Nearly 20 million people in America are fighting a substance abuse disorder. If you’ve emerged victorious from this battle, you have a lot to be proud of.
It’s not easy to address these complicated issues. Addiction can take over your life, destroy relationships, and take you off the path you want to be on.
The fact that you’re making progress in your recovery journey should be celebrated. Even if you’re just starting out, the fact that you’re on the path to recovery is a big deal.
Feeling like you need extra encouragement or looking for a reason to celebrate? We’ve got 10 amazing reasons why you should take pride in your hard work.
1. Great Start
Not only is the beginning of recovery a great start for your new chapter, each morning starts to feel great. It’s wonderful to wake up and greet the day.
Before, you might have felt hungover or trapped in another cycle of destructive behavior. Even if you’re not feeling your best when the alarm goes off, it’s a great feeling to be free of bad habits of the past.
2. Feel More Connected
Before, your habits and needs dominated your thoughts. You might not have been very present with friends, family, or even in your own life.
Controlling your addiction gives you space to appreciate and enjoy the little things. Details start to pop and you start feeling like you’re truly alive again.
You’ll feel more connected in the moment with loved ones. You’ll enjoy things that you would have previously ignored or glossed over.
3. Be There for Your Family
Have you ever let your family or loved ones down? In the depths of addiction, it’s easy to focus on fulfilling your need and you might have blown them off in big ways and in small.
After successfully seeking out effective treatments and reclaiming your life, you have the opportunity to be there for those that need you. You can once more be a reliable member of your family, coworker or friend.
Remember, trust doesn’t come back all at once. Apologize, then walk the walk to prove that you’re ready to be there when they need you.
4. Be a Good Example
You know how hard recovery can be. There are good days and there are bad days, but you’ve come out all the better for it.
Your struggles and ultimate success can be an example to those who need it. Up to 60% of those with addiction issues relapse, and a role model might just be the thing that helps them to keep going.
Celebrate your success and the fact that you might be someone that others look up to. Let your life be an example to those that need to see that recovery is possible.
5. Pride in Your Appearance
When in the grips of substance abuse, your appearance takes a back seat to your habits. Being in recovery allows you to start taking care of yourself again.
After making self care a priority, you’ll notice that not only do you feel good, you look good, too! Getting enough rest, your skin clearing up, and getting back into great habits like hitting the gym are a boost to your looks and your ego.
You’ve worked hard to get where you are today. Indulge yourself and celebrate how great you look!
6. More Money
Being addicted doesn’t just drain your time and energy. It eats up a lot of cash.
Not spending money finding another fix and feeding your addiction will give your wallet a much-needed rest. You’ll start to see the numbers in your bank account grow.
Celebrate this financial milestone, but be careful not to splurge too much. It’s an amazing feeling to have a cash cushion in case you need it.
7. Finding a New Hobby
Your addiction robs you of exploring your passions. Your hobby becomes chasing your desires and you never get to develop your skills or interests.
Isn’t it wonderful to have the time and attention now to find new hobbies and activities that you enjoy? Even if you’re not great at a new skill at first, it’s a good feeling to work at it and get better and better each day.
Bonus: share your new passion with friends and family. Now you can share your new activity with your loved ones and celebrate your recovery together.
8. Appreciation and Gratitude
The joy that came from substance abuse was fleeting and faded all too quickly. It’s hard to find gratitude when you’re consumed by these feelings.
The further along you are on the path to recovery, the more you can express thankfulness every day. You’ll start feeling grateful for the big things, the little things, and everything in between.
9. Meeting Career Goals
Having an addiction can take a toll on any career goals you have. You might have had a hard time keeping a job, lost your focus easily, or missed out on promotions due to others noticing your issues with addiction.
Refocusing on yourself and plotting your new goals is an accomplishment in an of itself. You’ll feel even more pride once you start meeting and exceeding all of the benchmarks you set for yourself.
Every milestone in your job is something to celebrate. Congratulate yourself on being productive, focused, and hitting your targets.
10. Celebrate Yourself
Being sober and staying that way is difficult. It’s a long road but you’ve made it this far, so why not celebrate?
You’ve accomplished so much and come so far. Every day, thank yourself and give yourself the praise that you deserve for where you’ve been and where you are now.
Your Amazing Recovery Journey
Everyone’s recovery journey is different. No matter what your road looks like, you deserve to take pride in all that you’ve done.
We’re sure that after reading this list, you’ll come up with even more reasons to celebrate your amazing journey. You deserve all of the kudos in the world for committing to making a better life for yourself.
If you’re feeling inspired and ready to take the steps necessary to get better, we’re here for you. Reach out to us right now and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
