Post-Alcohol Recovery Stress Management

Stressful lifestyles are among the biggest reasons why people turn to alcohol. Drinking often becomes a coping mechanism because it numbs the symptoms of stress and helps to forget one’s problems. However, when this goes on for too long, it can become alcoholism, and the drinker can become hooked beyond his or her control. For alcoholics who get started this way, one of the most difficult things about the eventual alcohol recovery is finding ways to deal with stress without resorting to old habits.

Finding alternatives. The most obvious factor in reducing stress after alcohol recovery is finding ways to take the edge off the stress without drinking. There are a number of ways to do this, but many alcoholics find that exercise, hobbies, and alcohol-free social activities are the most reliable sources of comfort in stressful times. Every person going through alcohol recovery should make an effort to rediscover old passions or find new hobbies that help get one’s mind off work and other stress-causing things.

In fact, many recovering alcoholics find they can get a sort of high from plenty of non-alcohol sources. For example, having a strenuous workout can release hormones that give a feeling of elation. Similarly, good books and movies can help transport you away from the everyday cares that cause stress.

Unplugging. One of the keys to reducing stress in the digital age is to find time every day to unplug and release yourself from your stress-related cares. This applies to everyone who suffers from stress, not just alcoholics. Once you find activities that help ease your stress, try to focus on them entirely, rather than dividing your attention between multiple things. This will benefit your mood and dissolve your worries, at least temporarily.

Talking to others. Practically every person going through alcohol recovery needs at least one close person with whom they can talk. You may make some valuable connections if you enter a support group, and the support group itself can of course be a useful outlet-so do not give up on those meetings. If this does not work, rely instead on a friend or family member who is particularly understanding of your issues relating to stress and alcoholism.

In the absence of people whom you can talk to about your stress and alcohol recovery, consider keeping a journal. Write in it every day, and try not to censor yourself. Let all your feelings come out, and be sure to write about all the things that are causing you stress. After working through these feelings in journal form, you will feel less burdened, and any alcohol cravings will not be so bad.

Recovery Now TV is designed to build awareness surrounding the recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. We believe that treatment and recovery WORKS. The dialogue between people who have recovered brings hope to those who are still struggling with their addiction. Our TV show is a demonstration that ANYONE is a candidate for treatment and can overcome their addiction. There are thousands of treatment options available to people in the United States. Let us help you find the right treatment program for you.