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The early days of recovery can be a delicate and difficult time. Many of us begin the journey feeling scared and vulnerable, unsure if we’re even capable of putting a drink or drug down for any significant length of time. The good news is, while you may feel lost and alone, you’re anything but—an estimated <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871617305203">22 million Americans</a> (including myself) are in recovery from alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems. There’s no shortage of tools at your disposal to help you get and stay sober, and the majority of them are free. Below are some suggestions to help you get through the first 30 days of your sobriety (and beyond!).<img class="wp-image-67880 size-medium alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/shutterstock_1463151287-300x200.jpg" alt="two women discussing first 30 days of sobriety" width="300" height="200" />
<h2><strong>1: Seek Out Support</strong></h2>
Sharing your thoughts and feelings with people experiencing similar struggles can be incredibly cathartic. You also have a better chance of staying away from your substance of choice when you surround yourself with sober people. Support groups such as <a href="https://aa-intergroup.org/">Alcoholics Anonymous</a>, <a href="https://virtual-na.org/">Narcotics Anonymous</a>, <a href="https://www.smartrecovery.org/community/calendar.php">SMART Recovery</a>, and <a href="https://lifering.org/online-meetings/">LifeRing</a> are great places to find support and meet other people in recovery. And now it’s easier than ever to attend these meetings, as they’re all available online due to the <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/managing-mental-health-during-the-covid-19-pandemic">pandemic</a>.
<h2><strong>2: Establish a Routine</strong></h2>
People in recovery often say their lives felt chaotic and out of control when they were active in their addiction. But adjusting to all the changes that come with early sobriety can feel just as confusing and overwhelming. Following a consistent schedule can help you combat these feelings of chaos by providing structure and predictability. Try setting up a daily routine that includes regular meal times, consistent sleep schedules, and times carved out for activities such as exercise, support group meetings, work, errands, and chores.
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<h2><strong>3: Get Moving</strong></h2>
In addition to <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495">easing feelings of stress and anxiety</a>, exercising on a regular basis can help <a href="https://health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2018-11-05/the-benefits-of-regular-exercise-in-recovery">curb drug and alcohol cravings</a>. And you don’t have to go to the gym or run a mile each day to reap these benefits, which is especially important to remember if you’re struggling with withdrawals or other physical discomforts common in early sobriety. A brisk 20-minute walk or a bike ride around the block is all it takes to get your heart rate up so you can experience the positive effects of physical activity.
<h2><strong>4: Try a Meditation App</strong></h2>
While meditation is a valuable tool for staying sober, people in early recovery sometimes find the practice to be confusing, overwhelming, and/or frustrating. How do you know if you’re doing it right? What if you can’t sit still for that long? If these concerns resonate with you, we suggest trying a guided meditation app. There are tons of options to choose from, in a wide range of types, lengths, and intensities. Some of our favorite free options include <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/calm/id571800810">Calm</a>, <a href="https://insighttimer.com/">Insight Timer</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/smiling-mind/id560442518">Smiling Mind</a>, and <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sattva-meditations-mantras/id930904592">Sattva</a>.<img class="alignright wp-image-70035 size-medium" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/shutterstock_547236634-300x199.jpg" alt="man watching sunset and reflecting on his first 30 days of sobriety" width="300" height="199" />
<h2>Your First 30 Days of Sobriety</h2>
However you choose the handle the first 30 days of sobriety, it's important to remember you're not alone. Many others have been down the road to recovery. Using the tools discussed above you can overcome the challenges of early sobriety and live a life in recovery.

4 Helpful Tips for Your First 30 Days of Sobriety

Life is full of challenges, whether you have a substance use disorder or not. But for people in recovery, learning how to get through tough times without relying on alcohol or drugs is essential to survival. If you stay sober long enough, you’re guaranteed to face to a crisis at some point, whether it be the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or a global pandemic. The holidays are also rife with relapse triggers and can feel like a minefield for people trying to remain sober.

Thankfully, sobriety arms us with tools and techniques to help us cope without picking up. Below are some suggestions that have worked for me.
<h2>1: Rely on Your Support Network</h2>
If support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or SMART Recovery are a part of your recovery plan, don’t be afraid to lean on them extra hard when times get tough. You’ll likely find people who have gone through similar struggles and can offer empathy and advice. Meetings will also help keep you from isolating, which is a common relapse trigger.<img class="size-medium wp-image-71703 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/shutterstock_641208637-300x200.jpg" alt="woman on couch staying sober in crisis" width="300" height="200" />
<h2>2: Maintain Healthy Habits</h2>
Recovery is about more than staying away from substances. It also requires diligence when it comes to physical self-care. This remains true when life gets difficult. Are you getting enough sleep each night? Eating regular meals? Moving your body when possible? It’s easy to forget about basic needs when you’re in the middle of a crisis, but taking care of yourself physically will keep your body strong so you’re less vulnerable to relapse.
<h2>3: HALT</h2>
The HALT acronym is used frequently in recovery to remind us to pay attention to our needs when we’re caught up in life’s craziness. The idea is to stop (halt!) and ask yourself—are you hungry, angry, lonely, or tired? Identifying and addressing these common triggers can be extremely helpful in keeping your recovery on track. In fact, research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information cites HALT as a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553654/">highly effective relapse prevention tool</a>.
<h2>4: Enlist the Help of Professionals</h2>
Don’t be afraid to seek the help of trained professionals when the going gets tough.

A therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist can provide perspective and help you process challenging life events in ways that loved ones and support group members may not be able to. There are also specialized groups designed to help with common issues such as grief, divorce, and stress. Taking advantage of professional help can greatly reduce your risk of a relapse.

If you’re struggling with a crisis in recovery, don’t wait to get help. <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/">Reach out to us today</a>.

Staying Sober in Crisis: Tips for Getting Through Life on Life’s Terms

Have you experienced what’s known as “the pink cloud”? This term describes a period of happiness and elation that’s often experienced by people in early recovery. How it manifests is different for everyone—some people feel it the moment they make the decision to stay sober, while others are not affected until weeks or months after they put down their substance of choice.

Personally, I didn’t have a pink cloud experience until years after I first tried getting sober, after multiple relapses, when I had all but given up on the idea that recovery could work for me. I have to admit, it was a welcome and wonderful feeling.

Unfortunately, the one thing all pink clouds have in common is the fact that they come to an end. For many people, this sudden sadness and disappointment can throw a big wrench into their recovery program. If you’re coming off a pink cloud and having difficulty coping, here are some tips that might help.<img class="size-medium wp-image-72113 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/shutterstock_231366088-2-300x218.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="218" />
<h2>1: Take It One Day at a Time</h2>
It’s important to remember that nothing lasts forever. Just as your euphoria came to an end, so will your despair. The “one day at a time” slogan can be really helpful here, because you can’t go back to how you felt yesterday and you have no way of knowing how you’ll feel tomorrow. The only thing you can do is recognize, accept, and honor how you feel in the present moment.
<h2>2: Tell People How You’re Feeling</h2>
Sharing your pink cloud experience with another person can be extremely helpful. Most people who are sober have had similar experiences and will be able to offer support and advice. If you’re a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), consider opening up about your feelings in a meeting. In addition to helping relieve your own feelings of sadness and anxiety, you may help someone in the group who is struggling with the same problem.
<h2>3: Remember the Last Time You Drank or Used</h2>
It can be tempting to give up on your recovery when you hit the end of a pink cloud spell. You may think, “What’s the point of staying sober if I’m not going to feel good every single day?” If this question pops into your head, it can be helpful to remember the last time you used a substance to cope with uncomfortable feelings. Or the last time you woke up with a really bad hangover or embarrassed yourself during a blackout. Do you really feel as bad today as you did back then? In my experience, the answer was usually no. More often than not, my worst days sober were always better than my best days in active addiction.

Unfortunately, life is full of disappointments and even the happiest people have to deal with upsetting and uncomfortable feelings. But take a moment to consider this—do you feel as badly as you did the last time you used substances to cope? If your last drink or drug brought you a place that made you decide to quit,

Surviving Pink Cloud: Tips for Staying Sober When the Euphoria Wears Off

The one-day-at-a-time mantra is used frequently in the world of recovery, particularly among people who follow the 12-Step principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. Its purpose is to remind individuals in recovery to stay in the present, focus on today, and not think too far ahead about sobriety. Because the saying has become so ubiquitous, it can be easy to lose sight of the technique's effectiveness. In fact, <a href="https://news.yale.edu/2020/08/27/why-one-day-time-works-recovering-alcoholics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">even studies have shown that it really works</a>. Here are some reasons why focusing on 24 hours at a time is so beneficial.
<h2><strong>It Makes Sobriety Feel Less Overwhelming</strong></h2>
For someone with a substance use disorder, the clinical term for a substance addiction, the thought of giving up alcohol or drugs for the rest of their lives may seem overwhelming and seemingly unattainable. However, remaining sober for just 24 hours can feel like a much more manageable task. Over time, those days add up to weeks, then months, then years of continuous sobriety.<img class="alignright wp-image-72604 size-medium" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/shutterstock_1667438671-300x200.jpg" alt="woman at computer thinking about benefits of living one day at a time" width="300" height="200" />

Taking it one day at a time also gives individuals the opportunity to consciously recommit to themselves to recovery. This can be especially helpful when life gets really challenging or when individuals are forced to deal with disappointing setbacks, such as relapse.
<h2><strong>It Makes Tough Tasks Seem More Manageable </strong></h2>
In addition to making abstinence feel doable, following a 24-hour rule can help ease the weight of everyday life stressors.

I drank to calm the many anxieties I had over unforeseeable events in the future. I would think, "What do I do if I mess up that big presentation next month?" or "How am I going to get X, Y, and Z done by next week?"

In recovery, I no longer waste energy worrying unnecessarily about things that may or may not happen. I focus only on the problems I have to deal with today—and I don't turn to alcohol to manage my stress. Even the biggest life challenges feel much more manageable when I tackle them like this, looking at what I can do today and only today.
<h2><strong>It Encourages Mindfulness</strong></h2>
Being mindful means being aware of your external surroundings as well as your inner experience, including your responses to what is going on around you. The very foundation of the practice of mindfulness focuses on increasing an awareness of the present moment, increasing time spent in the present moment, and being in control of one's own mind. It requires self-discipline to focus only on the present and not get caught up on thoughts surrounding your past or future.

Why the 24-Hour Rule Is Crucial for Long-Term Sobriety

An astounding 83 percent of American workers report struggling with job-related stress. Though massive, this amount is not surprising – especially in light of COVID-19 and its resulting need for workplace adaptations.

While difficult for everyone, navigating work worries can be particularly challenging for people in recovery, as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3860387/">stress and addiction are closely linked</a>. However, finding ways to cope with work stress <em>is</em> possible when you’re sober! If you’re struggling to maintain your sobriety amidst the pressures of a demanding job, we have some tips that may help.<img class="size-medium wp-image-73546 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/shutterstock_1660490368-300x200.jpg" alt="man stressed over recovery in the workplace" width="300" height="200" />
<h2><strong>1. Set Clear Boundaries </strong></h2>
While enduring the COVID-19 global health pandemic, it’s crucial to differentiate between working from home time and relaxation time.

As tough as it may be in our modern and constantly connected world, it’s essential to set boundaries between your work life and your personal life. While this may involve some self-discipline, establishing rules for yourself will help minimize your risk of becoming overwhelmed.

For example, you may find it helpful to limit how often you check your work email (now I do it three times a day versus all day). You may also turn off work-related smartphone notifications or use the “Do Not Disturb” setting when you’re off the clock.
<h2><strong>2</strong><strong>. Find a Support Group or Recovery Meeting</strong></h2>
Sometimes all it takes to mitigate work stress is to spend time with people who understand what you’re going through. Whether it’s Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Smart Recovery, or another type of addiction support group, attending a meeting during your lunch break can do wonders for easing job-related anxiety.

Plus, <a href="https://www.aa.org/information-about-meetings">it’s easier than ever to get to an online meeting these days</a> during the novel coronavirus pandemic, so you don’t have to travel far to connect with others and find support during the workday.
<h2><strong>3. Take Time Off</strong></h2>
According to a recent study, more than <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191022005166/en/2019-Priceline-Work-Life-Balance-Report-44-Million">half of American workers don’t use up their paid vacation</a> days. Taking time off is a necessity when it comes to maintaining your sobriety. In addition to experiencing an overload of stress, you may become resentful towards your employer if you don’t use your paid time off (PTO) —despite it being your decision to do so.

Setting aside “personal” days can help you manage your recovery from addiction. Self-care is an essential part of recovery and taking advantage of paid time off is great way to separate yourself from your job and tend to your personal needs.

Recovery in the Workplace: Tips for Staying Sober at a Stressful Job

For most people in early recovery, learning how to navigate daily stressors without relying on alcohol or drugs is the ultimate test. Without substances as a vice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the smallest of life’s challenges. Fortunately, there are tools you can use to help minimize this discomfort and manage your emotions, including establishing and following a daily routine.

Research shows that the right amount of <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/protect-your-brain-from-stress">organization and predictability helps the brain combat stress</a>. This can undoubtedly go a long way toward helping you achieve long-term sobriety. Here are some easy ways to build structure into your daily life during early recovery – and beyond.
<h2><strong>Establish a Sleep Schedule</strong></h2>
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2766287/">Sleep disorders and substance use disorders often go hand-in-hand</a>, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2766287/">people with sleep problems have a greater risk of relapsing on their drug of choice</a>. Unfortunately, insomnia and other sleep-related problems are common in early recovery, especially when people are experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Establishing and following a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day—even on weekends and days off—will help ease your body back into a natural and healthy sleep cycle. Over time, falling asleep (and staying asleep) will become much easier, and you’ll likely <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/tips-for-beating-anxiety-to-get-a-better-nights-sleep">feel less stressed and irritable throughout the day</a>.
<h2><strong>Adopt a Daily Meditation Practice</strong></h2>
Daily meditation can be a helpful tool for managing stress in recovery. Sometimes, though, it can feel like a difficult task for newly sober people struggling to maintain their focus and concentration. Luckily, you don’t have to be a master meditator to experience the benefits of the practice.<img class="alignright wp-image-73549 size-medium" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/shutterstock_360192704-300x200.jpg" alt="person meditating as part of routine in recovery" width="300" height="200" />

In fact, a recent study found that <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016643281830322X">just eight weeks of daily meditation helped decrease anxiety</a> and improve attention in non-experienced meditators. Instead of worrying about meditating perfectly, just make the commitment to try. The simple routine of sitting quietly for 10 minutes each day can help you feel calm, centered, and grounded in your life and in your recovery.
<h2><strong>Attend Support Groups and Meetings</strong></h2>
Attending support groups and recovery meetings on a regular basis, whether they are meetings through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, or Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS), is a great way to establish a healthy routine.

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, <a href="https://aa-intergroup.org/meetings/">many meetings are widely available online</a> and can provide you with an easy way to connect with people who are going through similar struggles. In addition to helping you establish structure, going to the same meetings each day or week allows other group members to get to know you. This familiarity can help strengthen your accountability and boost your motivation to stay sober.

If you are in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse, place emphasis on building a sustainable and healthy daily routine. You might just find that it will help reduce your stress, remain organized and goal-oriented, manage your cravings, and fight isolation.

The Importance of Routine in Recovery: How Habits Help You Stay Sober

Looking for ways to strengthen your recovery in 2021? The start of a new year is the perfect time to rededicate yourself to sobriety by setting specific goals for the 12 months ahead. Nothing overwhelming, nothing unrealistic – just simple, attainable resolutions to help you reinforce your commitment to staying sober one day at a time. If you’re looking for ideas, below are 4 recovery resolutions that may inspire you.
<h2>1: Keep a Gratitude Journal</h2>
Research has shown that the simple act of writing down five to 10 things you are grateful for each day can help reduce stress and <a href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_gratitude_is_good">improve feelings of mental and physical well-being</a>. These items don’t have to be particularly deep or meaningful, either. For example, coffee is a frequently on my daily gratitude list. What’s important is that you’re taking time to reflect on the things that make you happy in life. On difficult days, this practice can help you refocus on positive thoughts. On days that you’re already feeling good, a gratitude list can serve as an excellent reminder of the benefits of staying sober.<img class="alignright wp-image-73842 size-medium" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/shutterstock_1859789896-300x200.jpg" alt="4 recovery resolutions as depicted by a notebook next to coffee glasses and a pen" width="300" height="200" />
<h2>2: Make a Commitment</h2>
Doing service is a major component of recovery for people in 12-step programs such as Alcohol Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110128104242.htm">Studies show that it works</a>—in addition to boosting self-esteem and fostering a sense of community, helping others allows us to get out of our own heads and distract us from critical, self-centered thoughts. And you don’t have to be a member of AA or NA to make a service commitment this year. Any kind of volunteer work will make a difference, from helping out in a soup kitchen to mentoring underprivileged kids.
<h2>3: Move Your Body</h2>
Many people underestimate the role that exercise can have in recovery. If you’re not already exercising on regular basis, consider joining an online class or adding rigorous walks to your daily routine. It may benefit you more than you realize, as getting your heart rate up regularly has been shown to help <a href="https://health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2018-11-05/the-benefits-of-regular-exercise-in-recovery">reduce cravings for alcohol and drugs</a>, as well as improve mood.
<h2>4: Ask For Help</h2>
This is a resolution I have to remind myself to make every day. It’s natural to want to appear strong and in control at all times. Unfortunately, life just doesn’t work that way—especially for people in recovery. Addiction is a chronic illness. Whether you’ve been sober for 30 days or 30 years, there are going to be times when you feel vulnerable. Reaching out to a person you trust is the best way to combat these feelings and maintain your sobriety. This trusted person could be a friend, a family member, a therapist, or even a member of your support group. And remember that you are never alone—you can even <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/">reach out to us for help</a>.
<h2>Making the Most of the Year</h2>
While these 4 recovery resolutions need not be gospel, they can help you make the most of your recovery. There are bound to be stresses and challenging times. However, taking things at your own pace, keeping true to yourself, and practicing healthy coping mechanisms can help you stay sober and happy.

4 Recovery Resolutions to Motivate You in the New Year

If you’re newly sober, nutrition may be the last thing on your mind. And while you certainly shouldn’t deny yourself a yummy cookie or a plate of fries every now and then (it’s certainly better than a drink or a drug!), being mindful about what you eat can help make the recovery process easier. In addition to improving your physical health, eating foods rich in certain nutrients can help reduce stress levels, curb cravings, and relieve other uncomfortable symptoms common in early sobriety. Below are 4 nutrition tips for early recovery.
<h2>1. GABA-Boosting Snacks</h2>
GABA is a neurotransmitter produced in the brain that promotes calm and relaxation. People in early recovery often have lower-than-normal levels of GABA, which can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health stressors. GABA can be found naturally in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and tempeh. It's also present in certain teas, such as black, green, and oolong. There are also a variety of foods that help boost the production of GABA in the body, including whole grains, fava beans, and lentils; almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds; cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower; and fish like halibut and shrimp.<img class="alignright wp-image-74341 size-medium" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/shutterstock_1401914159-300x205.jpg" alt="woman writing down nutrition tips for early recovery" width="300" height="205" />
<h2>2. Antioxidants-Rich Fruits</h2>
Antioxidants help rebuild your immune system and can be especially beneficial in the early days of sobriety when your body is still ridding itself of harmful toxins. Blueberries are antioxidant-packed and make an excellent snack when you’re craving something sweet. Other antioxidant-rich fruits include pomegranates, kiwis, cherries, purple plums, grapes, and acai and goji berries.
<h2>3. Lean Meats With Tyrosine</h2>
Tyrosine is an amino acid present in lean beef, poultry, fish, lamb, and pork. It helps increase your brain’s production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which helps promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Low levels of dopamine are common in early recovery and associated with low energy, depressed mood, and even alcohol and drug cravings. In addition to the meats mentioned above, foods high in tyrosine include bananas, sunflower seeds, soybeans, whole grains, and cheese.
<h2>4. Leafy Greens With L-Glutamine</h2>
Dark, leafy greens such as kale, spinach, parsley, and Brussels sprouts are rich in the amino acid l-glutamine, which helps support the immune system and maintain the health of your digestive tract. Studies also suggest that l-glutamine may <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23403696/">help curb cravings in people with substance use disorder</a>, particularly following detox. Protein-rich foods such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy products are also good sources of l-glutamine. Beans, beets, carrots, celery, and papaya are also good options.
<h2>Nutrition Can Be a Mainstay of Recovery</h2>
These 4 nutrition tips for early recovery are just a start. Building important nutrition is an important part of recovery, as it can help you keep a positive outlook and a healthy lifestyle. Try following your own nutritional plans. Pairing good nutrition with <a href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/4-recovery-resolutions">regular exercise</a> can also have positive effects on your recovery.

4 Nutrition Tips For Early Recovery

Jamie Lee Curtis is one of the most successful performers in Hollywood today. With a career spanning four decades, she’s made a lasting impact in film, TV, and even children’s book publishing. But if you were to ask this legendary actress what she considers to be her biggest success in life, her answer might surprise you. “Getting sober remains my single greatest accomplishment,”<a href="https://people.com/movies/jamie-lee-curtis-opens-up-hiding-secret-opioid-addiction/"> she told <em>People </em>magazine in 2018</a>. “Bigger than my husband, bigger than both of my children, and bigger than any work, success, failure. Anything.” This week, our recovery spotlight will focus on Jamie Lee Curtis and her journey to recovery.
<h2><strong>A Silent Struggle</strong></h2>
Despite the fact that her career had hit an all-time high—and she was a happily married mom with two kids—Jamie Lee Curtis found herself in a desperate place back in the late 1990s. In addition to using alcohol to cope with life’s stressors, she had become addicted to opiate painkillers after a routine plastic surgery procedure years earlier. The actress, who was about 40 years old at the time, managed to keep her use hidden from everyone, even though it was eating her up inside.<img class="alignright wp-image-74635 size-medium" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/shutterstock_728593621-1-300x169.jpg" alt="recovery spotlight jamie lee curtis" width="300" height="169" />

“No one knew at all. Not one person knew except the people I would get [the painkillers] from,”<a href="https://variety.com/2019/biz/features/jamie-lee-curtis-sober-recovery-addiction-1203392102/"> she told <em>Variety </em>in 2018</a>. “I was the wildly controlled drug addict and alcoholic. I never did it when I worked.”
<h2><strong>Courage to Change</strong></h2>
Curtis’s opiate addiction lasted for 10 years and got so bad she resorted to stealing prescription medication from her sister. A family friend caught her using in late 1998, but Curtis still wasn’t ready to face her problem.

Finally, in 1999, the <em>Halloween</em> star realized she needed help after reading an article in <em>Esquire </em>magazine about Vicodin addiction. She came clean to her family about her use and started attending recovery meetings. Twenty-one years later, she’s still sober.

“My entire family has been supportive and very appreciative of the efforts that I have put forth to achieve sobriety and hold on to it,”<a href="https://variety.com/2019/biz/features/jamie-lee-curtis-sober-recovery-addiction-1203392102/"> Curtis said</a>. “They see how much I try to work it and try to talk to other people and be a part of a community of people who are in recovery.”
<h2><strong>Opening Up About Addiction</strong><strong> </strong></h2>
After being sober for about two years, Curtis decided to publicly acknowledge her sobriety during an interview with <em>Redbook </em>magazine. She’s become one of the most outspoken celebrity champions of recovery. Curtis works hard to stop the stigma that all too often prevents people from getting the help they need.

“To call yourself an alcoholic or a drug addict is a badge of honor,”<a href="https://variety.com/2019/biz/features/jamie-lee-curtis-sober-recovery-addiction-1203392102/"> the actress says</a>. “It is a way of acknowledging something that is a profound statement and can be, for many people, life-changing. Because the secret, the shameful secret, is the reason why it is such a pervasive illness in our industry — in every industry, in every socioeconomic stratum, in every country in the world. It is the secret shame that keeps people locked up in their disease.”

Recovery Spotlight: Jamie Lee Curtis

Managing money can be a tricky business for people in early recovery. For many, dealing with financial issues is extremely stressful and can trigger the urge for a drink or a drug. For others, having easy access to cash or credit can drive cross-addictions such as gambling or compulsive shopping. But because money is a necessity, learning how to manage finances is an essential life skill that can’t be ignored. To help you budget, save, and spend responsibly, here are some money management tips for people in recovery.<img class="size-medium wp-image-74833 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/shutterstock_602028014-300x231.jpg" alt="woman with computer considering money management in recovery" width="300" height="231" />
<h2>1. Take Advantage of Direct Deposit &amp; Auto Transfer</h2>
Having your paycheck deposited directly to your checking account can help you avoid the temptation to cash and spend it on the spot. Similarly, you can set up automatic transfers to a separate savings account to ensure you’re putting away a specific amount of money each month. One helpful thing I did when newly sober was figure out (approximately) how much money I had been spending each week on alcohol and contribute that amount to my savings, instead.
<h2>2. Avoid Credit Cards</h2>
Credit cards make it way too easy to live outside of your means. They can be particularly dangerous in early recovery when the impulse to spend and reward yourself with instant gratification may be heightened. If you can’t get rid of your credit cards altogether (sometimes they can be helpful for emergencies), keep them in a drawer at home instead of in your wallet. Even better, you can apply for a secured credit card, which requires a refundable security deposit in exchange for a line of credit. This way, you won’t be able to spend more money than you have.
<h2>3. Download a Budgeting App</h2>
In addition to helping you keep track of what you spend, budgeting apps can make money management for people in recovery feel less overwhelming by organizing and streamlining basic tasks. Free apps such as<strong><a href="https://pocketguard.com/"> PocketGuard</a></strong>, for example, allow you to link your accounts and access them all in one place so it’s easy to check your balances. They can also tell you how much spendable money you have left after setting aside what you need for bills, food, and other necessities.
<h2>4. Ask For Help</h2>
Managing money is a challenge for many people, regardless of whether they’re sober. So you’re not alone if you need more than an app to keep your finances on track. There are professional financial counselors you can reach out to for help with budgeting, saving, paying down debt, and more. It’s also important to seek out support for the emotional turmoil financial issues can trigger. Open up to a therapist or share your worries in a support group meeting. You may be surprised at how many people are going through similar problems and can relate to your feelings of stress and anxiety. They may even have their own helpful money management tips for recovery to share.<img class="size-medium wp-image-74832 alignright" src="https://admin.americanaddictioncenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/shutterstock_1022177197-300x200.jpg" alt="couple doing money management in recovery" width="300" height="200" />
<h2>Mastering Money Management in Recovery</h2>
While there are many ways to master money management in recovery, the important part is to remember that you're not helpless. The stress that comes from paying one's bills can spark a relapse. Employing strategies to minimize and cope with stress are important. And, if the chips are on the table and all else has failed, it's okay to reach out for help.

4 Tips for Money Management in Recovery

Susan Linney is a freelance writer and editor with more than 15 years’ experience. She is especially passionate about using her voice to help people in recovery.

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