Recovering from alcohol and drug addiction is never easy. Undergoing professional detox can make the process more comfortable, but this is only one step of a bigger picture. To maintain sobriety after detox, people have to learn proper coping skills. With these skills, they can live full lives and avoid relapse.
What Are Coping Skills?
It’s important for people to understand what coping mechanisms offer. In psychology, coping refers to a conscious effort to reduce stress and solve interpersonal problems. Once people develop coping techniques, they use them in everyday life. In many cases, these techniques become second nature, so they use them without conscious thought.
Coping skills are necessary because they reduce stress, which is a primary trigger for relapse. Using these skills, people can avoid putting themselves in situations in which they crave drugs. For them to work, however, they have to practice them on a regular basis.
Daily Exercise
Exercise is a vital coping technique for most people. It not only fills their downtime with a productive activity but also promotes a good mood. Exercising is also an excellent way for them to gain energy to stay motivated during the day. Some of the other benefits of exercise include:
- Reduces risk of health problems
- Supports a healthier lifestyle
- Promotes better sleep
- Reduces stress
- Supports a positive physical and emotional state
Daily exercise doesn’t have to be a brutal workout routine. It can include going for a simple walk or jog. To incorporate a social element, people should consider joining a local gym.
Meditation
Stress is a primary trigger for relapse, so finding ways to reduce stress is essential. One easy method that people can include in their everyday routines is meditation. It’s an effective way to find peace and inner balance.
One good thing about meditating is that it only takes a few minutes every day. Meditation itself is a proven way to ease symptoms of stress and anxiety. Studies also show that it can lower blood pressure, reduce depression and help with pain management.
Journal Writing
Most coping skills help people deal with daily thoughts and emotions. Keeping a journal is a safe place for them to deal with their feelings and thoughts.
It’s important for people to write about both their positive and negative emotions when they use a journal. Letting out their negative thoughts on paper gives them perspective and insight into how to deal with them. Failure to deal with their emotions can lead to built-up anger and depression.
Spending Time With Friends and Family
Another good coping mechanism is spending time with friends and family. Being social is a great way to avoid having a lot of downtime. It’s also an effective way to remind people that they aren’t alone and help is there if they need it.
Let Spring Gardens Help You Prevent Relapse
At Spring Gardens, we understand the importance of relapse prevention. We know that proper detox and coping techniques are cornerstones of helping you prevent relapse. That’s why we provide both of these services. To us, it’s just as important to help people get clean as it is to ensure that they stay clean.
Spring Gardens provides unique treatment options. We strive to maintain a caring and attentive atmosphere to help you during the detox process. Our facility goes above and beyond other treatment centers with features such as:
- Residential detox
- Gender-specific detox services
- Massage therapy
- Inpatient treatment
- Yoga therapy
Don’t let relapse lead you down the path of addiction again. Let us teach you the value of good coping skills. Reach out to Spring Gardens today at (866) 244-9556 to learn more about our facility.
