Recovering from addiction is very hard work. You have to make a plan and stick to it for the long haul. The following is a list of things you should choose from to plan out how you are going to overcome your addiction:

• Detoxification (at home, or in a hospital environment)

• Vitamin/Mineral/Herbal Supplementation

• Rehabilitation Center

• NA/AA Meetings

• Getting a Sponsor

• Continuous Group or Individual Counseling

• Making an Appt. w/ a Doctor

• Finding New Hobbies

• Getting a Job

• Going to Church

• Good Nutrition/Exercise

Detoxifying/Rehabilitation and Natural Supplementation

Not everyone is going to need detoxification. However, we all need to cleanse our entire bodies from time to time using natural supplements. When you cleanse yourself from the toxins from the drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and even environmental toxins, you have more energy and less potential to relapse. Cravings go away because the toxins are no longer floating around in your system.

Many people realize this too late after trying to get clean so many times and not understanding why they cannot maintain their addiction recovery. Many naturopathic rehabilitation centers have been recognizing this as a “must” in order to stay clean. They have incorporated it into their addiction recovery because of the amazing success rates that go far behind regular rehabilitation centers.

Other Resources

There are many resources on the internet that you can easily tap into to find out more about these addiction recovery centers as well as vitamin/mineral/herbal supplication and cleansing. There are many articles, groups, forums, and websites dedicated to only addiction recovery. You will also find public and/or governmental sources that are very helpful.

You can even go to a natural food store and they might have the products there. Either way, you have plenty of options, and you can add anything you need to your “plan” to stay clean, even if it isn’t on the above list. If you go to meetings, that is another great place to find information, inspiration, and help. As for going to NA/AA meetings, this is a great place to start, not only for recovery, but also for resources, and meeting people who are trying to stay clean like you.

Important Additions to Your Addiction Recovery Plan

Don’t forget to get a counselor either. Find one whom you vibe well with and who understands addiction recovery. Some of the best addiction counselors are those who have had personal experience with addiction recovery. You may want to find one who understands natural healing and the use of supplementation in your recovery process also if you plan on going that route.

Making an appointment with a doctor is important to make sure you don’t have any other problems or obtained any illnesses during the time of your addiction. This way you can be honest with yourself, and get the help you need so you can maintain your recovery and sobriety for the long haul. Make sure to keep your appointments also. Every appointment you make you need to keep. Remember that.

New hobbies, going to church, or finding a new way to practice your spirituality through meditation, prayer, yoga, or all of the above will help you more than you know on your path to wholeness. Reading and releasing your emotions in healthy ways are also great ways to encourage yourself. A great way to release your emotions is through journaling. You can write whatever you want and feel your emotions pouring out as you do so.

Exercising and having a good nutritious plan in staying healthy will also give you that extra strength to stay sober. Exercise releases endorphins from your brain which act as natural opiates, and they also fill those empty spots in your brain that were previously filled with chemicals. Eating right will also help to fight off cravings, and maybe even prevent them.

Make sure to add your own ideas to the list  as well. Planning is just a means to an end, and not the end itself. You have to work you plan with determination and patience.   

*The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Never substitute, disregard, or delay seeking professional medical advice and assistance for any health or mental issue(s) you have or are concerned about because of something you have read.