Recovery Starts with Hope

Especially during these troublesome times, hope seems to be more needed than ever. Hope is not a wishful type of thinking. It is a proactive way of thinking and dreaming that supports your ultimate goals. Here are ways of thinking or strategies that will help you along the recovery journey:

1. Visualize the life you want. Spend some time meditating or even daydreaming about what your daily life is going to look like a year from now, when you keep up with an active recovery.
2. Someone said, "You won't be flying with the eagles, if you keep roosting with the buzzards." In other words, surround yourself with people who are good for you; people you genuinely trust, and people who inspire you.
3. Read all the recovery and self help literature you can put your hands on. Ask other recovering folks what they read or who they are listening to for their education and encouragement.
4. Attend some type of recovery meetings and get a sponsor.
5. Please don't develop a mindset that says, "I just want to get this all behind me". It is important to remember how bad the addicted and dependent life was for you…and for your family and friends. And it is just as important to focus intently and diligently on your plan of action that is helping you to live a life of hope, confidence, personal responsibility, and happiness.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

Neurotransmitters

The Brain's Happiness Juices

The building blocks for your brain's natural chemicals are called neurotransmitters and are produced by the nutrients in foods. What follows is how those juices are released into your system to help you feel better:

• finishing a task
• Celebrating small wins
• Self care activities
• Any type of exercise
• Listening to music (my favorite)
• Feeling gratitude

• Meditating, yoga, Tai Chi
• Deep breathing
• Running
• Sun exposure
• Oatmeal and bananas

• Laughter / Dancing
• Eating dark chocolate
• Meditating, yoga, Tai Chi
• Vanilla and lavender oil

• Healthy relationships
• Hugging
• Eye contact
• Playing with the dog
• Helping others
• Holding hands
• Helping others (having it on the list twice is not a mistake)

MARA = Medication Assisted Recovery Anonymous

This is an on-line support group for people who use prescribed medications to treat various drug and alcohol use disorders. You may want to check out their website, mara-international.org to find some non-stigmatized support.