Addiction is always such a touchy subject, especially because of the fact that it has developed such a negative connotation. People can become addicted to anything, it does not always have to involve drugs or alcohol. People develop addictions to work, food, people, sex, and so many other everyday encounters. According to the Marriam-Webster.com, addiction is defined as “compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal.” With that being said, people who experience and suffer through addiction are only focused on the one thing that they are consistently craving the most, whatever that may be, and are focused less on important things in their life like family, financial problems, and most commonly they forget about their health.
When struggling through a life of addiction, often family members and friends are no help because addicts tend to choose to shut out those that are closest to them. Addicts develop a habit of throwing away their sleep schedules, not keeping track of what they eat or eating too much or too little, and not paying attention to the world around them. It is simple to see that someone with an addiction could also easily develop anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders from isolating themselves. An extended period of abuse or neglect about your health can cause the body to become run down. From this, people find themselves quite unhealthy once they have overcome their addictions, but how can they work toward regaining their health after this?
You have come to the right place for answers and advice!
Ways to Regain Health After Addiction:
Find a reliable doctor:
It is so important that after you or your loved one has put your body through such strain that you see a professional! Physicals may seem overrated, but they are extremely crucial to ensure that you are okay, and to get advice from you doctor on how you can improve your overall health.
Surround yourself with plenty of family and friends.
Who better to ensure your health than your family? Even though it can be slightly annoying, it is good to have people around you that care for you and can remind you to care for yourself. Support groups, like Homestead AA, are also helpful and can provide advice, or friends that understand what you or your loved one may be going through. Never forget that a good community is key!
Begin and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
A healthy lifestyle is more than doctors’ appointments. A healthy lifestyle means maintaining a well-balanced diet, getting the correct amount of exercise, socializing and spending time outside, and doing things that make you genuinely happy!
It can be a tough road at first, but by having people around, keeping a balanced diet, ensuring that you are truly happy, and seeking help from professionals, former addicts can be successful in regaining their physical and mental health.