Let’s begin with a little bit of brutal honesty: Recovery can sometimes be difficult. Before you enter recovery, the prospect is daunting; once you’re in recovery, you’ll encounter new challenges each day. That can make some people dread the prospect of addiction recovery, yet in many ways that’s the wrong attitude to have: There are many good things you experience in recovery, and a number of things to look forward to.

What can you look forward to in recovery? Here are just a few items to consider.

Improved expenses. Addiction can take its toll on your financial health. You’ll find a lot more money in your wallet once you’re no longer spending it on drugs and alcohol, on cab rides or legal fees. With the money you save, you can actually start saving, or perhaps paying off debt. Recovery can work wonders for your financial well-being.

A clearer mind. Substance use can impair your cognitive functioning; in recovery, you may regain much of that functioning. You may notice clearer thinking, improved memory, and more. This can obviously improve your odds of success in your work as well as in your relationships.

New friendships. In recovery you will get to rebuild old relationships, but you will also make new friends through your recovery program and support group. The friendships forged in recovery can be powerful, and long-lasting.

Inspiring others. Once you get the the point where you can tell your story of recovery, you’ll be a great role model for others who are struggling with addiction.

Control. Last but not least, seeking recovery can help you reclaim control over your own life—control that you may have relinquished to addiction long ago.

In recovery, you will ultimately gain something you likely haven’t had for a good long time—and that’s optimism for your own future.