Addiction can be a devastating disease and it hurts millions of Americans every day. Conquering a substance abuse problem is immensely difficult, and the path is not so easy afterwards, either: An addict who achieves sobriety will have much work left to do in putting their lives back together and building the future that they want and deserve. It can be done and it is an option for you. If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, the time has come to take action and craft a better future.

Seeking help and finding recovery

Addiction is a powerful thing. In fact, that it’s virtually impossible to beat a substance abuse problem on your own. If you believe that you may be an addict, the first thing you need to do is seek professional help.

This can mean all kinds of things, experts explain. A recovery coach can help you through the process; so can therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists (and these roles can be similar, or even overlap). You have options for therapy and coaching in person for medication-assisted treatment, or in inpatient rehab. You have the power to shape your recovery plan, but you need to make sure that your plan includes the professional support that you need in order to kick your substance.

Protecting your assets, record, and reputation

Finding sobriety is a wonderful thing. Unfortunately, not all of the problems that you had as a substance abuser will disappear when you banish the substance from your life. You’ll always be an addict, and you’ll still have to deal with the fallout and consequences from your time as a substance abuser.

You have to take responsibility for your past actions. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t protect yourself and your reputation, cautions a Denver criminal lawyer. In states like Colorado, charges related to substance abuse could threaten your career and your future. From employment background checks to your future freedom, a serious criminal conviction could drastically alter your sober life.

That’s why you need to protect yourself. Once you’re able to, speak to an attorney about any outstanding charges or warrants. Be proactive; ignoring this stuff won’t make it go away. You should also talk to attorneys and financial advisors about any financial problems you may have, as well as any fears of fraud. Are debts that piled up during your darkest days threatening your bright future? Does anyone from your old life have information that could help them steal your identity or rob you? Seek out the experts and protect yourself.

Building a new life and career

There is a lot to manage as you achieve sobriety, and fixing up the things that your substance abuse has damaged will preoccupy your thoughts. But don’t forget to look to your bright future, too.

Now is the time to start thinking about what you want to do with your sober life. This is the moment to start rebuilding your career or to strike out on a new one. This is the time to find healthy and enjoyable hobbies. Think about what you want and develop a plan to go get it. You may want to go back to school, or take advantage of one of the programs that exist to help addicts achieve in their sobriety.

Maintaining what you’ve created

Overcoming substance abuse is an incredible achievement, but it is also an ongoing project. Getting sober is difficult, but staying sober is the true test. And, while substance abuse can be beaten back, addiction is a lifelong affliction. No matter how long it has been since you last used your substance of choice or how much you’ve built in the time since then, you’ll always have to protect your accomplishments from the threat of relapse and a return to the darkest days of your substance abuse problem.

Because of this, sobriety needs to be a lifelong priority for you. One day at a time, you need to stay on the straight and narrow. To do this, you’ll almost certainly want to seek ongoing therapy and support groups. This is the life you want; protect it, says LibertyBell Law Group P.C., Civil Division Los Angeles.