When you hit rock bottom (or close), it’s common to reflect on the negativity in your life. But that’s not what’s going to bring you out of this funk. Instead, you have to reframe your thoughts and learn how to have a positive outlook.

Once you’ve made the decision to recover, you have many reasons to be hopeful. The journey will not be an easy one, but taking your life back is a priceless reward.

Here are five steps to take back your sobriety and regain control over your life.

1.      Find a rehab center

If addiction has taken over your life, you will most likely need professional help to recover. The best place for this is one that is designed to help people regain sobriety. Find a rehabilitation program that seems like a good fit for you. They all have the same goal, but some rehabs use different methods to get you there. For example, you may find a faith-based or spiritual rehab to be a good fit. Or, you may want a rehab that focuses heavily on reconnecting with nature. You have many options.

2.      Check with your insurance provider

Your insurance will likely cover some sort of rehab program, but the rules vary drastically by insurance providers. Check with yours to see what is covered and what isn’t.

3.      Take time off from work

The most important thing you can do is to get help for your addiction. If that means losing your current job, it’s still your best bet. If you continue working through your addiction, chances are good that you’ll eventually lose your job anyway. It’s better to get help now before your addiction gets worse.

With that said, you should know that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects you from discrimination. This doesn’t mean your employers have to keep you employed while you’re actively using, but they cannot let you go for getting help.

Some employees may qualify for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows them to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid job-protected leave.

If you think it’s an option, talk to your boss about a medical leave.

4.      Find a supportive friend or relative

You’ll probably make new friends in rehab and/or in sober support groups, but it’s important to have someone on your side back home. This person may be a member of your family or someone you’re close with. Whoever you choose, make sure they do not have a problem with addictive substances or alcohol. Your old drinking buddies are not a good fit for this job.

5.      Get your affairs in order

Before you go off to rehab, take care of any loose ends that may cause you stress. For example, make sure your rent and other bills will be paid on time. Find someone to water your plants and take care of your pets. While you’re at rehab, you don’t want to worry about anything going on at home.

Going from addiction to sobriety is never an easy process, but with some planning and a positive outlook, it can be a rewarding one.

Author’s Bio

Joshua is an ex-addict and founder of the Ohio Addiction Recovery Center. Since his recovery began, he has enjoyed using his talent for words to help spread treatment resources, addiction awareness, and general health knowledge.

Here at Positive Words Research, we are looking to share with our readers original content that hasn’t been published on other sites so if you are comfortable with Positive Words Research being your sole publisher, we are more than happy to share with our readers your inspiring and empowering story.

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