Whether you’re just beginning your road to recovery or you’ve been in treatment for some time now, you’re starting to think about the future. Some emotional and philosophical questions can come up during this period, and you may be wondering if a recovering addict can ever be normal. The short answer is yes, absolutely. More fully understanding the answer to this question can encourage you to continue with your treatment and to pursue other healthy opportunities.
Understanding Normalcy
Recognizing what normalcy encompasses is an important part of answering this question. In short, there really is no standard definition of normalcy. Defining normal is difficult because people pursue so many different paths in life. Some individuals marry young and raise children right away. Other people choose to stay single for their entire lives, and still, others return to college after many decades away. Understanding that normalcy really doesn’t exist can be the boost of confidence that you need.
Perceived Components of Normalcy
While you may recognize that one standard definition of normalcy doesn’t exist, you might have questions that are related to this topic:
- Can I go back to school?
- Can I get a job?
- Can I get married and raise a family?
- Can I buy a house?
- Can I fix my broken relationships?
It’s possible that you can accomplish all of these goals and more.
Returning to School
If you want to go back to college or start an undergraduate or graduate program, you certainly can. You are likely to find that universities are opening and welcoming environments. Your past issues with alcohol or drug addiction are unlikely to preclude you from getting accepted into a program. You might also wonder how you’ll know what career path to pursue. Think about where your interests lie. Consider taking a couple of classes at the local community college to learn more.
Working
Getting a job is certainly within the realm of possibility, and you can even pursue your dream career. It’s true that some jobs might conduct background checks that reveal your past issues with substance abuse. If you are denied from one job because of this situation, do not give up. There are plenty of jobs out there that can work for you. You could also consider going into business for yourself and working in a field that has long been appealing to you.
Marriage and Children
Many individuals who have recovered from addiction go on to have successful marriages and to raise children. During rehab, you can learn so much about yourself. Consider how that knowledge can help you to be an even better partner and parent. You also might have the opportunity to heal past relationships with spouses or to regain partial or full custody of your children. Of course, you want to consult with a legal professional to find out the options regarding the latter.
Home Purchase
Your substance abuse issues might have put you in a difficult situation in terms of financial savings and credit scores. You have the ability to rebuild though. People purchase houses at all stages of their lives. Even if you don’t have the money to do so now, you can start putting a little bit of your paycheck away each week to start saving up for your dream home. Set specific savings goals to help stay on track with this plan.
Fixing Broken Relationships
Your time in treatment can also teach you about strategies for repairing relationships that were hurt as a result of your addiction. Some people may not want to have a relationship with you any longer because of the past hurts caused by your addiction. In these situations, you can gain skills for moving beyond those relationships and establishing healthier connections with people in the future. As a recovering addict, you likely have a lot of questions about what the rest of your life is going to look like. While no one can predict exactly what is going to happen in the future, you have the power and the tools to build the life of your dreams. Get support on this journey by calling 855-334-6120 today.
Why Do I Need Alcohol Abuse Counseling?
