Recovering from years of substance abuse and addiction can be a grueling task, but too often we focus on the negative aspects of recovery, from withdrawals to cravings. The truth is, breaking free from the shackles of addiction is an amazing feeling, and recovery will make your life better in ways you can’t even imagine if you’re in the midst of dependence. As you go through the work of building a sober life and reversing the effects of your disease, it’s important to remind yourself of the blessings you have received, or are about to receive, from sobriety. 10 Incredible Benefits You’ll Get From Quitting Drugs. Let’s take a look at ten things that make the work you’re putting in worth the effort.
1) People
When you began using drugs, you were probably having a great time with friends. But as social use turns into abuse and dependence, we’re willing to bet that the drugs have taken their toll on all of your relationships, whether with friends, romantic partners, family, or co-workers. For the addict, the focus of life is on finding ways to get the substance you need, and when it’s been unattainable, we’re willing to wager that you haven’t been a joy to be around. Sobriety allows you to focus your energy, attention, and all of your good qualities on those around you. And it’s almost guaranteed to make your relationships with everyone around you better. A better self will emerge, and enable you to build healthy relationships with the important people in your life!
2) Energy
Addiction to almost any substance is likely to damage healthy sleep patterns. Whether a substance leaves you lethargic after oversleeping or keeps you up until dawn, you are extremely unlikely to be excited and enthusiastic about the challenges and opportunities that every day presents. But with sober living, proper nutrition, and healthy sleep patterns, you’ll be amazed at the change in your attitude, and your enthusiasm for growth and pleasure that every day can yield.
3) Bank Account
While drug use doesn’t always lead to financial ruin, we can guarantee that it hasn’t had a beneficial effect on your bank statements. And for many users and addicts, the financial crunch caused by feeding your habit can lead to crime, homelessness, and despair. Even for professionals, the cost of using mounts quickly, and can jeopardize lucrative careers. Sobriety will allow you to attain financial stability, and let you spend your money on things that bring you joy. Whether that’s a nice meal with loved ones or a luxury sedan, the fruits of your labor will be yours to enjoy once more.
4) Health
Addiction often allows you to ignore the horrendous effects that drugs are having on your body. You’re convinced that you feel bad because you haven’t had the dose you crave, and when you use your substance of choice, it fools you into feeling okay for a little while. Meanwhile, you are sleep deprived, far from your ideal weight, haven’t exercised in eons, are suffering from sleep deprivation, and haven’t visited a doctor or dentist in who knows how long. Freeing yourself from addiction will allow you to take control over the state of your body and mind. You can feel good all of the time!
5)Looking In The Mirror
Addiction isn’t good for the appearance. It makes people pale and pasty. It destroys muscle tone and creates wrinkles. It will even change the faces you make at the world around you. Sobriety can fundamentally change the way you look. You’ll stand up straighter. Your dead-eyed, bleary stare will turn into a smile. And the world will smile back. Trust us, we’ve seen it happen a thousand times.
6) Time To Live
Addiction is a non-stop, 24/7 lifestyle. It has consumed your thoughts, driven your actions, and haunted your nights. By quitting drugs, you’ll suddenly have more time than you’ve ever thought possible. And if you take advantage of that time, whether spending it with family, playing sports, connecting with nature, creating music, traveling, or advancing your career, you’ll find more meaning in life than you had imagined possible.
7) Good Mornings
This one sounds small, but it’s HUGE! When you’re using, each day begins with the pangs of withdrawal, and the burning question of how you’ll find the money to get what you need. Once you settle into sober life, you’ll wake up with energy coursing through you, excited about the possibility of what the new day will bring. Whether you start your day savoring a cup of coffee, with yoga, or walking the dog, discovering the joy in each new dawn will change your life for the better.
8) R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Even for highly functioning addicts, it’s difficult to look at yourself in the mirror. Addiction necessitates a life filled with deceits, both great and small, which leads to shame and the deterioration of self-respect and self-esteem. As you put in the work to build a sober life by quitting drugs, you’ll begin to take on responsibilities and to contribute positively to the lives of those around you. This will change the way you see yourself, and the way others see you as well. You’ll start to love the person you are growing into.
9) Remembering
The dark clouds of addiction can obscure the majority of your life. If you’ve been living from moment to moment, motivated solely by the triggers that prompt drug use, you’ve probably forgotten a million things. Things as small as phone numbers, as important as Mother’s Day, and as fundamental as who you really are. By quitting drugs, you’ll be surprised at how many wonderful parts of life that have slipped away come rushing back!
10) FUN!
Drugs might have been fun when you started using them, but let’s face it, they aren’t anymore. Drug use has trained your brain to only release the signals that inspire pleasure when given chemical stimuli. When you break free from addiction, you’ll begin to experience actual, genuine, joy and enthusiasm once again. Sports, socializing, food, music, and movies will cause the feelings that drugs used to, and the high they give you will last longer, and feel better than you can imagine
If these benefits sound like exactly what you need, it’s time to get in touch with Tabula Rasa Retreat and welcome them into your life!
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530