Many people struggle with finding a purpose in life. It’s practically become a stereotype of the millennial generation, that they all float through life without knowing what they want to do or settling down, but it can be a problem for people of any age or background. We’re often expected to know what we want to do with the rest of our lives before we’re even allowed to buy cigarettes, despite the fact that interests can change over time, particularly as we go to college or start working and discover the things we like. This can be a particular problem for people struggling with substance abuse, because so much of their lives has become taken over by drugs or alcohol.
When you’re in the thick of an addiction, you spend most of your time thinking about your drug of choice. How are you going to get it, how are you going to find the money to pay for it, how long until you can take it again – these thoughts can consume you even as you drift through everyday life. Your goals and ambitions can even become centered on drug use. You might start angling for a promotion not for the challenge or sense of accomplishment, but for more money to spend on drugs. You might previously have wanted to find a partner and start a family, but now all that just sounds like an obstacle to getting high whenever you want.
When you’re in recovery, a lot of your focus is still on your substance abuse. You’re busy learning your triggers and how to cope with them, figuring out how to fit back into society, wondering how you’ll apologize to friends and family you may have hurt while you were using, or simply fighting a daily battle against cravings. While it is important to be introspective to a degree, we all need something to strive for, a purpose to keep us going.
So, how do you find a purpose? It might sound like a daunting task, but there are plenty of options. If you’re not returning to a career, there are several ways that you can figure out what you want to do with your life. Many career centers or temp agencies have tests you can take to find out your strengths and interests and help you choose a path. If you’re interested in going to school, there are tests you can take that tell you what areas you’re strong in and what sort of careers you might want to prepare for. If education sounds expensive, remember that you can always start out at a local community college, and there are scholarships, grants, and loans available. Figure out the things you’re passionate about and take this opportunity to start over.
If you or a loved one need help with quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504.
