Today’s world is stressful. With a constant focus on getting ahead, when things go wrong, they seem to be derailed more than usual. For people in recovery, staying sober during stress presents an added challenge. After spending so much time and putting in so much effort to stop using drugs or alcohol, one triggering day may seem like it will never end and will force them to use the substances that were destroying their lives.
If you are in recovery and feel like you might return to your old habits, drug and alcohol release therapy can help you stay on track. At Northpoint Seattle, we know how important it is for you to receive support when you are walking the lifelong path to recovery. Our relapse prevention plans help our patients recognize the signs of relapse and determine where to find help before it is too late. Find the support you need today by learning more about relapse prevention so you can start staying sober during stress. Call 888.483.6031 today to learn more.
Calming the Connection Between Sobriety and Stress
Staying sober is an even longer challenge than quitting drugs or alcohol. Since there is no cure for addiction, people in recovery must remain vigilant for a lifetime. Some things you can do to make recovery more manageable during times of stress include:
Meditate
Meditation has been used for centuries to relax, reconnect and calm your mind. It’s a practice that can be done anywhere—sitting at your desk, lying in bed, or wherever stress visits you. And with the thousands of available meditation apps or online videos, it’s a tool always at your fingertips.
Exercise
There is nothing that calms stress like being active. You don’t have to hike a remote trail to connect with nature or go to the gym and lift weights—you can do jumping jacks in your backyard, stretch on your balcony, dance in your living room, or throw a ball for your dog. Any activity that gets your heart pumping is good for the soul. Plus, when you exercise, your brain releases dopamine—sending signals of happiness throughout your body while releasing negative energy.
Sleep
Sleep is essential for mental and physical health. Lack of sleep makes it even more challenging to deal with stress and can make minor stressors feel more significant than they are. Create a routine at the end of your day to help with sleep. Turn electronics off, write in a gratitude journal, sip some chamomile tea, or diffuse essential oils such as lavender or vanilla. A good night’s rest gives your mind and body a chance to rejuvenate, recharge, and gain a new perspective on worries and fears.
Let Go of What You Can’t Control
This may be the most challenging thing when you’re in recovery—letting go of how you wish things were or fearing how they might be. Accepting your own behavior is the only thing you can control is empowering. Knowing you have a choice—not a choice in what is happening around you, but a choice in how you respond. Self-reflection, writing in a journal, or adopting a mantra to repeat throughout your day can help.
Remember, you survived one of the most difficult challenges of your life when you overcame addiction. Hold on to that accomplishment, and know you have the strength to overcome whatever comes your way.
Overcome the Challenges of Sobriety
Many different factors can lead to a relapse, and it is essential to be aware of them all. Some of the most common relapse triggers include:
- Stress
- Holidays or special events
- Being around people who are using drugs or alcohol
- Feeling down or hopeless
- Having too much free time
To help prevent a relapse, Northpoint Seattle patients create a personalized relapse prevention plan. This plan includes identifying the warning signs that might indicate a relapse and strategies for dealing with these warning signs. It is vital to have a support system in place during times of stress, and patients at Northpoint Seattle are encouraged to reach out to friends and family members for help when needed. To learn more, contact us online or call 888.483.6031 today.