If you’re struggling with addiction, knowing that you can get better is essential. The road to recovery is hard, but there are ways to take care of yourself and ensure you don’t fall into destructive habits. This article will briefly explore some coping strategies for when you can’t stop thinking about drinking or using.
Go for a walk or run in nature
One of the best ways to break through an addiction cycle is to get some exercise. Exercise has been shown to help people with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, including addiction. A walk or run in nature is a great way to de-stress and calm your mind. It can be beneficial if you’re anxious about your sobriety because it keeps your body moving. If you’re thinking about drinking or using during that time of day when it’s most tempting, getting up and going outside could help distract yourself from those thoughts while giving them less power over you. Within your neighborhood, it’s not hard to find a beautiful state park with hiking trails available year-round. You can make this one of your favorite places for a walk or run in nature when you need a cleanse from negative thoughts.
Reach out for support
Reach out to a friend or family member you trust, or talk to someone at a recovery center like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). You can also find support through therapy, whether seeing a psychologist or seeking help from a therapist specializing in addiction recovery. If you’re unsure where to turn, reach out to someone who has been through what you’re going through. The chances are that they understand how challenging the entire process can be. Such people can share helpful tips to help you get over your thoughts and feel relaxed.
Meditate
Meditation is a great way to calm your mind, and it can be done anywhere at any time. There are many different types of meditation, including mindfulness, transcendental, and mantra. The most common type of meditation involves focusing on one thing for a set period, usually 10 minutes or longer. Some people like to use apps to help them keep track of their meditation sessions, but you don’t need anything special if you just want to sit quietly with zero distractions in the same spot every single time. You may experience some physical discomfort when you first start meditating, like cramping or pain in your legs from sitting still for so long. That will pass before long, though, because once we get used to doing something, our bodies become more flexible and comfortable with it over time.
Talk with a therapist
Talk to a therapist if you can’t stop thinking about drinking or using. Therapy is a good idea because it can help you deal with the underlying issues causing you to drink or use drugs. A therapist can also help teach you how to cope with triggers and cravings so that when they arise, you have a plan for dealing with them without resorting back to your old habits. If you’re still struggling, talk to your doctor about getting some medication. There are several different medications out there that can help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Make sure your medications don’t cause harmful side effects.
Move your body
One of the best ways to relieve stress and anxiety is by moving your body. Exercise decreases cravings, improves sleep quality, and gives you more energy. Exercise can be as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood or doing jumping jacks in your living room. Regarding exercise, there are no rules about what works for you. Just ensure that it keeps your heart rate up and keeps you moving. Many people think they don’t have enough time to exercise because they are busy with work or school, but this isn’t true. You can always fit in some movement throughout the day, even just walking around the office or doing squats while watching television.
Conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? Your recovery is worth fighting for. If you’re having difficulty getting started, reach out for help. You can always call us or visit our website to find the support you need to get on track with sobriety and recovery. Call us at 844-844-3463.