Managing Stress in Recovery

One of the most difficult things in life for an alcoholic or a drug addict is quitting for good. It takes a lot of courage, willpower, counseling and support to quit. Sometimes, as hard as you try, quitting seems to be easier said than done. Life will always show up even in sobriety. It is important to be well-prepared mentally when life happens on life's terms. Sober or not, personal challenges and stress will always arise. Using drugs and alcohol is no longer a viable option to handle stress in recovery. Here are some tips and strategies on how to properly handle stress in recovery:

1. Exercise and Diet - Self-care is important in recovery. You need to take care of your body, mind and soul. Physical activity produces neurotransmitters in the brain, dopamine and serotonin. These are positive mood-enhancing chemicals. Physical activity and proper diet can improve your overall well-being.
2. Get Enough Rest and Sleep - Make sure you have a healthy sleep schedule. Rest and relaxation are necessary to restore the body and mind. Getting plenty of quality sleep can help lower stress levels. You will feel mentally refreshed to take on a new day.
3. Gratitude- Being a "grateful addict" or "grateful alcoholic" is a common phrase among the recovery community. Practicing gratitude and being thankful can go a long way in handling everyday stresses. Learn to appreciate the simple things in the world around you. Focus on what you do have, not what you don't.
4. Build A Sober Support Network - Surrounding yourself with positive people who share the same goal of sobriety is vital to recovery. When things in life don't seem to be going your way, it is important to have a good sober support network of friends who will be there for you. You need people you can rely on in desperate times. Building healthy relationships and letting go of toxic ones is necessary to reduce stress levels.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation - Mindfulness is a concept of self-awareness and learning to live in the present moment. Learning to let go of the past and not worry about the future is a valuable practice in reducing stress. Meditation and breathing techniques are also effective in managing anxiety and stress.
6. Learn To Have Fun - Remembering how to have fun without the use of substances can be difficult. Maybe you used to be the life of the party when alcohol was involved. Re-discovering ourselves is scary in recovery. We may feel we have lost our identity without drugs or alcohol. This is why it is important to remember what life was like before addiction took hold. Try new activities or do things that you once enjoyed prior to active addiction.

7. Seek Help If Needed - If life becomes difficult and you find yourself falling back on old ways, do not hesitate to seek professional help. If you are struggling, the sooner you get help, the better. There are many different treatment options available. Weigh the pros and cons of a short-term, long-term, medication assisted treatment and outpatient program. Only you know what is best for you.

Kevin Repass is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic. He is a writer for a south Florida-based company dedicated to providing resources and information to all those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.