When a person feels good while eating food, this is probably an evolutionary advantage, intended to help humans, and other animals, to learn to eat foods that help them grow and store energy. The problem comes up when the brain’s rebuilding your life after addiction reward system is damaged, and the person finds the eating of high calorie foods to be comforting and difficult to control. So, after establishing that you must avoid further drug use, what else is there left to do?

Americans with Disabilities Act is a law that discourages employers from declining to hire people when they’re dealing with or recovering from a substance addiction disorder. Employers are not permitted to question job seekers who abused substances. The employer cannot change a contract at any one time in the event that the blood testing results are positive. You also have the right to take a medical leave for substance-abuse treatment if you need it under the Family Medical Leave Act but you have to have worked for an employer for at least 12 months. As part of your job, your employer will have to offer you reasonable accommodation and support while you’re recovering.

Taking Care of Yourself Throughout Recovery

It may take you some time to re-establish trust in some of your relationships, while you may have the difficult task of separating yourself from others who cannot be supportive to your recovery. As you rebuild your life, you should consider each of your relationships. Recovery is delicate, especially in the early stages when one person’s negative influence could derail your progress. While in the throes of addiction, relationships with the people who can support you in recovery are often the first to suffer, replaced by destructive relationships. Addiction in the United States is still a growing problem, with reports showing nearly 50% of all Americans being affected and up to one in seven people directly struggling with substance abuse. The United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration, runs apprentice programs to help build successful career pathways.

• Many people do not naturally evolve in the ways they cope and communicate, but rehab provides the opportunity to do just that.
• Finding new hobbies is easy; try by volunteering, pursuing further education, or other positive and fulfilling hobbies to keep new life on the right path.
• You will find many great podcasts on the subject of addiction recovery and other interesting subjects on our network, The Mental Health News Radio Network.
• A few years ago, people started to use nicotine vaping devices as cigarette replacements.
• A comprehensive health change won’t happen overnight, but over time, your tastes will change, and you’ll start craving healthy food.

Those who are addicted to a substance usually don’t spend much time caring for their bodies. They’re too busy putting bad things into their bodies to worry about exercising and eating right. If a major change seems like too much, break it down into smaller acts, and choose to do one a day or one a week, whichever you feel you’ll follow through on. With each small change, inwardly celebrate your success in moving toward your goal. Everyone has things they would like to change in their own lives, or in the lives of those around them, but for people with addictions, change happens in stages.

Aaron’s Story of Addiction and Recovery Purpose Driven Sobriety

Everyone has personal struggles and traumas that may present challenges in life, some more severe or at a younger age than others. Today, public awareness has expanded to how addiction affects people of all ages, backgrounds, economic statuses, and religions. Join a 12-step program, or find yourself a sponsor to make sure you have a support system in place to help you through those anxious moments. American Job Center (AJC), provides employment and training related services for workers, youths, and businesses. At the time of writing, there are nearly 2,500 AJCs nationwide waiting to help you to find the right job and training for you. You have to ensure you make the right decisions in the future so you stay sober, and never give into addiction again.

For example, some people, after quitting drugs, get in the habit of shoplifting. Most often, this behavior is not because of a lack of resources or a need to steal due to hunger or poverty. You may even feel as if you now have control over drug use.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

Addiction often causes strain on family dynamics and can result in broken trust and damaged bonds. However, with dedication to sobriety and open communication, it is possible to rebuild these relationships. The first step is acknowledging the pain and hurt caused by your addiction. It’s important to take responsibility for your actions and sincerely apologize to those you have harmed. This shows that you are committed to making amends and moving forward. Start an Exercise Routine
Working out on a regular basis can help to restore your brain’s balance of “feel good” endorphins known as dopamine.

Every person needs a comprehensive recovery plan that addresses educational needs, job skills, social relationships, and mental and physical health. Therapy may be critical to resolving underlying problems that made escape into substance use so appealing in the first place. Many people believe that they are powerless to change their own addictive behavior, and often it is a belief that keeps people addicted.