Unfortunately, unhealthy characteristics have the ability to be passed from one generation to the next. For many families in the U.S., the struggle of addiction is a difficult cycle to break. It takes just one person to impact a generation’s substance abuse risk in the future.
Preventing Intergenerational Addiction
Watching an addiction chip away at the lives of those around you is very difficult. If someone you love has struggled with addiction, there are steps you can take to actively help protect yourself from potential addictions of your own. Everyone’s path is different when it comes to recovery. Some individuals prefer to work through difficult times and situations within the confines of therapy. On the other hand, others are more hands-on and enjoy sharing their story.
Here are two major ways you can break free from the generational cycle of addiction:
Be transparent with yourself and seek help
Seeing a loved one struggle with an addiction can leave a lasting impression on your life and impact you in ways you may not even realize. You might even attempt to push your feelings aside and not think about them. Rather than trying to erase painful memories, it is best to seek the professional guidance of a counselor.
An addiction counselor will support your sobriety and treat any underlying problems from the past. It isn’t always the easiest feat to open up and talk about your feelings with someone, but counseling can provide you with the tools to overcome difficult times.
Practice relaxation techniques
The battle against addiction is ongoing. While some days are easier than others, cravings and urges can arise out of the blue. When faced with a complex situation, your body goes into survival mode. You may experience elevated blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and sweaty palms.
Different activities to help practice relaxation include:
- Rhythmic exercise
- Deep breathing exercises
- Visualization
- Biofeedback
Research has found that practicing relaxation techniques not only helps to eliminate stress, but also promotes good health. Taking 10 to 20 minutes each day can help you regulate your emotions and attain mindfulness.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break the dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addiction and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
