It’s common to have emotional ups and downs when you’re in recovery. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol in the first place to help escape emotional pain. For instance, the loss of a loved one, the loss of employment, or divorce can be incredibly challenging. They can even cause someone to turn to substances as a way of coping with uncomfortable or overwhelming emotions. Later, when a person has gone through detox and is learning to create a new life without substances, those challenging emotions might resurface, and finally facing them can be hard. You might begin to feel sad, confused, or depressed.
If this is the case, it’s important to remember that having feelings is perfectly normal. No matter what you’re feeling, emotions are part of being human. You don’t have to be hard on yourself because you’re not feeling happy, joyful, or emotionally healthy. The simple act of accepting yourself and your feelings is healing in and of itself. It’s important to learn about staying positive in sober living and while in recovery in order to stay on track. Learning about your sober living program options along with your additional addiction treatment program options for care.
Use These Tips for Staying Positive in Sober Living
Of course, some feelings are hard to accept. They might be too overwhelming or powerful. They might be hard to face or even experience. If that’s the case, then you may need support from a professional, perhaps a therapist, drug counselor, or sponsor. Yet, if you feel you can handle your emotions but with some support, here are tips for what to do when you’re feeling down in your recovery:
- Stay in touch with old friends whose friendships may be supportive.
- Explore online sober communities for new connections and support.
- Consider joining groups that your friends and family enjoy and participate with them.
- Give yourself opportunities for expressing your emotions. You might share at a 12-step meeting, talk to a therapist, be creative, or call a friend you trust.
- Allow yourself to grieve if you haven’t already.
- Get the right professional support to help you work through any unresolved issues or trauma.
- Limit the time you spend with negative people or those who may jeopardize a positive mood.
- Lend a helping hand to others from time to time. Giving back to the community can inspire positive feelings.
- Take good care of yourself physically.
- Regularly do things you enjoy.
- Give yourself time for plenty of self-care each week.
These are suggestions for helping to lift your mood if you feel down in recovery. At the same time, it’s also important to remember that some drugs can impair brain function and in turn can create low moods. Also, certain drugs that created great highs in people, like cocaine and heroin can result in low moods when in early recovery. Similarly, drugs like ecstasy and marijuana can induce anxiety and panic attacks in some people when they are in early recovery. This too can impair one’s mood.
Staying Positive in Sober Living with Westwind Recovery®
If you find yourself low, depressed, or sad in recovery, ask yourself if you can manage it on your own. If you can, try one of the above tips. If you feel you cannot, talk to a professional who can better assist you. If you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, it’s time to contact Westwind Recovery®. Our team is here to provide the full continuum of care that individuals need to achieve their goals of recovery. From residential treatment to our sober living homes, we are here to help you achieve your goals. Contact Westwind Recovery® today at 855.340.8832 to begin your treatment journey.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
