Building Your Early Recovery Kit: Tools for Healing and Growth

Building Your Early Recovery Kit: Tools for Healing and Growth

Early recovery from substance use disorder is a delicate yet empowering phase of your journey. Creating a personalized recovery kit can provide essential tools for emotional regulation, self-care, and overall well-being. Here are some must-have tools, including therapy, nutritional supplements, and carefully selected wellness products, to support your recovery.

1. Therapy and Emotional Support

Therapy is a cornerstone of early recovery. Whether it’s individual counseling, group therapy, or support groups like AA or SMART Recovery, professional and peer support can provide guidance, accountability, and emotional stability. Engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or trauma-informed care can also help address underlying issues related to substance use.

I recently began my journey of EMDR therapy to help deal with some deep trauma and open up some old wounds, so that I can finally heal from them. I am a huge supporter of therapy for EVERYONE, not just people in recovery. Of course, like anything else you have to find the right fit. So, if you feel like you’ve tried therapy and it just hasn’t been that beneficial or helpful for you, I suggest you keep trying. Finding the right therapist is not easy and sometimes you need to go through a few before you find the one that is going to work for you. 

2. Supplements for Brain and Body Support

Recovery takes a toll on the body, and proper nutrition is essential. Supplements can support brain function, reduce cravings, and promote relaxation.

  • N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Known for its ability to regulate glutamate levels in the brain, NAC has shown promise in reducing cravings and impulsivity.
  • Trimethylglycine (TMG) / Tri-Methyl Folate: These support methylation, which is crucial for neurotransmitter production and overall mental clarity.
  • Magnesium Spray: Magnesium helps relax muscles and promote sleep, making it an excellent tool for reducing anxiety and improving overall well-being.

https://amzn.to/4b7hJi5

Tri-Methyl Folate (B9), is a strong antioxidant. It is a total TikTok trend right now, and is even being advertised specifically to people in recovery. It’s important to note that Tri Methyl Folate should be taken along with another B vitamin such as B6 or B12 for optimum absorption. 

3. Mindfulness and Self-Care Tools

Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines can help with stress management and emotional regulation. These tools support a structured approach to self-care:

  • Wellness Journal – Daily Self Care Lifestyle Planner: A guided journal with prompts to track physical, mental, and emotional health, helping you reflect on progress and set positive goals. I love a guided journal. I’m not great at journaling so having he prompts to direct my thoughts is super helpful. I also really like the ones that do a mental health check-in to gauge where you are in that moment and allow you to come back and \practice some self-reflection based on what you wrote. 
Planners with Purpose Wellness Journal – Daily Self Care Lifestyle Planner to Support Physical, Mental, & Emotional Health – Guided Prompts Self Love Diary to Practice Gratitude, Reflection, and Goals

https://amzn.to/3EDFjqx

  • The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: A simple yet effective way to shift focus towards gratitude, boosting mood and fostering a positive mindset. I absolutely believe that practicing gratitude and creating gratitude lists is such a powerful tool. It gives you something to reflect on on your worst days and remind you of what brings you light. 

The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: Give Thanks, Practice Positivity, Find Joy

https://amzn.to/3EIKwxD

  • BEST 100 Mindful Prompts for Self Care & Stress Relief: This deck of mindfulness cards offers prompts for self-reflection, relaxation, and meditation, making it a great on-the-go tool for stress relief.

 I keep mindful and motivational cards at my office and at home. When I’m having an off day I pull a card, If it is directional I try to do the exercise suggested. If it is motivational I take a moment to really take in the intention behind the quote and apply it.

A box of a bookAI-generated content may be incorrect.

https://amzn.to/3QqfUDq

So for me, I find journaling difficult, because sometimes I have a hard time identifying my feelings and therefore, I don’t know what to write. So, I love a guided journal that provides me prompts. It really helps me to stick with journaling.  

4. Fidget and Sensory Tools for Anxiety Relief

Managing stress and anxiety in recovery is vital. Fidget tools can provide a simple yet effective way to calm the nervous system and focus the mind:

  • Fidget Toys Adults Sensory Stone: A set of textured worry stones that provide tactile stimulation, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
A hand holding a rubber toyAI-generated content may be incorrect.

https://amzn.to/3CTQlHT

Of course you can use whatever you want. A simple rubber band around your wrist can do the trick. Personally, I carry a piece of a seashell I found at my favorite place, the beach. I keep it in my pocket or my purse so that I can rub it when I’m anxious or need to redirect my thoughts.

5. Creative and Inspirational Tools for Mental Clarity

Engaging in creative activities can serve as a therapeutic outlet. These tools inspire positive thinking and relaxation:

  • The Feel Good Book: A Full Year of Weekly Positive Affirmations Coloring Pages: Combining creativity with positive affirmations, this book promotes self-care and mindfulness.

A cover of a bookAI-generated content may be incorrect.

https://amzn.to/3XbmGRd

  • Positive Affirmation Cards for Women: These motivational and mindfulness cards offer daily encouragement and inspiration, fostering confidence and inner peace.

Positive Affirmations Cards for Women | Motivational Cards with Thought-Provoking Questions, Daily Affirmations for Women | Mindfulness Cards, Inspirational Cards, Meditation Cards

https://amzn.to/4i7b8Xe

Anyone who has been to rehab can tell you how calming coloring is. It’s like the old school equivalent to scrolling on social media. It’s a pretty mindless task that you can do that just encourages your brain to rest. I even use the color by numbers app on my phone so I don’t have to carry around a coloring book and colored pencils everywhere I go. 

Final Thoughts

Building an early recovery kit tailored to your needs can create a strong foundation for sustained healing. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on this stuff you can modify it to your needs. Incorporate therapy, supportive supplements, mindfulness tools, and stress-relieving items to nurture your body and mind. Recovery is a journey, and equipping yourself with the right tools makes it a more manageable and fulfilling process.

What’s in your recovery kit? Let us know your favorite tools for staying grounded and motivated on your path to healing!

Building Your Early Recovery Kit: Essential Tools for Healing and Growth

Early recovery from substance use disorder is a delicate yet empowering phase of your journey. Creating a personalized recovery kit can provide essential tools for emotional regulation, self-care, and overall well-being. This guide will help you build a recovery kit with key tools, including therapy, nutritional supplements, and mindfulness products, to support your healing process.

1. Therapy and Emotional Support

Therapy is a cornerstone of early recovery. Whether it’s individual counseling, group therapy, or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, professional and peer support provide guidance, accountability, and emotional stability.

Engaging in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or trauma-informed care can help address underlying issues related to substance use.

Finding the Right Therapist

Finding the right therapist can take time. If one approach doesn’t work, keep trying until you find a therapist who aligns with your needs. Therapy is beneficial for everyone, not just those in recovery.

Personal Experience: I recently started EMDR therapy to address deep trauma and open old wounds so I can truly heal. If therapy hasn’t worked for you before, don’t give up—finding the right fit can make all the difference.

2. Supplements for Brain and Body Support

Recovery takes a toll on the body, and proper nutrition is essential. Supplements can support brain function, reduce cravings, and promote relaxation. Here are some effective options:

  • N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Helps regulate glutamate levels in the brain and reduces cravings.
  • Trimethylglycine (TMG) / Tri-Methyl Folate (B9): Supports methylation, crucial for neurotransmitter production and mental clarity.
  • Magnesium Spray: Promotes muscle relaxation, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep quality.

Pro Tip: Tri-Methyl Folate (B9) is trending on TikTok, especially among people in recovery. For optimal absorption, pair it with another B vitamin such as B6 or B12.

3. Mindfulness and Self-Care Tools

Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines helps with stress management and emotional regulation. These tools support a structured approach to self-care:

  • Wellness Journal – Daily Self-Care Planner: A guided journal with prompts to track physical, mental, and emotional health. Guided prompts help if you struggle with journaling.
  • 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: Practicing gratitude can shift your focus toward positivity, helping you reflect on good moments even on tough days.
  • Mindfulness Prompt Cards: A deck of cards with self-reflection and relaxation exercises, great for stress relief on the go.

Personal Experience: I keep mindfulness and motivational cards at my office and home. On difficult days, I pull a card for inspiration or guidance.

4. Fidget and Sensory Tools for Anxiety Relief

Managing stress and anxiety in recovery is vital. Fidget tools offer a simple way to calm the nervous system and focus the mind:

  • Fidget Worry Stones: Textured stones provide tactile stimulation, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
  • Personalized Sensory Tool: A small item, like a seashell or rubber band, can help redirect anxious thoughts.

Personal Tip: I carry a small piece of a seashell from my favorite beach in my pocket or purse to use when I feel anxious.

5. Creative and Inspirational Tools for Mental Clarity

Creative activities can serve as a therapeutic outlet. These tools encourage relaxation and positive thinking:

  • The Feel Good Book: A year-long collection of weekly positive affirmation coloring pages.
  • Positive Affirmation Cards: Daily motivational messages to boost confidence and inner peace.

Personal Experience: Coloring can be incredibly calming. It’s a great alternative to scrolling social media when I need to unwind. I even use a color-by-numbers app on my phone for convenience.

Final Thoughts

Building an early recovery kit tailored to your needs creates a strong foundation for sustained healing. You don’t have to spend a lot—modify it to fit your preferences. Incorporate therapy, supportive supplements, mindfulness tools, and stress-relieving items to nurture your body and mind. Recovery is a journey, and equipping yourself with the right tools makes it more manageable and fulfilling.

What’s in your recovery kit?

Share your favorite tools for staying grounded and motivated on your path to healing!

Could you write me a blog focused toward people in recovery from SUD make it SEO optimized and the topic is stress management during recovery

Sticky Sidebar w/ Flex

That blast came from the Death Star! That thing's operational! Home One, this is Gold Leader. We saw it. All craft prepare to retreat.