Making the decision to leave a life of substance misuse and enter recovery is one of the most important decisions of your life. And considering it may save your life it’s one of the best. It’s a big, scary decision which can make figuring out what to do next overwhelming. You may feel you have to be tough and face this incredibly difficult time alone. That you don’t deserve help because of all you’ve done. That couldn’t be further from the truth. This is exactly the time you deserve to be helped because you’ve been brave enough to take this first step.

Talking with a medical professional, sober coach, companion or therapist is the safest way to begin your recovery journey. And when you do, be honest about your substance misuse. They won’t be able to help you properly if you don’t share all the details. How much and how often you use and the effect it is having on your life are all factors in determining what will be the best plan for your recovery.

Your work with your doctor, therapist, recovery coach or companion will include learning tools and techniques to navigate triggers and the cravings and emotions that are bound to arise. You’ll be leaving the life you’ve been used to and learning how to live again, forming a whole new set of good habits to take the place of the habits that formed when you were embroiled in substance misuse. It may be rough but when you use the recovery tools and accept support you can make it through.

Add to your support system by seeking out your peers. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, Gay & Sober, She Recovers are just some of the recovery support groups available at no cost with a variety of meetings that are accessible in person and online. Check out different groups so you can find a community where you feel safe to lean on other members for advice, encouragement, and the knowing that you are not alone. Sober communities can also be found through free apps like I Am Sober, Sober Grid and SoberTool. They’re a great way to access additional reinforcement whenever you need it wherever you are.

The first few weeks of your recovery will be an adjustment for your body and your mind. If there ever was a time for self care it’s now. Place a focus on physical healing by eating properly, rehydrating and getting plenty of rest. It may be difficult for you to sleep as your nervous system recalibrates so if you find yourself experiencing insomnia, listening to guided meditations at night and getting exercise during the day can help. It is also absolutely rational to expect encounters with triggers and cravings. Be mindful of when they occur and rather than giving in reach out to your doctor, therapist, recovery coach or companion, an understanding member of your family or your support group to talk them through.

Emotionally, well, roller coaster is probably putting it mildly. You may experience feeling agitated, irritable, anxious, moody. Feelings of guilt, shame and regret can come up. These are all perfectly normal. Try to speak to yourself from a place of kindness, place your focus on easing up on yourself and discuss your feelings with others. Gradually, as your mind becomes clearer you’ll start to feel better about yourself. However, if these feelings persist, if you get stuck or feel you’re not progressing as you should don’t hesitate to consult with a medical professional to see what can be done to help relieve you of these negative thoughts.

And let’s be honest, relapse can be a part of early recovery. There’s no shame, no blame, it happens. This is where your support system comes in, the people you’ve connected with who know your situation and are checking in with you. They understand that relapse happens and will support you in getting back on track. If you experience a relapse, instead of isolating and avoiding those around you tell someone so you can get help. Look at it this way, relapse isn’t the end of the road, it’s the start of a new one.

This is a lot of information to take in and a lot of decisions to make at what is an extraordinarily vulnerable time in your life. The Recovery Coach NY is here to help. Our recovery program, developed by President Cindy Feinberg, is based on the philosophical theory of holism: The system as a whole determines how the parts behave. We care about the whole you, your recovery and your mental and physical health. We work with you to put together a plan that will provide the safety, structure, and accountability that promotes long-term recovery.

Start your recovery journey by having a confidential conversation with Cindy. She listens to you, hears your needs and concerns. Once she determines your level of care she assembles the very best team for your sobriety support. This team can include a clinically supervised sober coach or companion, detox facility, sober living or outpatient program, doctors, psychiatrist and/or therapist. Once your treatment plan is established and put into place the lines of communication are kept open so everyone involved is up-to-date and all aspects of your recovery support are working together for your best benefit.

Just as everyone is different so too is everyone’s recovery. You may want definitive answers as to how long it will take for you to adjust to your new life of sobriety but unfortunately there are none. So instead of asking when, focus on the now and appreciate the progress you make each day. Amp up your interest in learning about how to live a sober life and give yourself credit for every sober positive decision you make. And the first best sober positive thing you can do is to ask for help.

If you or someone you know is in early recovery and in need of guidance and support, contact Cindy directly via phone or text at 631-921-4085 or you can email her here.

For more information about the benefits of working with The Recovery Coach NY at any stage of recovery you can go to our website.

The Recovery Coach NY provides Recovery Coaching, Mental Health Support & Coaching, Executive Function & Accountability Coaching, Academic Coaching, Sobriety & Mental Health Companionship, Safe Transport, Case Management, Psychedelic Integration Coaching, Intervention and Emergency Services for you and your loved ones. We have years of experience and a vast array of resources that can help those in need find their way to the life filled with joy and purpose they deserve. We come with an empathetic ear and solution-oriented actions that can begin to bring the relief you and your loved one seek.