Staying Optimistic in Addiction Recovery

Recovery Centers of America polled 2,554 Twitter users in the United States and asked: “What has been your most positive outcome from stay-at-home orders?”

Despite hardships and negativity surrounding stay-at-home orders, RCA wanted to get insight on how people are staying optimistic and embracing change during this difficult, challenging time. Here’s what our voters had to say.

Where are some great examples of how people took advantage of this unprecedented time and made efforts to connect and create. Talk about taking a negative and making it a positive! For those in addiction recovery and in the recovery community, creating and maintaining connections is key along with doing good things for both the mind and body.

Here is the breakdown of the results.

What has been your most positive outcome from the stay-at-home order?

— Recovery Centers of America (@RecoveryCOA) June 17, 2020

Before the lockdown my wife and I were having major problems. Since we finally had time to focus on us, it repaired our relationship and we’re better than ever.

— Vickie S (@brandyfan322) June 23, 2020

Hiked 257.25 miles with my BFF “Gunner” in April and May, completed two hiking challenges one from NCT and the other from FLT systems… pic.twitter.com/LhNvgJ0yNg

— A.Celentano (@celentano_anita)

Creating my business and business plan

— Endurance (@MyEndurance2) June 18, 2020

Recovery Centers of America’s Treatment Advocate Josh Sewell developed a list of how to stay focused and optimistic in recovery while breaking down three main “happiness chemicals” and how to maintain their balance.

DOPAMINE: THE REWARD CHEMICAL

1. Engage in self-care activities – yoga, meditation, therapy, take a bath, take a walk, tap into your creative side, try something new, hobbies, etc.
2. Eat a healthy meal
3. Complete tasks
4. Celebrate/acknowledge small gains and little wins

OXYTOCIN: THE LOVE HORMONE

1. Spend time with family/connecting virtually
2. Social bonding – AA/NA meetings/supporting others in recovery
3. Give compliments and engage in random acts of kindness
4. Play with pets

SEROTONIN: THE MOOD STABILIZER

1. Meditate
2. Exercise – running, swimming, cycling, etc.
3. Get outside – Walk in park/nature
4. Deep breathing techniques/self-soothing
5. Laughter

These are some great ways to increase happiness throughout the day and will aid in mood stabilization, help decrease feelings of depression and anxiety and of course help maintain recovery. Those who completed treatment with RCA also voiced some positive outcomes about their lives from the past few months.