They say that you don’t just move to Texas. The state moves into you.
Texas is, after all, a state so vast that it’s hard not to look around and feel that anything is possible. It’s a state of free thinkers. A state full of people who get things done. The perfect place for starting over.
Living in Texas After Addiction
If you’ve already decide to go live on a ranch for a year, you can skip over this part. But if all you know is that you want to live in the Lone Star state, then read on.
There are six cities in Texas with more than a half million people:
- Houston. With 2.3 million people, this is the biggest city in the South. Houston also has the second most Fortune 500 headquarters of any U.S. city. That all makes it a good place to find a job. You’ll find relatively affordable housing here, as well.
- San Antonio. Founded in 1718, this is the oldest city in Texas. The military, healthcare, financial services, and oil and gas all contribute to the economy. Tourism attractions include the Alamo and River Walk.
- Dallas. One of the fastest growing cities in the United States, Dallas is increasingly becoming known for its diversity. The city, like many in Texas, has a growing Hispanic and Latino population (about 42 percent). The city is recognized as having the sixth largest LGBT population in Texas. Dominant sectors in the economy include defense, financial services, and telecommunications.
- Austin. The capital of Texas, Austin calls itself the “Live Music Capital of the World” and has adopted the slogan of “Keep Austin Weird,” which is a call to support small independent businesses over large corporations. Austin was ranked the No. 1 place to live in the United States in both 2017 and 2018 by U.S. New and World Reports, thanks in part to the many high-tech businesses located there. Sober Austin is a great resource for those in recovery.
- Fort Worth. Home to the world’s first and largest indoor rodeo, Fort Worth promotes itself as the “City of Cowboys and Culture.” Several big companies are headquartered here, including American Airlines Group, Pier 1 Imports, RadioShack, and GM Financial.
- El Paso. Located right on the Rio Grande, this city is home to a large Hispanic and Latino population of about 81 percent. The cost of living here is 16 percent lower than the U.S. average. The city is home to Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest urban park in the United States. It’s also earned the nickname of “The Sun City,” thanks to the 300 days of sunshine a year.
How to Start Over After Addiction
It would be great if someone could hand you a road map of exactly what you’re supposed to do, but that’s not possible—for anyone.
But there are three basic pillars that can strengthen you as you move forward: Focus on your mental and physical health, find sober friends and seek support.
It’s been said that sobriety is not the opposite of addiction. The true opposite of addiction is community. Addiction isolates you—from family, true friends, the world around you … even from your own feelings.
The goal, then, is to connect. It will take time, of course, and you will have bad days just like everyone else. But it’s the foundation of a life well-lived.
Hope and Healing at The Raleigh House
The Raleigh House is a residential treatment center located in Denver that believes addiction isn’t just a physical problem—which means that the solution to addiction must also be more than physical.
Part of our mission is to teach you the coping skills you’ll need to manage—and succeed at—life after rehab. Our master’s level trained therapists get to the root cause of addiction and will help you develop a strategy to embrace life without drugs or alcohol. Fill out our form or contact us today to learn more about the treatment options at The Raleigh House.
