How To Combat Anxiety In Recovery

The term “anxiety” describes an intense feeling of unease, nervousness and worry, typically surrounding a situation with an uncertain outcome. Most people experience from some form of anxiety, whether mild or extreme, at some point in their lives – and is commonly found in recovery. In this entry we will offer up some tips and tricks to help you stay positive and sober throughout your recovery.

Anxiety and addiction often go hand in hand. Studies suggest that many addicts experience some type of anxiety; OCD, Social Anxiety, PTSD, Phobias, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder to name a handful. Addicts often utilize substances to hide or mask these issues in an effort to combat the discomfort associated with the condition. Whether the anxiety is due to un-treated addiction or alcoholism or a separate mental health disorder depends on the individual patient. 

Tips:

1 – Acknowledge your feelings. It may seem difficult or even embarrassing to admit to stress or anxiety during recovery. Understand that this condition is completely normal, and that in order to deal with it properly, it must first be recognized.

2 – Ask yourself what you are stressing about. For example, you may be concerned about the life you’ve left behind or are reliving past traumas hidden by the substance abuse. Narrowing down exactly what you’re anxious about to place you in position to deal with the real issue properly.

3 - Educate yourself. The more you know about anxiety, the better equipped you will be to deal with it. Talk to your counselor, and create a plan to deal with attacks when they come about. The better prepared you are, the easier they will be to brush off.

4 – Focus on something positive! Dive into a good book or hobby. Choosing to immerse yourself in something outside your own head will offer escape and confidence throughout recovery. The more time you devote to living your life, the less time you will have for worry.

5 – Consider a daily journal. For some, putting thoughts to paper can serve as a wonderful stress relief.  It may even help you work through your fears! 

Drug Use & The Celebrity Effect

In a culture obsessed with celebrity, it seems only natural to discuss the effect of Hollywood drug abuse on our nation’s populous. From tabloid magazines to the evening news, salacious tales of partying, excess and dependency only fuel our ever-growing infatuation with the “elite” population class gracing the world stage. 

For many people, celebrities make easier companions than neighbors and friends. Their personal lives on display, many gravitate towards these individuals out of empathy and self-identification. Their fame and stories offer escape from a world perhaps plagued in routine - We discuss their downfalls and triumphs as we might a relative’s – We are proud, disappointed, engaged and consumed.

As a society, we tend to emulate those in the limelight. Unfortunately, some of us have a difficult time separating the fantasy from reality. “Why can’t I be desirable, talented, beautiful and rich, whilst nurturing a mild to moderate prescription drug habit? Seems to work for actor/singer/producer/director Jane Doe Esq., III – Why not me?!”

The issue here is not celebrity, so much as how we consume and digest it. Not every action, outfit and hairstyle need be analyzed, adored and replicated. As humans, we are afforded the ability and right to make ourselves. Though imitation certainly serves as a guide towards many positive paths and experiences (drive, perseverance, accomplishment), it is imperative that we distinguish and learn from celebrity indiscretions rather than absorb as commodity.

If we must emulate our celebrities, we must also acknowledge the fact that drug and alcohol abuse within celebrity culture offers little hope of long-term happiness. By altering the mindset from “glorify” to “study”, we can hope to learn from the trials and tribulations of these individuals rather than repeat them.

Above It All

Searching for drug addiction treatment in Los Angeles, CA? Contact Above it All treatment center today! With a team of seasoned substance abuse specialists available to address your individual needs, you can count on Above it All to have you on the fast track to recovery in no time. Call now!