Addiction can be very damaging to a person’s life. This is not just personally, but emotionally, physically and extensively. It can not only send someone into a spiral of destruction, but it can also severely hurt others around the person affected.
Once someone has decided to commit to recovery, this is only the start of the journey back to normality. It is a lengthy process that has many difficulties, but once you reach the peak and keep going, it is indeed worth the struggle.
However, due to the difficulties both physically and psychologically, addiction recovery needs ways for the person to cope. We’ve decided to write this article which explains the best coping methods for addiction recovery.
If you or someone you know is in this situation, please read on to learn more.
Why Does Addiction Occur?
People may fall into addiction for many reasons. Most commonly, addiction happens due to the following reasons:
Someone is looking for their own coping mechanism from tragedy or to help cope with mental health conditions like depression
Someone has been forced into taking addictive substances through trafficking or slavery
It happened progressively without the person realizing
The person was surrounded by others in the same situation
Genetically, the person was subject to addiction from a young age
This is by no means all of the reasons, but it can give you an idea as to why addiction may happen in the first place.
Why Is Addiction Recovery Difficult?
The recovery from any addiction is difficult. The brain has become wired to the point where a person needs a substance or needs to take part in something such as gambling or sexual actions for them to feel normal or better.
As a result, the withdrawal from the addiction can cause physiological reactions and psychological reactions to the absence of the addiction. Over time, your brain and body can recover from the absence of whatever the addiction (see also ‘Addiction: Is It Hereditary Or Not?‘) was.
However, in the meantime – depending on the addiction – your body and mind may react negatively and the person may seriously struggle to cope.
Some addictions can be dangerous to go “cold turkey” on as they may cause the body and brain to go into shock. This type of withdrawal is common for very strong and addictive substances such as heroin or alcohol (see also ‘10 Ways Your Body Heals After Quitting Alcohol‘).
As a result, counter drugs may be administered to help the addicted (see also ‘Best Drug Addiction Treatment Centers America‘) cope with the withdrawal symptoms, which may save their life.
The 10 Coping Methods
We’ll now go through the best 10 coping methods for addiction recovery.
1. Don’t Rush
Sometimes, the cause of a relapse is due to rash decisions. It’s natural for humans to go straight to something which helps to calm them or make them feel better when something bad happens.
The best way to cope in this situation is not to make these rash decisions. Take a moment. Breathe deeply and consider how far you’ve come. Do you really want to go through the whole process again? Don’t throw it away!
2. Practice Meditation
Meditation and general mindfulness can help in so many ways. It can help you remain calm, even in tough situations, and allow you to process things clearly in your mind.
Once you do this on a regular basis, you’ll be able to master the art of meditation. Not only will this help you cope with your recovery, but it can help you in the long run too.
3. Keep Occupied
Some people relapse as a way to fill their time due to boredom, and some people feel the effects of withdrawal worse due to their mind only having this replaying.
Consider getting a new hobby and hone in on it. Start a to-do list everyday and ensure you work your way through it. Read books, practice new skills or maybe even take up the gym!
4. Remain Healthy
Speaking of the gym, keeping your body and mind healthy is critical to your recovery and the coping process. If you feel better overall, you’ll benefit from a positive mindset too and it should help with the recovery process.
A balanced diet with regular exercise will help you feel better, look better and promote a healthier inside and outside!
5. Keep A Journal
Writing a journal is a great way to process your thoughts and feelings, can help a doctor or professional with helping you and is generally good practice.
6. Speak With A Professional
Your sponsor, doctor or therapist will always want you to do well in your recovery – so if you’re feeling particularly bad – consider reaching out for help. They can help you through the most difficult times.
7. Network
Sobriety networks via social media, blogs or in person can seriously help your recovery and help you meet new people who know what you’re going through.
8. Attend 12-Step Meetings
12 step meetings are critical in the recovery process. They can help you keep going, let you speak about your feelings and let you know how far you’ve come. The encouragement and support is vital.
9. Find Gratitude
Knowing you’re not the only one struggling and understanding that you’re doing the right thing for you and your family and friends is very important. Always keep this in mind when things seem tough.
10. Don’t Be Silent
However you can speak up – ensure you do. Keeping your struggles bottled up may only lead to relapses and you will find yourself struggling further.
Keep busy and speak up in any way you can!
The Bottom Line
Recovering from any addiction is difficult, but following the right steps and coping in the right way is critical to your success.
As long as you remain active, continue with your obligations, stay healthy and happy and keep communicating – you will be in good stead for the future.
Hi, my name is Joshua Damie and I am a nutrition coach living in Colorado. Throughout my time in this profession - six years, to be exact - I have seen countless people suffering from health conditions such as digestive issues, skin disorders, heart health, and more.
These people were suffering from various different issues surrounding their ailments, which could be fixed with some professional advice. Luckily, I was able to give them this and help at least some of their troubles fade away.
My wife suffers from many joint issues, and she also feels helpless sometimes at how much they impact her life. The little relief I can give her with my professional advice is unmatched.
The sense of pride I get when I see her pain ease up slightly from my recommendation is the exact reason why I created this website. I want to help others on a wider spectrum, and the internet is the perfect way to do just that.
