When it comes to life in recovery, one of the things that we can lose sight of is that living life in recovery is still… living life. Just because we have overcome our addiction issues does not mean that new challenges aren’t going to arise, including potential new mental health issues. That is why the phrase “Living life on life’s terms” often pops up when we discuss managing a successful and healthy long-term recovery. The good news is that if we stay focused and connected to our recovery plan, not only can we overcome any challenge, but often, we will look forward to doing so.

Staying Focused While in Long-Term Addiction Recovery

Long-term addiction recovery is all about acceptance, connection, and action. When we accept that we are not in this alone, connect to other people in recovery who both need and offer help, and keep a focused plan of action, we are much more likely to succeed in our recovery.

There is a statement that is often read in 12-Step meetings known as the “Acceptance Statement.” Part of it goes, “And acceptance is the answer to all ​my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation – some facet of my life – unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God’s world by mistake.” This acceptance allows us to slow down and realize that everything is as it should be as long as we take the next right step.

Staying connected to other people in recovery is also a great way to stay focused. This allows us to do “service,” which means helping others with their recovery. In doing so, we are honoring the gift of recovery that we have been given. But we are also keeping ourselves sober because when we focus on others’ problems, we do not have the bandwidth to worry about our own. We must also take action in recovery. This action will also help us recognize new mental health issues if they should arise.

What to Do if New Mental Health Issues Arise in Recovery

Part of being in recovery is having a newfound self-awareness about ourselves. This is because we are no longer clouded by the substances that used to skew our worldview. Also, this newfound awareness applies to recognizing if there is something off regarding our mental health.

When we notice new mental health issues arise in recovery, we must not panic, get disturbed, or jump to conclusions. Remember, everything is “exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.” However, we are now in a position to take action when it comes to our mental health. This means calling both recovery peers and recovery professionals.

New Mental Health Issues: Taking Action and “Living Life on Life’s Terms”

When new mental health issues come up, it is critical that we take action rather than ignore the signs. This gets back to “living life on life’s terms.” When we ignore issues in recovery, they only tend to build up and become bigger problems. This can be especially true when it comes to issues of mental health.

Taking action might mean reaching back out to the treatment facility or recovery center that we previously attended. A reputable center will be able to advise on the next steps to take, as well as have connections to therapists, recovery communities, and clinics that may be able to help. Taking action may also mean connecting to other recovery peers who were in the recovery center with us. One of the best ways to make this happen is to become part of an alumni group. Alumni groups help us stay both connected and focused on recovery, which can be invaluable if new mental health issues arise.

Clearview Horizon Girls Academy andAcceptance of a Better Way of Life

The conclusion of the previously mentioned “Acceptance Statement” goes, ”Until I could accept my [addiction], I could not stay sober; unless I accept life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and my attitudes.” We cannot control the world around us, no matter how much we want to.

But we can control how we navigate our lives in the world around us. In recovery, this includes positively navigating our recovery by joining an alumni group, recognizing mental health issues if they come up, and reaching out to others and asking for help. Yes, acceptance is the answer, service is the solution, and for alumni, staying connected to Clearview can be the key.

Unfortunately, being in recovery doesn’t mean being immune to other aspects of mental health. The reality is that, even in recovery, we must live “life on life’s terms.” Knowing what to do if issues of mental illness arise while in recovery from addiction is critical to helping avoid relapse. This includes calling someone else in recovery or reaching out to the treatment center one initially attended for further advice. If you are in addiction recovery and feel like you may be experiencing issues of mental health, we can help. For more information on the next steps to take if a mental illness manifests, please reach out to Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.