One thing that has been so vital for me is the replacement therapy. As addicts, our growth is stunted so learning to do these cool life skills like baking or cooking can make recovery fun and an adventure.

Every day things become races in my mind. I push myself to be better than the day before, faster, more efficient. I got a rather complicated coffee maker, but I am grateful for the process, as addicts love the ritual.

I have begun experimenting with tea. I am currently hooked on rose hip, amazingly tangy and beautiful tea. After a rose blooms, what is left doesn’t go to waste, this is the hip, great for tea, and especially wonderful for women. With more vitamin C than any citrus fruit, I encourage everyone to incorporate this into their diet. It helps keep you regular, and kick the cold.

Natural anti-depressant, St.John’s Wart has also been something I drink quite a lot of. The label suggests drinking 4-5 cups a day, but it doesn’t taste that great, so I always mix it with some rose hip, or green tea. It also takes a bit longer to steep, 10-15 minutes, but I have noticed a boost in my moods.

Some days I opt for no coffee, and instead sip on green tea, which is also great for women. (Men should drink more black tea.) I get crazy and mix my green tea with some echinacea or kava root.

Chopped raw ginger, boiled in water until it bites is a wonderful addition to any cup of tea. Or just squeeze in a lemon to kick the sniffles. Great for you, and it makes you feel good all over.

Every night before bed I sip on Lavender/ Chamomile tea. Both are natural sedatives, and you can purchase the chamomile flowers at the farmers market. Since I have actually smoked both, it is nice to drink. Instant calming throughout your body. (Did you know you can wash your hair with chamomile?)