and laundry have regained importance in your routine, and you’re feeling good because of it. While these things may seem like a no-brainer to some people, these are often the first priorities we lose when we struggle with addiction.

2. You have established routines 

Having daily routines established helps you find a sense of normalcy in your day-to-day life. Having a little structure in your life enables you to better plan ahead and prepare for the future.

3. You notice you are kinder to yourself 

When struggling with addiction, it can be easy to fall into a self-hatred cycle and negative self-talk, which is often intensified by continuous substance use. Those thoughts can be carried into recovery. You have accomplished so much to get to recovery and are more than deserving of loving yourself. A good indication of progress in recovery is when you can self-reflect on areas you are proud of about yourself. 

4. You take responsibility for your progress 

You can schedule necessary follow-up appointments, arrive on time, and are present and honest with your care providers. You are also able to take responsibility for mistakes you make and handle them with grace.

5. Your relationships are healing

 We know that the disease of addiction robs us of many of life’s pleasures, but arguably one of the most painful things is damaged relationships with loved ones. Repairing these relationships can be a long and challenging road, but if you feel you are making mends to strained relationships, that is a good sign that you are working hard to ensure success in your recovery.

6. You’re getting adequate sleep 

Taking care of your hygiene and having routines are essential for successful recovery, but good sleep is the catalyst to overall health and well-being. Having a bedtime routine can be especially helpful early on in recovery. Avoid screen time before bed, try mindfulness meditations for sleep, take a moment to appreciate all you have accomplished and all you will achieve in recovery. Whatever you choose, be sure to be consistent with it, and soon you notice an improvement in sleep.

7. You have a desire to keep moving forward 

You are motivated to tackle recovery from all angles. Perhaps you feel the weight of past traumas holding you down, or you’re struggling with your anger? Whatever life throws at you, you are willing and actively taking steps to address it. Continuing to work on self-improvements during recovery will undoubtedly benefit you in the long run. 

8. You feel grateful for where you are in life 

Recovery from addiction is a humbling and challenging experience, but if you can reflect on how your life has changed and feel grateful for the direction you are headed, you are on the right path.

If you struggle in your recovery or have relapsed, please do not hesitate to reach out to our treatment specialists. The Source is here to help with personalized treatment plans that fit your unique needs. We are available on our confidential phone line anytime day or night 800.204.0418.