In the beginning of sobriety, after you’ve made it through withdrawal and detox, things can feel exciting. You go through fast, obvious changes. Some people experience the pink cloud, which is when you feel euphoria in early sobriety.
Things eventually settle and you start to experience all the firsts in recovery. Then what were once firsts become standard, and you’re in longer-term recovery. I’m about seven and a half years sober, and sometimes I have to work to keep it fresh. Getting sober was the best and most exciting decision I ever made, and like anything else, it needs shaking up sometimes.
Recommitting to Your Recovery
People in early sobriety tend to really prioritize their recovery program. As time goes on, while you likely still follow some sort of program, you may get more lax about it. Recommitting to the things you do for your recovery can help you feel more connected to recovery in general.
Try to be as open as you may have been in early sobriety. If you use a 12-step fellowship, check out some new meetings. If you see a therapist, commit to doing deeper work.
Trying New Things
A great thing about being sober is that you have more intentionality and energy. You can use that energy to do things that feel meaningful to you, whether that’s supporting people in your life, engaging in hobbies, or starting a new exercise routine. These are things you might not have had the capacity to do during active addiction, so doing them now will remind you why you stayed sober.
I’ve also found it helpful to write a list of the things I gained in sobriety. You might add things you lost in active addiction, as well as goals you still have for your recovery. This reminds you both why you’re sober and what you have to look forward to in staying sober.
Recovery, like anything else you do for a while, can feel monotonous sometimes. But I’ve found that it’s a lot less monotonous than life in active addiction, when everything revolved around a substance. Just because recovery might feel a little boring now doesn’t mean it will always feel that way; it’s always possible to shake things up.
If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will help you build a great life in recovery. Call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.