Addiction obscures a person’s feelings and emotions. People often turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve stress, anxiety, or depression. After using drugs or alcohol for a long time, the brain becomes dependent on the substance to function.
In treatment, the individual needs to adjust to a new substance-free lifestyle. Ending drug or alcohol use takes a lot of hard work and determination. After treatment ends, the feelings that were subdued by drugs or alcohol will come back. This can put the person at high risk of relapse due to the intensity of emotions he or she feels. Healthy, sober activities will help to cope with stress or anxiety.
In early recovery, feelings and emotions will resurface and the individual can experience joy, sadness, and empathy in ways that can be overwhelming. The feelings that have mental associations with drugs or alcohol may trigger the urge to use. The person should learn how to cope with triggers and not turn to familiar habits of using drugs or alcohol.
After years of repeatedly responding to feelings or emotions by using drugs or alcohol, it will take time to establish new ways to cope. Learning what feelings and emotions trigger the urge can help. A journal can track the feelings and emotions and will help the person become more aware of patterns and reveal progress.
In early recovery, the person should find positive coping skills such as going for a walk, listening to music, reading, or playing with a pet to get through emotional triggers. Talk to sober, supportive friends who can help cope with emotions and encourage progress in sobriety.
There are people in group meetings who can help during difficult times. In a high-risk situation for relapse, call someone who can offer encouragement through challenging moments. Avoid triggers and have a plan for coping with the strong emotions that come with a new, sober lifestyle.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, get help now. Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in dual diagnosis and holistic treatment therapy for addiction and addictive behaviors and integrates natural healing for the mind, body, and spirit. Make the life-saving decision to live substance-free and call today.
Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a tranquil, remote, lush-green, oxygen enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204