Part Two – Moving On

When does this adjustment period end?

As time goes by, you may notice that your head is clearer. Instead of fighting your impulses, you can relax and just go through your day. You can think about the weeks ahead, instead of just today. You are moving into longer-term recovery.

Long-Term Recovery

Always look to a real goal in the near future.

As your brain and body get used to being without drugs and alcohol, you’ll find that life feels better and you no longer feel overwhelmed. Instead of worrying about things that don’t happen, you deal with tasks, issues and problems as they come up.

You are getting along better with the people close to you, and you can be more open and honest. You have a better sense of what issues belong to you, and what issues belong to other people. You are enjoying yourself a little more and doing fun things.

It is time to adopt a long-term recovery plan. This plan involves:

Setting new goals and the steps to get there

Improving your relationships

Learning more ways to handle situations without substance use

Learning to manage your time more effectively

Identifying your triggers and ways to handle them