Finding coping mechanisms to manage stress is a critical part of addiction recovery. People who develop an addiction sometimes are using alcohol and drugs as stress relief. It’s essential to change that and look for sober ways to feel better. Believe it or not, there are plenty of options out there. To learn more, reach out to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston at 866.516.8356.
The Importance of Stress Relief in Sober Living
Experts state that stress is the number one cause of relapse for those in recovery. Stress has a domino effect. It can interfere with your sleep, for example. Even a biological response to stress in the brain puts you at risk for substance abuse.
Some studies show stress is a risk factor for alcohol and drug abuse even if you are not in recovery. The key is to find sober ways to manage that stress. Stress management is a big part of drug and alcohol detox and treatment.
Finding Immediate Stress Relief
Finding stress relief that works for you will probably take some practice. No two people are alike, so helps one person may fail for you. Approach it in two stages: immediate relief and long-term stress management.
For immediate relief, many people turn to deep breathing exercises. As you feel the stress start to build, take deep breaths and focus on the sound of your breathing. Deep breathing helps calm the ‘fight or flight’ response that comes with stress. It also takes your attention away from what is upsetting you and gives you a minute to calm down before returning to the problem.
Deep breathing can take a little practice. Make a habit of taking a few minutes at the same time each day to do breathing exercises. Sit in a quiet place. Place your hands on your belly. As you breathe in, feel your belly muscles contract. Then, slowly release the air through your mouth.
Long-Term Stress Relief
You can do things to put your mind in a more peaceful place, so chronic stress doesn’t become an issue. Exercise is one of the most well-known forms of stress relief. When you work out, the brain releases ‘feel-good’ chemicals that ease tension.
The type of exercise isn’t as important as ensuring you do it regularly. You can combine your exercise with other stress management tools like nature, for example.
- Go outside and ride a bike or take a walk.
- If you enjoy being in the water, then maybe swimming is the natural choice for you.
- If you like to socialize, head to the gym or take a yoga class.
- You should also find a support group to help with your sober living challenges.
If you do relapse, then have a plan in place to get back on track. For many, that will start with detox.
Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston is a residential detox center that offers a warm and calming atmosphere. You can work with addiction specialists who will help you through the withdrawal to find recovery.
While at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, you’ll have access to stress relief tools such as:
Other programs can help you cope with the things that might be stressful in your life, like family therapy. The healthcare services at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston provide you with the treatment you need to ease the withdrawal symptoms, so you feel calmer during one of the hardest parts of your recovery.
Stress doesn’t have to take over your life. There are stress relief techniques that can help. If you need treatment, call us at 866.516.8356 or go online and fill out our contact form. Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston can help.
