When people fall victim to the harsh realities of addiction, they often look back and wonder how they ended up down such a destructive path. While there isn’t one single conclusive explanation why people experience addictive behaviors, specialists have nailed down one’s environment as a significant contributing factor. Between chronic stress, traumatic experiences, poverty level conditions, and tumultuous relationships, the list of environmental impacts feeding addictive habits is long-winded.
Because one’s environment has such a significant impact on recovery, addicts in remission should prioritize efforts to improve their living conditions. Addiction specialists recommend building a solid support system, limiting unhealthy foods, sleeping regularly, and developing a daily routine to combat temptations and remain on the route to recovery.
That is not to say creating a healthy environment is a walk in the park, especially for those without a solid support system or adequate resources. If you’re struggling to develop healthy sober living conditions on your own, consider researching community lodging options by conducting a Google search with phrases like “transitional housing near Tampa.” With the help of a search engine, a tight-knit, safety-first community of fellow substance abuse disorder survivors will be well within reach.
For those torn between their home base and transitional housing options, read on for five environmental conditions that can impact your journey into lifelong recovery.
Familial relationships
One of the most significant external factors affecting recovering addicts—for better or worse— is family dynamics. An uplifting, supportive familial network allows those in rehabilitation to power through withdrawal symptoms and emotional stressors in a safe, comforting space.
On the other hand, those in toxic or invalidating environments may feel triggered around family, creating unnecessary challenges during critical recovery stages. Ultimately, if your familial system is contentious and unsupportive, searching elsewhere for aid may be a necessary step in your healing journey.
Social settings
Often, those who fall into the trap of addictive cycles find themselves surrounded by individuals who enable their behavior and are likely partaking in drugs and alcohol themselves. A critical aspect of recovery is cutting ties with individuals who may encourage further use down the line.
That said, it can be challenging to remove certain people from your life, especially if you’re unable to cease contact completely. To increase the chances of success, recovering addicts should steer clear of social settings where temptations and harmful influences are present, like bars or gatherings with addictive substances.
Working conditions
Unfortunately, stress is highly triggering for most recovering addicts, often worsening withdrawal symptoms and derailing their progress. Because day-to-day stressors can wreak havoc on rehabilitation, specialists suggest reducing anxiety and pressure wherever possible. That said, eliminating stress can be challenging, especially for those unhappy with their place of employment. Dissatisfaction and tension in the workplace can make it challenging to stay sober, particularly those experiencing conflicts with their coworkers or boss.
While it may not be feasible for you to quit your job, taking time to calm down after altercations and avoiding conflict when possible can help reduce feelings of discomfort while at work.
Social media
While social media can be a hub for support groups and community engagement, the adverse effects can sabotage those in recovery. Addicts often compare themselves to people online who showcase the best parts of their lives while sweeping personal challenges under the rug. Spending mass amounts of time glued to your socials can result in plummeting self-esteem and trigger harmful, substance-based coping mechanisms. That said, finding a balance and using online avenues to connect with fellow addicts who can help hold you accountable can be beneficial in your rehabilitation journey.
Cultural impacts
It should come as no surprise that your cultural upbringing and local community can significantly impact your recovery journey. Between religious beliefs fueling shame-based thinking to learned familial traditions that impede healing, your environmental surroundings can take a toll on your ability to lean into rehabilitation. Unfortunately, many people experience internal and external judgment stemming from cultural views that can be difficult to overcome without the proper support and resources. However, pouring yourself into healthy, healing beliefs and centering the beneficial aspects of your culture can help you hold tight to the rod of recovery.
Parting shot
Ultimately, recovery isn’t linear, and you will encounter roadblocks along the way. However, you can minimize the carnage by familiarizing yourself with the ways your environment can derail your healing journey and take the necessary steps to circumvent unhealthy, toxic conditions.
