When you’re on the journey to recovery from addiction, it is not surprising at all if you start to experience feelings of anxiety. You may question how to deal with anxiety once sober. Keep reading for tips on how to deal with anxiety.
Sometimes Anxiety Sneaks Up on You
During recovery, anxiety often sneaks up on a person unannounced. It is like a stealth stowaway on your recovery voyage, causing restlessness and uncertainty. But don’t fret; there are ways you can deal with this unwelcome visitor.
How Many People Have Anxiety?
Studies found that an estimated 31% of American adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. And for people with a substance use disorder, this figure may be even more prominent. The presence of either substance use disorder or anxiety disorder serves as a risk factor for having the other disorder, research shows.
Reasons Why Anxiety Usually Accompanies Addiction
Stress and trauma, along with other factors, are common in individuals dealing with addiction and phobias. Many turn to drugs to cope with anxiety, seeking temporary relief that can worsen anxiety disorders in the long run.
Understanding Anxiety
While anxiety is a typical reaction to stress or perceived threats, excessive, persistent levels can interfere with daily functioning and the recovery process. Knowing your triggers and accepting that feeling anxious is normal is part of coping with anxiety.
Signs of Anxiety
- Being too worrisome
- Feeling jumpy or restless
- Inability to concentrate properly
- Increased heart rate, pulse, and breathing rates
- Muscle tightness, tremors or shakes
If you have any of these symptoms, it is okay and normal. Here are some coping skills to help you navigate through anxiety.
Anchoring Down with Coping Skills for Anxiety
The following are a few anxiety coping skills:
- Mindfulness: Stay in the present moment. Pay close attention to what’s happening around you and your feelings.
- Breathing techniques: Deep, consistent breaths can quiet your body and mind.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity unleashes endorphins that can help elevate your mood and decrease stress.
- Healthy eating: Proper nutrition supports mental health. Refrain from caffeine and sugar as they may heighten anxiety symptoms.
- Adequate sleep: Rest well. Insomnia could worsen anxiety.
Coping with Anxiety and Treatment at Southern Sky Recovery
At Southern Sky Recovery, we understand that coping with anxiety while sober can be daunting.
This is why our top-rated drug rehab in South Carolina offers comprehensive rehab programs tailored to guide you through such challenging times.
Our Programs
We offer intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and outpatient rehab in Bluffton, SC, to provide you with the tools and support needed to handle anxiety while maintaining sobriety.
Our Therapies
Options like medication-assisted therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy programs (DBT), and cognitive behavioral therapy programs (CBT) can help you learn effective methods to manage anxiety disorders.
- Medication-assisted therapy: This therapy uses drugs that help reduce cravings as well as withdrawal symptoms experienced by people with an addiction when they quit drug use.
- DBT: DBT models concentrate on emotional control plus interpersonal effectiveness for clients who have personality disorders or substance use disorders.
- CBT: CBT will teach one how to identify negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.
Dealing With Anxiety – A Journey To Sobriety at Southern Sky
Coping with anxiety in sobriety is a journey, not a destination.
Most importantly, remember to reach out for support. Get in touch with us at Southern Sky Recovery for help. Let’s work together to chart a path toward peace and a brighter future.
