When you first enter a life of sobriety, it’s common to feel as though you are on a cloud. Actually, this is known as the pink cloud effect—the feeling that all is well, that sobriety allows you to live on a perfect cloud of contentment. But what do you do when the pink cloud goes away? Does your motivation disappear, too?
Staying motivated in recovery is difficult. Just like a new object you buy from the store, novelty fades over time. Even long-time addicts must return to the concepts that motivate them from time to time. The urge to use can arise at any unexpected moment, so it’s crucial to tackle coping strategies for when that inevitably happens so that you don’t pick up alcohol or another drug.
Make a vision board. A vision board is a great way to stay focused on what your true goals are. A vision board can be a compilation of images that inspire you. Maybe an inspiring writer includes a picture of a pencil or a few inspiring lines of writing. A runner includes a picture of their favorite Olympic athlete. Or an individual that desires to acquire a new hobby posts a picture of that hobby—let’s say calligraphy, or something. With a picture of their desired outcome, they are able to focus on what matters the most to them—who they identify as, and where they want to be.
Positive affirmations. If you speak to yourself positively, you will yield positive results. There are lots of positive affirmations out there, but the most common one is “it’s going to be okay.” Truly, it applies to any scenario, no matter how frustrating or how devastated you feel. No matter what, you’re going to wake up another day and take another crack at sobriety. And that alone is a great success.
Find your network. A positive support team can be the difference between sobriety and relapse. When you have people to reach out to who can provide support, encouragement, and who understand your situation, it’s easier to deal when the urge to use arises. You have a team of people of whom you can reach out and understand.
Keep it simple. When sobriety seems on the verge of slipping away, it’s important to return to what really matters. Whether that’s healthy food, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, or something else,
Sobriety will always be an ongoing process. When motivation and inspiration wanes, it’s important to understand why, and to fix it.
