Monthly Archives: November 2018

Being Thankful for What You Have

Being Thankful for What You Have

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When you are in recovery, it can be difficult to be grateful for where you are in your life. It is, after all, much easier to find gratitude when everything is going smoothly and you feel great. We are well aware of the fact that, for most, recovery and treatment can be very challenging times. Even though a clean and sober life is ultimately for the best, making that commitment is not always easy. That said, a key to successful sobriety from substance is being thankful for each step you take. Here is our advice on what to be thankful for, even when life is hard:

The Opportunity for a Fresh Perspective

Living life clean and sober can help flip your outlook on life from one that may be predominantly negative, to one that is predominantly positive. Instead of feeling as though you’re alone and unloved, recovery and treatment can allow you to realize you are part of a community that wants only the best for you.

The Time to Get to Know Yourself

For many of us, getting to know ourselves is a lifelong challenge. And in some cases, the discomfort that arises from soul-searching may have led to your addictive behaviors in the first place. However, during recovery, you have the time and space to really reflect on who you are and who you want to be. You have the choice to be the best version of yourself, every day, and that is something to truly be grateful for.

The Chance to Build Supportive Relationships

In the past, your addiction may have caused you to turn away from family or friends who genuinely cared for you and wanted to offer help. As you move through recovery and into a clean and sober lifestyle, you have the opportunity to reconcile the past and build strong, positive relationships for the future.

The Freedom To Live a Full, Productive Life

One of the greatest opportunities to be thankful comes from the endless opportunities that await you, as you leave your addictions in the past. Whether you want to commit yourself to helping others through their transformation, develop a deeper understanding of what true fun is, or pursue childhood dreams that had been pushed aside, the sky is truly the limit.

Although it may be difficult to see, there are many reasons to be thankful for where you are at this very moment. At Free by the Sea, we have helped our clients in the Pacific Northwest find gratitude in each step forward, one day at a time. So if you have questions about getting clean and sober, we are here to help. Simply contact us today to get started.

Preparing for the Holidays

Preparing for the Holidays

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For many people, the holidays are an exciting time, filled with family get-togethers and socialization. However, for many others, just thinking about ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ can cause a great deal of stress and worry. Especially if you are in recovery, the intensity of the season, combined with greater access to alcohol and family-focused activities can threaten to derail all of your hard work. That is why we are here, to offer a few tips on how to navigate the holidays during recovery.

Know Your Triggers During the Holidays

One of the keys to avoiding relapse during the holidays is to get clear on what it is that triggers your addictive behavior. Is it a certain friend or family member? Is it being in a specific location? Identify what it is that causes you stress, or has led to destructive behavior before. If possible, plan to avoid the most challenging situations. However, if steering clear from a certain person or declining an invitation is not possible, take a look at our next recommendation.

Arrive Prepared

There are many ways that you can prepare for potentially difficult interactions or situations. For example, you might practice speaking about your recovery, in anticipation of the fact that friends or family may ask. Instead of expecting the host to have something you can drink, consider bringing your own favorite sparkling water to enjoy. And don’t be afraid to have a snack before you arrive, to prevent your blood sugar from dropping and irritability from rising.

Use Your Support

In some cases, it may be useful to bring a friend with you who is also not planning on drinking or using drugs. This will help keep you accountable and give you someone to socialize with if the party takes a turn. You may also find your therapy sessions and support groups to be especially helpful during this time. Leaning upon those who have your best interest at heart will help make the holiday season more enjoyable. Remember, there are always people ready to support you, so you should try not to be alone during this time.

Let Us Help You Navigate the Holidays

We understand that the holiday season may cause an increase in stress and feelings of anxiety. However, just because you are in recovery does not mean you cannot enjoy this time with the people who love you. At Free by the Sea, we have helped our clients in the Pacific Northwest get through the challenging social environments and stay sober during the holiday season, and beyond, with confidence. Do you have questions about the recovery process? If so, do not hesitate to contact us today.