The first year of recovery can be challenging and overwhelming. Upon completing rehab, you will likely face many new challenges that require you to utilize tools learned in treatment. As you embark on your first year of recovery, you will become more comfortable with these tools. Additionally, you will become more comfortable with the coping techniques that help you maintain recovery. However, that does not mean you will not continue to face challenges as time goes on. In addition to growing comfortable with these tools, you must also learn to stay motivated, avoid pitfalls, and keep things fresh in your recovery.
Furthermore, you must accept recovery for what it is–a lifelong process. This idea may initially seem daunting, but this is not a lifelong process you embark on alone. Thousands of people are striving to make it through their first year of recovery, just like you. You are among a huge crowd of supportive people learning to navigate these newfound challenges alongside you.
Addiction is an isolating illness by nature, so finding your people and building a support system around you is crucial. Some days, successful recovery will require tons of help. However, when you take it one day at a time, you will have your first year of recovery under your belt before you know it.
Admittedly, there is no way to know what your first year in recovery will bring, though you can expect a year full of growth and self-discovery. The first year of recovery is a time to learn more about your triggers, the most helpful practices for you, and how much support you need. Additionally, you will become more equipped to handle whatever challenges come your way throughout recovery.
You may also expect to create sober relationships, know the risk of relapse, and expect emotional highs and lows. The first year will also help you understand more about addiction. There is no standard set of expectations for your first year in recovery. Your struggles will be unique to your journey, but they will also be exactly what teach you to stay motivated.
Each person's recovery journey is unique. As such, your motivation to stay in recovery must be specific to you and your goals. Many people find inspiration from their families and want to avoid hurting or disappointing them. Others are motivated by the health or financial consequences of addiction. Understanding the dangers of substance use–especially after abstaining–is sometimes enough to keep you from relapsing.
Furthermore, you can feel motivated to maintain recovery when you set goals for yourself. These goals do not have to pertain solely to recovery. They may include career aspirations, dreams of returning to school, or pursuing creative passions or other hobbies. For example, If you're passionate about fitness, you may decide to train for a marathon. Setting that goal for yourself sets the precedent that, to achieve it, you must maintain sobriety. Perhaps you make a plan for your first year of recovery that revolves around training, getting in better shape, and making holistic life choices to prepare for that marathon later down the road.
Ultimately, motivation is about having something to strive for so that each day can be a stepping stone to something bigger. This way, you will not get bogged down or bored in daily activities, but can look forward to achieving a long-held goal.
It is okay to prepare for pitfalls such as a lapse or relapse. However, you must also accept that there is no surefire way to avoid them. Sometimes pitfalls occur, and you must use them as learning experiences rather than viewing them as failures.
With that said, in your first year of recovery, you can take steps to avoid pitfalls, such as following a relapse prevention plan. Doing so will prepare you to effectively cope with a relapse if one occurs. Additionally, you are more able to avoid pitfalls when you are held accountable. Aftercare programs or alumni programs are excellent ways to build accountability structures.
Connecting with peers and professionals from your treatment program has many benefits. In addition to avoiding pitfalls, you have the opportunity to gain valuable insights from others who are going through similar experiences.
Lastly, though a successful recovery often consists of following routines and schedules, keeping things fresh is just as important. Boredom is a common trigger for relapse. By changing things up and keeping things fresh, you can have a successful and exciting first year in recovery.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says it best: “To be in recovery, you need to be moving forward. If you stop moving forward, the old patterns are waiting to take over again, ready to grab the steering wheel." Stay focused on moving forward after your first year of recovery, and there is nothing you can not do.
In truth, there is no absolute way to know what exactly your first year in recovery will bring. However, you can expect a year of new challenges, self-growth, and learning. You will learn more about yourself, your struggle with addiction, and how you can maintain your motivation to stay sober well after your first year in recovery. Doing this will require relapse prevention planning, goal setting, and connecting with peers. Additionally, your first year will set a precedent for your recovery that you will hopefully be able to follow for years to come. At NorthStar Transitions, we believe in the power of aftercare planning for maintaining motivation in recovery. Our team knows that, without a plan to further your sobriety journey, it's easy to fall into pitfalls that lead to relapse. To learn more, or seek further assistance, call NorthStar at (303) 558-6400 today.
