As alcoholics, the simple ease of downing drink after drink to shut off the mind chatter was our golden ticket to getting through each day. It worked for a little while, until it didn’t. We drank to escape our thoughts and we drank to escape our feelings, when in reality, we were drinking to escape ourselves. Now that you’re sober, there’s no magical elixir to numb it all away, and no matter where you go, there you are.
Tactics For Being Sober
Many of us have tried different tactics to escape ourselves, our environment, and even our loved ones. We’ve moved, gone into hiding, went on benders to end all benders, and yet, here we are, always bringing ourselves in tow. The strange thing about the disease of addiction, is that it talks to you.
It has its own voice; sometimes it whispers, while other times it screams—all within the confines of your skull. Other diseases, like cancer and HIV, don’t try to convince or coerce you to do things that you don’t want to do, but addiction does.
It can be frustrating having to sit with your mind, and listen to the negativity or the incessant worrying that many of us experience. When we can’t pour some alcohol on it, how can we shut it off, even just for a little while? At The Lakehouse Recovery Center, we teach clients several methods that can quiet the mind, and ease the anxiety of overthinking.
Techiques To Calm Your Mind
Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can work wonders on calming the mind’s chatter box. They take a little practice, but they can be beneficial additions to your overall recovery.
There are other things you can do, too. Go to a meeting, take your dog to the dog park, or grab a book and a hot tea and find a new, comfortable place to decompress. Movies, going for coffee with a friend, and even zoning out on the tv can help reduce the noise.
Sometimes, it helps to sit with whatever is going through your mind, acknowledge it, and think about the reason as to why you’re thinking it. Ask yourself if it’s true, false, or unknown. More often than not, it’s false, and we’re just spinning our mind wheels for no reason. Remind yourself it’s not true, it’s just a thought, and let it go.
If you are wanting to escape your addiction, The Lakehouse Recovery Center has a solution. Our goals are to get you sober, teach you how to stay sober, and help you transition into long-term recovery. We want you to enjoy recovery, and we want you to experience everything this life has to offer. Sobriety is an adventure, and if you are ready for the ride of your life, give us a call. We are available 24/7, toll-free at (877) SOBER | (877) 762-3707. You can recover, and your life can change.