Why Giving Back Strengthens Your Recovery

Today is #GivingTuesday – and it’s a great time to talk about how giving your time to those in the addiction community can help others as well as strengthen your own recovery. 

For one, when you’re selfless, you’re much less likely to relapse. This is partly because being of service to others will help prevent you from being in service to your addiction. Spending time volunteering helps you to fill any downtime you have now that your life no longer revolves around using. It’s a healthy way to turn the negative emotions of addiction recovery -- including shame, guilt or anxiety -- into positive ones. You’ll get out of your head and into the community where you can really make a difference in someone’s life. 

5 Recovery Benefits of Volunteering

• You’ll repay society. A big part of building a new sober life is contributing to society in a positive way – and there’s no better way! 
• You’ll meet new friends. Through volunteering, you can develop bonds with new people who have similar experiences and can help support your recovery. 
• You’ll gain job experience. Depending on the capacity of your volunteer work, you can develop some skills that will be attractive to potential employers.
• You’ll gain confidence. It goes without saying that helping someone else will make you feel better about you! And confidence is a strong ally on the long road to recovery. 
• You’ll improve your health. Ever hear of “giver’s glow?” This is the phrase used to describe the many health perks of giving back. Some include lower blood pressure, decreased risk of depression and anxiety, higher self-esteem and increased happiness. 

Help Yourself and Others at Haus Recovery

During your stay at the HAUS, we hope you take advantage of the mentorship offered, and in turn, benefit fellow residents with your personal recovery insights. In time, everyone grows in strength and empowerment as they share both doubts and successes. To learn more about our mentoring services, call today: 888-551-4715.

Hosting a Sober Thanksgiving

Now that you’re sober, it’s time to rethink any old traditions that don’t mesh with your new healthy lifestyle – and this may include Thanksgiving. One way to do this is to host your own sober Thanksgiving!

There’s really no wrong way to celebrate – it can be a small, stress-free gathering, it can be a hike with friends or trip to the movies – so long as there’s no alcohol or illicit substances and you’re making new memories with people you love.

Make it manageable, not stressful. When you’re planning you’re Thanksgiving, consider what you can and can't handle. For example, do you need to order take-out or make it a potluck because cooking is too much? Is everyone on the guest list supportive of your sobriety? If you find that what originally sounded like a good way to celebrate Turkey Day is causing high levels of stress, ask for help. Reach out to your therapist or support group or ask a trusted friend or family member to pitch in. Hosting a sober Thanksgiving shouldn’t mean putting your sobriety at risk by causing high levels of stress.

Emphasize that it’s a sober event. From your invite to your reminder call or text a few days before, make sure that all of your guests know that it’s a sober event with no alcohol or other illicit substances. And for any guests who are not in recovery, you may even need to remind them that it’s also not OK to be under the influence when they arrive. Ask guests to bring their favorite nonalcoholic beverage and put out some fun drinking glasses.

Don’t skimp on self-care. To be your best sober self this holiday, make sure that you exercise, eat a healthful breakfast and practice relaxation strategies on the morning of Thanksgiving. Why not start your day by taking time to reflect on how your life has changed since you’ve gotten sober and how friends and family have helped with your journey? It's Thanksgiving after all – and what better time to show gratitude!

Preventing Relapse All Season
A relapse only requires a moment of weakness; when the stresses of life overwhelm you, it’s easy to turn to your drug of choice in order to escape. Keeping relapse at bay is about cementing new habits and remaining accountable to the recovery support system – and we’re here to help. To learn more about our recovery residences, call today: 888-551-4725.