Being in an addiction treatment program and stopping the use of addictive substances is a challenge. Not only do people who have been struggling with addiction, during recovery, have to stop using and deal with the withdrawal process, but they also have to deal with other obstacles. Mainly, negative emotions that were previously numbed by using addictive substances and stressors that can lead to cravings. Fortunately, using coping skills in recovery from addiction is helpful for people in treatment for addiction so they can overcome these difficult moments. Knowing about these coping skills and practicing them can assist individuals, especially in the early stages of recovery, so they have a better chance of obtaining lasting sobriety.
Mental health coping skills are techniques that individuals can utilize when their emotions get to be overwhelming. Especially for people who are in treatment for addiction, coping skills are essential tools for managing unwanted and unhelpful emotions. As it’s difficult to change and deal with emotions that arise during the treatment process, coping skills can help people get through difficult times. Furthermore, coping skills are also assistive after treatment when people may not have the support of intensive treatment and round-the-clock care. Thus, giving people coping tools can provide them with the support they may need in order to retain recovery and prevent relapse.
During active addiction, people may not think about the consequences of their actions as they may not care. But, during recovery, it’s important to consistently think about the consequences of their auctions as they can uproot their recovery progress. So, one coping strategy is to think about the consequences of actions before you go ahead with them. Ask yourself if behaviors or actions are constructive to your recovery goals. When you give yourself to consider the consequences of your actions or how your behaviors affect your recovery goals, you are more prepared to do the best thing for your sobriety.
Addiction is something that develops over time as a behavior of habit. But, healthy behaviors are also learned over time as well. So, during recovery, it’s important to replace old, negative habits with new, healthy ones. After a while, you’ll find yourself going through these new and healthy behaviors out of routine. Some healthy habits to utilize can include setting a routine sleep schedule, exercising, creative activities, meditation, journaling, and cooking nutritious meals.
One thing that’s crucial for people recovering from addiction is to learn how to lean into their emotions rather than run from them. Substance use is a way to numb the pain of negative thoughts and emotions. So, when negative thoughts and emotions occur when a person who’s recovering arises, this can be a trigger to use addictive substances. Therefore, it’s important for these individuals to learn how to handle these emotions and thoughts. To do this, it’s imperative to face these emotions and thoughts head-on. While this is challenging, after a while, you’ll understand how to better manage them without the crutch of addictive substances. And, be better prepared to handle these types of stressors in the future so that you can protect your recovery journey.
Looking to restart your life and take it back from addiction? Delray Center for Healing offers outpatient approaches to addiction treatment. We provide individuals with treatment and therapy that’s helpful in moving past addictive behaviors. And, developing new and healthy lifestyles by teaching helpful coping skills. Learn more about our programs on our website.
Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day. Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day.