If you are in recovery, it is key to finding new ways to cope. So here are some healthy ways to cope while in recovery.
Healthy Ways to Cope While in Recovery
If you’re in recovery for drug or alcohol addiction, one of the cornerstones is learning new coping skills. If a person has been turning to substance abuse to numb pain, or deal with complex emotions, they will need a healthy replacement once that substance has been taken away. Coming up with coping skills in advance is probably the best method; if you’re searching for one at the last minute, it can be a recipe for disaster. Below are some coping skills you can use rather than drugs or alcohol.
- Write in a journal
Keeping a journal is satisfying coping mechanism to use throughout your recovery. Having a private space to release your thoughts can be a therapeutic way to deal with problems without resorting to substances.
- Use your creativity
Utilizing the arts is a constructive way for you to express frustration and emotions without abusing harmful substances. There are even art therapists who can teach you how to cope through mediums such as drawing and painting, dance, or even performing arts.
- Get adequate sleep
Although sleep is not something we usually think of as a coping skill, it can be a very useful weapon in your arsenal against relapse. Studies show that most adults need between eight and ten hours of sleep a night. Unfortunately, very few people get the required amount. A lack of sleep can lead to impaired judgment, reckless behavior, and ignoring potential consequences.
- Go out and exercise
The benefits of exercise cannot be overstated when it comes to the general population. However, exercise is particularly helpful to those in recovery. It provides a healthy outlet for tension, and supports the euphoric endorphins you used to access through alcohol or drugs.
- Find support
The final ways of the healthy ways to cope while in recovery is to find support. Continuing your therapeutic care is imperative once you have started your recovery. Seeking a therapist and/or psychiatrist to help you manage your symptoms, triggers, and overall life stressors, can help prevent a relapse from taking place in the future. For those with mental health disorders, it is highly important to continuously seek rehab for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and the like.
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 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 addition 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.
