Coping Mechanisms In Addiction Recovery

Many individuals struggling with addiction don’t start off dependent on their drug of choice. Often they have started using drugs as a coping mechanism to alleviate internal struggles, stress, physical conditions, trauma and mental disorders. Although in the beginning substances seem to be helping them escape, eventually the substance becomes all consuming.

During active addiction substances become an unhealthy coping mechanism. It is paramount when in early recovery to find new healthy coping mechanisms to combat the overwhelming feelings.

What Are Coping Mechanisms?

Coping mechanisms are unhealthy and healthy methods in which individuals alleviate physical and mental stressors. Unhealthy coping skills are generally utilized to escape the problem or to temporarily relieve feelings.

Unhealthy Coping Skills

In addiction recovery, individuals may find that substance use is not their only unhealthy coping mechanism. Unhealthy coping skills are a sure fire way to sabotage recovery efforts for example, negative self-talk or minimizing or denying substances as being a problem.

• Negative self talk

• Denial

• Risky behaviors

• Violence or yelling

• Pessimistic ideals

• Passive aggressive

• Picking fights

• Emotional eating

• Avoidance

• Isolation

• Blaming others

• Self harm

• To much or too little sleep

Healthy Coping Skills

Healthy coping skills are helpful ways in which the individuals learns to work through or overcome adverse stressors.

• Talking with trusted support person (therapist, friend, family, group)

• Exercise

• Healthy eating

• Routine health checks

• Journaling

• Meditation/yoga

• Achievable goals

• Finding the positives/practicing gratitude

• Service/volunteering

• Positive self-talk

• Relaxation

• Healthy boundary setting

• Solving / resolving problems

• Planning challenges and setback

Recovery is difficult but with the proper implementation of healthy coping skills, each day gets a little easier. Having a positive mindset and taking responsibility for recovery is a step in the right direction towards achieving long-term sobriety.

Getting Help For Addiction

If you or somebody in your life seems to have an issue with alcohol or drugs, or is suffering from addiction, professional help may be the best option for recovery.

At Care Addiction Center, we offer treatment plans that address every facet of your addiction, serving individuals in Geneva, Batavia, Sycamore, St. Charles, and Kane County, with online addiction treatment available anywhere in Illinois. 

To get started on the road to recovery, or if you have questions about helping yourself or a loved one, call us today or schedule a confidential assessment online and begin treatment.