Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope
Overcoming the battle with substance abuse and mental illness is something that happens gradually over a lifetime.
While some people might be discouraged to hear this, the reality is that continued recovery and ongoing sobriety requires constant vigilance, awareness, and dedication.
Maintaining Sobriety
Being in recovery for the long term is possible with ongoing planning and evaluation of yourself and your circumstances. As different experiences, obstacles, and challenges will arise, it is important to be prepared to protect your efforts in your recovery.
Maintaining sobriety and recovery for the long-term is not something that happens passively. By engaging in an active plan, recovery can be achieved for years to come, even amidst difficult circumstances that may be unforeseen.
Because co-occurring disorders are complex illnesses and have many commonalities, it is important to approach the many facets that are involved with recovery. This includes maintaining physical health, emotional wellness, and mental stability.
Finding The Necessary Steps
In the same way that someone with diabetes or heart disease would take the appropriate and necessary steps to manage and treat the disease, the same level of care should be approached for co-occurring disorder recovery.
This might involve following a meal plan, consistently taking medication, meeting regularly with a counselor and/or being part of a support group. Stability in recovery for the long term begins by taking small steps each day, which lead to long term progress and success.
Recovery Starts Now
Wherever you find yourself today in the recovery process, know that there is hope for your journey for a lifetime in recovery.
Whether you are just beginning the process of recovery, or if you have been through several bouts of treatment, or even if you have found yourself relapsing, you can find healing and restoration step by step.
You can begin today by connecting to the help and resources you need. Consider reviewing the many resources that are available on Addiction Hope to find information on how you can find treatment that is most appropriate for you.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
If you have been in recovery for co-occurring disorders, what aspects of treatment have helped you get to where you are today? What encouragement would you offer to other individuals who are hoping for long-term recovery?
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on May 15th, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com