HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES

There are many healthy alternatives to using drugs and addiction as a coping mechanism, and these can be used in recovery to minimize relapse and keep moving forward. They include:

Exercise:

Exercise releases endorphins and helps to reduce tension, stabilize moods, and improve self-esteem and sleep habits. Staying physically active can boost both emotional and physical health and is a way to manage stress, helping you to control cravings and prevent relapse.

Mindfulness meditation:

Yoga, meditation and mindfulness meditation can be useful coping mechanisms to bring about self-reflection. They may make you more in tune with your body, decreasing tension and stress.

Spirituality:

For many, finding faith and a connection to a higher power can provide an inner strength and a foundation for managing difficulties as well as for self-introspection. Twelve-step programs focus on turning your life over to a higher power, and they can offer faith-based tools and coping methods for managing cravings and stress in an effort to minimize relapse.

Positive Reframing:

Positive thinking changes perspectives for the better. Even conflicts can have a silver lining. By finding it, you’ll gain a broader perspective of the world around you.

Humor:

While there is of course a time for seriousness, humor is considered a beneficial coping mechanism. Laughter can help people to see things in a lighter frame of mind. Plus, research shows it has short and long-term effects on your health—such as increasing endorphins and improving your immune system.

Problem Solving:

By identifying an issue as it arises, you can better learn how to handle it and not be overwhelmed.

Creative expression:

Creative outlets can provide a way to express oneself in a healthy manner. Dance, painting, sculpting, drawing, writing, playing a musical instrument or composing are all activities that can help someone struggling with addiction. Journaling in particular can expel negative thoughts and provide a record of progress.

Supportive Friends:

Talk it out, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Healthy communication can be a great outlet for releasing stress. Seek out people in your life—such as friends, family members, support groups, therapists—that you can talk to regularly and lean on.

Giving Back:

Volunteering for a charity and getting behind a cause you believe in can reverse negative emotions and channel that energy in a positive way to help others.

Taken from https://americanaddictioncente...