Addiction is generally described to be the obsession, and compulsion over a substance, or a particular behavior despite its harmful consequences. It muddles the sense of being, and snatches up all the joys that a person could possibly get from other aspects of life.
The moment you choose to take the path to recovery is when you will see just how off-balance things have been. Deviating from a life of addiction may be strenuous, but by giving equal focus to all the good and healthy elements of your life, things will eventually be fine.
The process of recovery, including the degree of its complexity, may vary depending on how a person exerts effort, time, and focus into it. Results do not come magically in two shakes. But the creation and employment of balance, however arduous it might be, has always been feasible and effective. Below are few ways that may be able to guide you find the balance that you need:
Follow a routine, create a schedule: Throwing off the shackles of addiction is not easy as it requires breaking away from the current setup which may have permitted, or have contributed to its development. This often leaves within a person a void that must be filled, compounded by the urge to rechannel the addiction somewhere else, something new to revolve their life around. Pivoting your focus by staying engaged in routines such as work and social life, and spending time on new hobbies and interests might help. In the same manner, creating a daily or weekly schedule can keep you from being overwhelmed.
Relapse doesn't mean failure: no, you're not going back to square one. Deterioration after some period of improvement does not equate failure. You're in an uphill battle. Two steps forward, and a step back is a normal occurrence. Do not encumber yourself with the thought of being a failure. Central to it is a complete understanding of the process. Always be mindful of your capacity, of what is within and out of your control.
Communicate: communicate your experiences with a strong support network who may have had similar experiences. Whether it be family or friends, surrounding yourself with people who actually know, or are willing to understand what you went through proves to be of high importance. Writing down your progress as well as your relapses, and compiling them in a journal can help you keep track of the process. Doing this helps you assess yourself better, and recognize your own vulnerabilities.
Taking care of your health: taking care of your overall health is as important as the process itself. Having a sound mind and a sound body is a key component of recovery. Having a good sleep, proper diet, and regular physical activities are essential in keeping a balanced lifestyle.
Building strong relationships: the moment a person falls into the chasm of addiction, relationships are immediately shattered. In the process of keeping a balanced recovery, and pursuing sobriety, surrounding ourselves with valuable assets such as friends and family would be fundamental. Rebuilding broken relationships does not solely revolve around rekindling broken bonds but more of eliminating the conditions in which addiction stemmed from. As it is usually caused by dismal environmental circumstances, addiction being a social issue requires a social response.
As the approach to addiction recovery may be multimodal, sometimes requiring medication and professional help, keeping a balanced lifestyle in the process will be essential.