Addiction and the recovery process as a whole have dramatically changed over the past decade or so. Based on the available research, it is now well understood (and accepted) that a successful recovery process is reliant on healing the “whole self” — not just your reliance on drugs and/or alcohol.
That is why you’ll hear terms such as “dual-diagnosis” and “holistic treatment” — after all, addiction is a multifaceted disease, which requires a multifaceted approach.
Today, we’d like to discuss the “eight dimensions of wellness” in relation to your recovery. This guide is intended to provide insight, helping you see that there is a hope for a much brighter, healthier, and fulfilling future.
What Are the 8 Dimensions of Wellness?
To begin, let’s first address the what in this equation — what are the eight dimensions?
As stated by the University of Maryland, wellness is more than health, it is living fully. It is holistic, self-directed, positive, evolving, and multidimensional. That is why in order to truly flourish, all dimensions require your attention. Although there does not need to be an equal balance among all dimensions, all require some level of awareness and commitment.
This approach translates perfectly when aiming to overcome your struggles with addiction and mental health. The eight dimensions that we will address include the following:
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- Emotional — This dimension focuses on your ability to effectively cope with the stresses of life while you create positive, healthy relationships.
- Environmental — This dimension highlights the importance of a stimulating environment that supports your overall well-being.
- Financial — This dimension addresses the satisfaction you feel in relation to your current financial situation.
- Intellectual — This dimension allows you to fully recognize your unique, creative abilities, which allow you to expand your skills and knowledge.
- Physical — This dimension supports the need for nutrition, sleep, and physical activity.
- Occupational — This dimension highlights the importance of a fulfilling career in regards to your personal satisfaction.
- Spiritual — This dimension addresses your purpose and meaning in life, allowing you to expand your senses.
- Social — This dimension encourages the development of a strong, connected support system.
How Do the 8 Dimensions of Wellness Impact Recovery?
“Addiction is an adaptation. It’s not you — it’s the cage you live in.” — Johann Hair
Whether you have participated in a rehabilitation program in the past or not, sobriety and the recovery process, in general, is highly complex. That is why the highest success rates are associated with those who fully immerse themselves into a treatment facility program that supports holistic healing. Here’s a great article on meditation: https://relaxlikeaboss.com/spiritual-meditation/
In addition to abstaining from drugs and alcohol, this means that focusing on your overall wellness is equally vital to your recovery. As you begin to break free from repetitive, dangerous behaviors, with the aim to preserve your well-being, you will become the best possible version of yourself.
Each dimension provides another level of support as you improve your well-being and reaffirm your ability to remain committed to your recovery process.
Although there are many variables to consider, here are just some of the ways in which the 8 dimensions can impact your recovery:
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- Emotional — Being able to effectively work through your emotions is imperative, not just in terms of your recovery, but also in relation to building a more healthy, fulfilling life. As you learn to process your emotions and past experiences, you will be able to maintain emotional wellness. That is why talk therapy, journal writing, supportive counseling sessions, and meditation make all the difference.
- Environmental — The environment you’re exposed to on a daily basis impacts your mood, decisions, and overall wellness. The whole idea of treatment is to provide a safe, comfortable space where you can truly find yourself once again. As you understand the places and people that tempt you to use drugs and alcohol, you can learn how to better manage these triggers while building a healthy, productive environment for yourself.
- Financial — Since your financial situation can increase feelings of stress, developing strong financial habits can make all the difference long-term. While addiction may allow you to avoid your financial responsibilities, learning to budget and save is a rewarding skill. Just imagine what you could invest in if you weren’t purchasing drugs and alcohol? In contrast, for those who come from an affluent background, please read, “How Affluence Enables Drug Addiction in Scottsdale.”
- Intellectual — Learning to stimulate and engage your brain in a healthy manner is critical during recovery. This is why Scottsdale Recovery Center® offers so many unique and highly immersive activities. The goal is to challenge yourself as you discover new interests and abilities. Whether you are interested in art or horses, you can access a wide range of therapy options — including art and equine therapy!
- Occupational — We spend much of our lives working, which is why you need to invest in a career that is meaningful to you. When you are able to get up for work, feeling excited and passionate, that is an achievement in itself. Once again, this is why it’s so important to discover who you are and what it is you value. Remember, addiction does NOT define you. As you seek sobriety, you can become whomever you want to be. Alternatively, if you have experienced trauma due to your career, it is important that you seek treatment (i.e. first responders suffering from PTSD).
- Physical — In order to remain mentally and emotionally stable, you need to take care of your physical body and brain. To do so, you must invest in a healthy, balanced lifestyle. When you get enough exercise, sleep, and essential nutrients, you will automatically promote optimal wellness. This is also why practices such as yoga are becoming increasingly popular during treatment.
- Social — To remain connected, you must actively work towards a strong support system. Friends and family care for you, so learn to foster these relationships in a way that supports your recovery. Here is why communication is so imperative when aiming to overcome addiction and mental health disorders.
- Spiritual — You must find meaning and purpose outside of your addictive behaviors. As you become more connected with yourself and the world around you, the recovery process becomes much clearer. You will learn to set goals and more importantly, achieve them. After all, spirituality is the essence of true self.
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Whether you are currently struggling with addiction or your loved one requires help, Scottsdale Recovery Center® is Arizona’s leader in drug rehab and alcohol treatment, offering medical detox, as well as inpatient and outpatient services.
Need to talk? Please contact us today.
