You have probably heard it said (or perhaps seen the phrase cross-stitched on a pillow) that home is where the heart is. Perhaps you are the kind of person who really takes that idea to heart (see what we did there?).
For many people—perhaps including you—home provides a sanctuary. It is a place where you can be comfortable, and you can shut out the world to some degree. You might spend your day at work looking forward to going home. Or you might work from home, which means you spend the vast majority of your time in your own space.
That can feel great—especially if you are an introvert. But it can also start to feel a little claustrophobic and a little lonely at times. If you start to feel antsy and alone, you might also start feeling a little bit tempted to turn to drugs or alcohol to manage those feelings. This is especially true if time at home turns into time ruminating about the past, worrying about the future, or both.
Blowing up your recovery, of course, is not at all what you want to do. It is a much better idea to get yourself out of your house and head to support your wellbeing and your recovery. We have some suggestions.
Get to a Recovery Meeting
Sometimes, the best place you can go is to a recovery meeting. When you are feeling a little agitated, a little bored, or a little lonely, a meeting offers support and an opportunity to be social in a safe environment.
We believe recovery meetings should be a regular part of your approach to recovery, but adding a meeting or returning after a period away can be a wonderful idea when you need to get out of the house.
Head to the Library
We have written recently about the many ways your local public library can support your recovery. We bring it up again here because your library offers so many resources that can spark your imagination or capture your interest. Libraries are arguably in the business of helping you beat boredom—and they can also be a great place to get your gang together.
It is possible that you have outdated ideas about your library, thinking of it as a musty and silent location where not much happens. But today’s libraries are nothing like that, and that means they can be a great place to go when you are in a funk that might threaten your recovery.
Explore the Entertainment Options in Your Community
The library is just one place you might spend time when you’re looking for something to do. Maybe your town offers free outdoor concerts or festivals in the summertime. Maybe there is a local sports team or theater that can offer up some great entertainment. Maybe your community has walking or biking trails, beautiful parks, or other amenities you can take advantage of. There might even be museums or historic places in your community that you have never visited—or have not visited in a long time.
All of these options and more can be great choices when you need to reset your emotions and thoughts in recovery. Taking advantage of what your community offers can be inexpensive and fun.
Just Hang Out with a Friend or Two
There are times when heading out to a ballgame or on a hike or even to the library can seem exhausting—even when you feel like you really ought to do something other than sit around the house. Those are the perfect moments to get together with a friend or two just to chat and enjoy each other’s company.
Spending time regularly with your supportive friends and family is important in recovery—and especially so when you need to hear a voice other than the one in your head. Whether you grab a cup of coffee, play a board game, or simply talk about whatever comes to mind, spending time with a friend is always a good idea.
If You Need Treatment, Come to Wooded Glen
We have devoted this entry to places you might go when you need to protect your recovery from feelings of restlessness and loneliness. But if you are currently struggling with drugs or alcohol, there is another place you need to go right away: to a treatment facility like Wooded Glen Recovery Center.
Located in Henryville, Indiana, Wooded Glen Recovery Center provides personalized treatment for substance use disorders and the co-occurring mental health disorders that may be entangled with issues of drug or alcohol use. We provide medically supervised detoxification to allow you to get drugs and alcohol out of your system in a safe environment that is free of temptations. Our rehabilitation program offers support and resources for your recovery journey. And our continuum of care ensures that you continue to feel supported after treatment comes to an end and your recovery gets underway.
You do not have to face a substance use disorder alone. Wooded Glen Recovery Center can help you reclaim your life from drugs or alcohol.