Why People Turn to Drugs and Alcohol
One of the most common reasons why people turn to drugs and alcohol is because they struggle emotionally, psychologically, or physically. They might have intense emotions, high anxiety, or physical pain. To ease their struggle, they turn to a substance that helps them relax or feel better in some way. However, this is obviously an unhealthy means of coping with their burdens.
When a person gets sober and begins recovery, they quickly learn that they will need to find other ways to cope. Typically, a drug rehab center teaches them coping tools to use instead of relying upon substances to feel better.
Activities to Do When Feeling Anxious or Stressed
Deep Breathing can be an essential tool, particularly right in those intense moments, and perhaps in a moment of craving. One of the most effective forms of deep breathing is square breathing.
Someone using this method breathes in for the count of four, holds the breath for a count of four, breathes out for a count of four, and holds the breath for a count of four, and continuing that cycle until he or she feels relaxed.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants and herbs, which are inhaled or applied to the skin. Aromas derived from natural plant sources have been shown to support emotional balance, stress relief, and overall well-being.
Guided Imagery is a treatment technique that uses imagination and focus to direct attention on the nervous system, particularly the part of the body that might hold the answer to one’s issue. It can be used on those who have both psychological and physical illnesses, such as addiction.
Meditation is a very calming practice that can also produce healing experiences. Although meditation might be difficult at first, the challenge at the beginning is worth the rewards. By sharpening one’s focus, the heart can open and healing can take place.
Yoga is a form of exercise which invites an integrated experience of body and mind. Its healing effects can be experienced immediately as well as over time. yoga in drug addiction treatment recognizes that most addicts tend to harm their bodies through drugs and alcohol because they don’t feel comfortable in their skin.
They have feelings buried deeply inward that the use of drug keeps in place. Yet, yoga connects the body and mind. It’s an opportunity to change the need to bury feelings by tending to the needs of the body through mindful movements.
Journaling can be a healing practice for those striving for sober living. By sitting in a designated place each week or each day write down your experiences, writing can become a healing practice.
Really, it’s not the writing that is healing; instead, it is the relationship that you build with yourself as a result of having a writing practice. As you, another part of you is listening and offering compassion.
These are suggestions for coping with emotions, stress, and anxiety in a healthy way. In order to stay sober, most recovering addicts need to learn new ways of coping with their lives. The above list provides a means to do just that.
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