Everyone needs a purpose and a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Finding your passions gives recovery meaning and purpose and is one of the foundations of a successful plan. 

Meaning in recovery is often found within three life dimensions–physical health, home, and community. Each category has inherent opportunities to develop passion and purpose to help guide your journey.

What Is Recovery?

Recovery from mental disorders and/or substance use disorder (SUD) is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), you learn how to live a self-directed life and strive to achieve your full potential in recovery.

Recovery from SUD and mental health disorders involves physical health, home life, and community dimensions.

Physical Health and Recovery

A growing body of research has shown that physical health and recovery from mental health and (SUD) are closely linked. People who have a chronic physical health condition are more likely also to experience a mental illness and vice versa. 

This is because physical and mental health share common risk factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and exposure to traumatic events. Caring for your physical health is an important part of a sustainable recovery plan.

Meaningful Activity

Many people in recovery discover they have a passion for physical fitness. Physical activity can provide a sense of meaning and purpose. It can be a way to connect with other people, learn new skills, and feel good about yourself. Physical activity can also help to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase energy levels.

There are many different ways to get started. Taking a walk around the block, joining a local gym, or signing up for a yoga class are all great options. No matter how you choose to get moving, physical activity can be an important part of a successful plan.

Furthermore, physical health problems can worsen mental health symptoms and vice versa. For example, people with anxiety are more likely to experience chest pain, while people with depression are more likely to experience headaches. By taking care of your body, you also take care of your mind, creating a sense of purpose in your recovery journey.

Environment Is Essential

Recovery from mental health and SUD means more than just being free of symptoms. The aim is for individuals also to have a high quality of life.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), stable housing plays a vital role in an individual's ability to make and maintain change. An inability to pay rent and the threat of losing housing can lead to stress that triggers substance misuse and relapse.

Individuals experiencing homelessness who also have mental health disorders or SUD typically find it difficult to address their substance use without a safe place to live. This is because they often self-medicate with alcohol or drugs to cope with the dangers of life on the streets.

Finding Meaning at Home

A safe place to live is essential for recovery. The home environment plays a vital role in the healing process by providing a secure foundation for change. 

For many people struggling with these disorders, the home is the only place where they feel comfortable enough to work on the issues they face in recovery. Home can be a refuge from the outside world and a source of shelter and support. 

The home environment can be a place where people can feel close to nature and connected to the world around them. A cared-for home can provide meaning and purpose in recovery, helping people to rebuild their lives after an injury or illness.

Having a home environment that is conducive to recovery allows you to focus on your treatment and make the changes you want to make in your life. A healthy home environment also allows you the space to build a support network of family and friends who can help you through the recovery process.

Community in Recovery

Community can play an important role in your recovery from mental health disorders and SUD. A community provides a sense of belonging, support, and connection for many people. Community groups can also be a source of meaningful activity and passionate engagement. In fact, community involvement has been shown to promote recovery by providing a sense of social connectedness and support.

When people feel isolated and alone, they are more likely to relapse. When individuals feel connected to others and have a sense of purpose, they are more likely to stay in recovery. There are many ways to get involved in your community, such as volunteering, participating in community events, or joining a support group. Whatever form it takes, community involvement can help provide structure and direction in recovery.

Recovery Is an Individual Process

The suggestions above can help you identify meaning and develop passions to support your recovery goals. Without a sense of purpose, long-term recovery is much less sustainable. Meaning and passion are personal and individual. The right recovery support will help you develop purpose in your journey.

Recovery from mental health and substance use disorders can be a long and difficult process that often requires making significant changes to one's lifestyle. Anyone who has gone through recovery knows that sustaining change can be a challenge. There are often setbacks and relapses, and it can be easy to become discouraged. One of the key things that can help support and maintain change is finding passion in your recovery. This can involve setting goals and working toward them, daily physical activity, getting involved in supportive community groups, or finding a creative outlet that brings joy. Whatever it looks like, having a reason to keep going can make all the difference when the road gets rough. If you or someone you love is struggling to find motivation in their recovery journey, Next Level Recovery Associates can help identify powerful tools for change. Contact us at consult@nextlevelra.com.