In today’s stressful society, many people suffer from substance use disorders. Drinking or using drugs is often used as a way to de-stress and “take the edge off.” While a glass of wine here or there is probably okay, drinking or using drugs excessively can lead to a full-blown addiction that has emotional, physical and social consequences.
Addiction is a progressive disease that causes changes in the brain. Thankfully, these changes do not have to be permanent. With the right therapy, medications and lifestyle changes, you can rebuild your life. Working with an addiction coach can also help, as you’ll have someone to guide you down the right path, help you make healthy choices and identify resources that can help.
Below are six steps to take as you heal from your substance use disorder. To learn more about the addiction coaching services available through Bridge the Gap, contact us today.
Join a Support Group
There are many peer-led support groups you can join when working through addiction recovery. Peer support groups have demonstrated a number of benefits such as acceptance, ongoing support, emotional care and camaraderie.
Check out the support groups in your area like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. You’ll be held accountable for attending your meetings and practicing your skills, and you’ll be inspired by others’ success stories.
Explore Issues That Led to Your Addiction
Often, people resort to using drugs or alcohol to cope with painful emotions or traumatic situations. When abuse turns to addiction and you start showing symptoms, others around you may think your substance use is to blame. However, there may be deeper issues that need to be resolved.
Working with a therapist is the best way to uncover these deep rooted feelings and emotions. When you’re able to identify and acknowledge these issues, you can work through them so they don’t sabotage your recovery. You will also learn healthier ways to deal with stress and uncomfortable emotions.
Keep Track of Your Triggers
When you transition to your normal routine, you’ll run into a lot of triggers that can make you want to indulge again. Over time, these triggers become easier to manage, but they usually aren’t at first. To be successful in recovery, you’ll have to be aware of your triggers and better ways to respond to them.
For example, do you reach for a drink every time your spouse criticizes you? Do you want to get high whenever you think of your childhood? Or perhaps you pop a pain pill whenever you’re feeling stressed. By identifying when and why you feel tempted, you can develop healthier ways to process your emotions.
Meet with an Addiction Coach
It’s not practical to stay in a treatment center long term, but jumping right back into your everyday life puts you at risk for relapse. The better option is to step down to lower levels of care, such as intensive outpatient or traditional outpatient treatment. You may also need supportive housing depending on how supportive your home and family are.
Luckily, you do not have to do all of this alone. A recovery coach can assist with the following:
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Create an individualized, self-care plan
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Establish structure and accountability
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Set and follow through with goals
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Develop relapse prevention plans
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Ensure participation in a 12-step program
Look for Your Greater Purpose
There is purpose in pain. Many people who work in the addiction treatment community are recovering addicts. They’ve turned a bad situation into a good one and are now responsible for helping others. Consider what purpose you have in suffering from addiction and how you can use it for good.
Also think about your greater purpose in general. What are you here to do? What qualities do you have that you can share with others? If you’re not sure, volunteer your time and see if anything connects with you on a deeper level. Some people end up helping the homeless or fostering pets.
Learn to Experience Your Emotions
People don’t like being uncomfortable, but we are humans with a wide range of complex emotions. It’s okay to feel. Unfortunately, addictions are easy ways to escape our emotions. But this is just a temporary solution that ends up making your problems much worse.
Instead, take a few minutes every day to write in a journal or meditate. Process your emotions in a healthy manner and release them from your body. If you don’t do this, painful emotions are held in the body and cause stress. Releasing this tension also helps you make better choices rather than being compelled to turn to drugs or alcohol.
Bridge the Gap Addiction Coaching Services
Recovery is an ongoing process, but this doesn’t mean it’s all bad. During your journey, you will learn a lot about yourself, your greater purpose in the world and how to deal with unpleasant emotions or memories. Ultimately, this will lead to a better and happier life. To learn more about the addiction coaching services through Bridge the Gap, contact us today at your convenience.
