3 Relapse Prevention Coping Skills That All Former Addicts Should Know
During 2014, over 7 million people struggled with drug addiction.
When recovering from a drug addiction, reaching the light at the end of the tunnel seems nearly impossible. You feel like you have to completely rebuild your life, and sometimes restructuring life is for the best to avoid relapse.
Relapse is often an expected part of the recovery process, but it is obviously not suggested. Identifying triggers and avoiding them is crucial when recovering. Believe it or not, it is possible!
We know it can be difficult, but we have 3 relapse prevention coping skills below to help. Make sure to keep reading.
1. Teach Yourself to Relax
High-stress situations and constant anxiety are a recipe for relapse. Many people use drugs as an escape from unfortunate circumstances. While you can’t always change your circumstances, you can work on how you react to them.
Instead of sinking into your anxiety and relapsing, learn to relax. Whether that means taking time to meditate, painting, writing poetry, or watching your favorite show, take time to take the stress off your shoulders.
If you feel yourself breathing heavy, thinking negative thoughts, or your heart pounding, take time to sink into relaxation mode. It’s a tough discipline to have, but it is possible.
2. Change Your Thinking
Sometimes, relaxing and playing a happy song can only take you so far. One of the best relapse prevention coping skills to have is being able to challenge and change your negative thoughts.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a difficult skill to master so don’t be afraid to seek a professional therapist or drug rehab if needed. There should be no shame associated with seeking help.
Ridding yourself of negative thoughts is impossible, but it is possible to modify the way you think and the negative emotions you feel towards yourself. Positive thinking is very powerful.
3. Get Active
One of the best coping skills for addiction is getting out and getting active. Before you quit reading because you hate exercise, we don’t mean you have to go out and jog a few miles right now.
Getting active can be as simple as taking a stroll with your dog, exploring the city with a support group, or swimming at the beach. It’s distracting yourself and moving your body.
Daily activity can help your body, mind, and spirit feel better and allows you to start exploring things you’ve always dreamed of seeing!
Consider These Relapse Prevention Coping Skills
Drug addiction is difficult to overcome but totally possible with the right help and guidance. Make sure to read the above 3 relapse prevention coping skills.
It’s going to take some work and won’t happen overnight, but have patience with yourself. Relax, think good thoughts, and get out in the world. If you do relapse, don’t beat yourself up. It is part of the recovery process.
Like said before, it is also normal to seek professional guidance. Sometimes you can’t do it all on your own. If you need further lifestyle tips or the perfect gif for how you’re feeling, check out our blog and the rest of our site!