Body & health

How do I take care of myself in recovery?

You may be sleeping poorly, skipping meals or catching up on healthcare appointments. This topic covers daily care and questions to discuss with a healthcare professional, including telling a provider you are in recovery.

You

Two adults swimming at a community pool.

Daily care and healthcare questions.

Read about food, sleep, movement, pain, nicotine and access to care. The guides and public resources can help you prepare for a conversation with a healthcare professional.

Something to try

Choose one care task you have been putting off: finding appointment details, preparing a question, or making a simple meal plan.

Free to read

Guides for this topic.

Choose a question below. Every guide opens without an account.

Healthcare & personal care6 guides

Guide · 4 min read

How can I talk with a healthcare provider about recovery?

You have a health concern and may worry that mentioning substances will change how the clinician treats you.

Guide · 4 min read

How can I discuss pain and medicines without having my recovery concerns overlooked?

You are in pain and may fear that talking about your substance-use history will make the pain itself less likely to be heard.

Guide · 6 min read

What should I consider if I want to change my smoking or vaping?

You want to change smoking or vaping but may feel that dealing with another substance is too much to take on.

Guide · 4 min read

What should I bring up with a clinician when sleep is a problem?

You are tired of not sleeping, and another suggestion about bedtime habits may leave the real problem unheard.

Guide · 4 min read

How can I keep care coordinated through pregnancy, aging or a new diagnosis?

Pregnancy, aging or a new diagnosis may leave you explaining your health to several people while worrying that something will be missed.

Guide · 4 min read

How can I get healthcare when cost or coverage is a barrier?

Look for a service that can assess the health need, then ask about its payment and coverage options before assuming you cannot attend.

Sleep & rest3 guides

Guide · 4 min read

How can I make the day workable after unsettled sleep?

You have slept badly and still have a day of responsibilities ahead.

Guide · 4 min read

How can I protect sleep in a shared home or with changing shifts?

You need sleep while a shared home or changing shifts keeps making it difficult to protect.

Guide · 6 min read

What can sleep apps and programs offer, and where do their limits matter?

First identify what the product actually does: record sleep, play relaxing content, teach general habits or deliver a structured treatment program.

Food & meals6 guides

Guide · 4 min read

How can I organize food this week when money or cooking access is limited?

You need to eat this week, but money or a usable kitchen may be missing from the usual meal-planning advice.

Guide · 4 min read

How can I make a meal plan for days when I have little energy?

You may have food at home and still find cooking and cleanup too much tonight.

Guide · 4 min read

What should I check when applying for food assistance?

Identify the program that matches your circumstances, use its official application route and keep a record of what you submit and what remains due.

Guide · 4 min read

How can we shop and cook when household members need different foods?

You are trying to feed a household with different needs, and deciding what to buy can become an argument before cooking begins.

Guide · 5 min read

When should appetite changes or worries about eating lead me to seek more support?

Your appetite or thoughts about food have changed, and you may be unsure whether you are supposed to wait it out.

Project · 4 min read

How can I organize one evening meal without making it a large project?

Choose a meal that fits the people eating, the food available and the equipment and energy you have tonight.

Movement & activity5 guides

Guide · 4 min read

How do I find movement that fits my life and ability?

You want to move more or differently, but familiar advice may assume money, access or an ability you do not have.

Guide · 4 min read

How can I try a group activity without feeling committed to keep up?

You want to try a group activity but may dread being the person who cannot keep up.

Guide · 4 min read

How can I adapt activity when my energy or ability changes?

Your energy or ability has changed, and comparing today with what you used to do may hurt as well as frustrate you.

Guide · 4 min read

How can I decide whether an activity membership is worth the cost?

Compare the full amount you would pay with the access you are likely to use, then read the commitment and cancellation terms.

Guide · 5 min read

What should I do when exercise feels compulsory or is causing problems?

You may feel frightened or guilty at the thought of missing exercise, even when it is hurting you or crowding out your life.

From across SoberSphere

Public resources for this topic.

These links open the publisher’s website. No SoberSphere account is needed. Each organization sets its own access rules and costs.

HRSA affordable care

Free information about access to general healthcare and community health centers.

Health centers may use sliding fees. Ask the service about costs, eligibility and current appointment availability.