Is Disconnecting from Your Past Vital for Recovery?

The answer to the title is an obvious one – yes, disconnecting from your past is vital for recovery. Why? Because your past is no doubt jam-packed with terrible habits, an unhealthy routine, and friends which were your partners in crime when it came to using drugs. Having been both an addict and in recovery, you’ll know how powerful the mind is.

Now, that powerful mind is unfortunately great at developing cravings, slipping back into bad habits and reminding you of all those horrendous memories. So, the only way to combat that is to remove yourself from any temptation to ensure you stay in sobriety and don’t relapse. Although, we appreciate that it’s easier said than done, so here are some things which will help you maintain your new life and avoid slipping back into your old one:

Support groups will help you massively

Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who are pushing for a better life in sobriety, just like you, is an incredibly effective tool. For instance, if you were to head to an Alcoholics Anonymous group, you’d find other people with inspiring stories which would provide you with an abundance of strength and motivation. You can then use that strength and motivation to distance yourself from your past.

Google is your friend

If it’s your first time in recovery, everything about a life in sobriety can be daunting. It’s no secret that sobriety is only maintain with lifelong management of the problem, which means you’ll have plenty of time on your side. Therefore, before jumping head-first into anything, research things like support groups, sponsors, 12-step rooms, new hobbies, and new interests. Essentially, brush up on everything you need to stay in control of your new-found freedom. 

Explore new hobbies and make friends with strangers

By far the best way to disconnect from your old habits and old friends, is to form new habits and forge new friendships. That may sound terrifying at first, but the reward is that you’ll be in a strong position to steer clear of a relapse. A great way to build relationships is by exploring new hobbies, as you’ll be in an environment where you’ll be having fun and enjoying yourself, so there won’t be any pressure on you.

Be prepared for encounters with your past

Just because you’re in recovery and you’re adamant you want to stick to your new life, doesn’t mean your past won’t try to catch up with you. There’s no definitive way to prevent old friends from turning up to your doorstep or giving you a random call. That’s why you need to prepare yourself for those types of encounters, so that you don’t give in to temptation or persuasion. Practice what you’d say and stick to your guns. 

Create a busy schedule and stick to it

The worst thing you can do when in you’re in recovery is to have too much time on your hands. That will give your mind a chance to wonder and start grasping at those awful memories and conjuring up dangerous temptations. If you create a busy, yet healthy schedule, you’ll be able to not only lead a better life, but you’ll also have less time to think about your past.