Due to the tremendous stress of war, long work hours, and other causes, the military is infamous for substance misuse and usage.
According to studies, military personnel who have fought in Iraq or Afghanistan and have been exposed to battle are at risk for Veteran drug addiction, which includes increased alcohol use, binge and heavy drinking, and alcohol-related problems.
Researchers believe that the rise in alcohol usage is linked to the stresses of war, as well as the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism for stressful and traumatic situations and self-medication for mental health disorders.
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Stress and Addiction Recovery: Healthy Outlets
Stress Management Techniques for Drug Addiction Recovery
One of the most important risk factors for relapse in drug and alcohol addiction is stress. We can’t ignore it since it’s a part of life. Managing stress is one of the most critical parts of preventing alcohol or drug relapse, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Every day, the majority of individuals experience some level of stress. Small issues accumulate, such as being late for work or having the same question asked to you five times. It’s often tough to focus on the responsibilities of the day due to the stress of problematic relationships, a lack of job, or having to deal with financial issues.
You won’t be able to eliminate stress from your life, but you may utilize any of the ways listed below to assist alleviate your irritation.
Suggestions for Healthy Outlets in Recovery
Instead of utilizing drugs or alcohol to cope with stress, consider the following healthy coping mechanisms:
Establishing Healthy Routines
A schedule allows you to concentrate on the next step rather than the present setbacks. If you have a pattern for eating, sleeping, working, or simply keeping your mind and body occupied, your day will run well and your mind will be at rest.
When your days are disconnected, with different duties occurring at different times throughout the day, tension builds up. Establish healthy habits and keep to them as much as possible to help prevent this sort of stress.
Turn to Spirituality
Faith is a powerful impact on sobriety for many people in recovery. Spirituality may help people identify their purpose in life, learn how to tap into their inner power, and see hardship as a learning opportunity. Many rehabilitation programs include faith-based components to assist people in treatment find meaning and build healthy connections.
Seek Help from a Support Group
Support groups can help you in a variety of ways. They are a social outlet, providing you with a substance-free opportunity to engage with others who understand and don’t criticize you for what you’re going through. In times of weakness or insecurity, they may also be a source of assistance. You may also play a part in assisting others when you form a relationship with a support group–another wonderful approach to reduce stress.
Get Creative
There are a range of creative activities that may be used to substitute substance misuse as a stress reliever. You may express yourself by writing, sketching, painting, sculpting, performing music, and dancing, to name a few. Creative enquiry helps you to pursue your passions while also releasing pent-up energy in a healthy way.
Thankfully, research has shown that creative therapy may help people cope with stress. A music intervention was found to dramatically improve symptoms of depression and the severity of PTSD in Veterans.
Other creative hobbies for Veterans with a stress disorder might include:
- Journaling
- Learning to play an instrument
- Painting
- Sewing
- Cooking
- Woodworking
Spend Some Time Outside
It is beneficial to your health and mental clarity to spend time in nature. Go for a lengthy stroll in a woodland location if you’re feeling frustrated and stressed. On your way home from work, stop at the park to relax and observe. Biking or swimming are both great ways to get some exercise outside.
Boost Your Sleep Quality
Sleep is an essential component of stress management. Your body is able to mend and regain mental clarity while you sleep. Insomnia is a typical complaint among patients in early recovery. Aim for a daily pattern that includes going to bed and getting up at the same time. This helps to establish a rhythm in your body, which may relieve tension and make you feel more rested.
Explore Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy, which involves diffusing, inhaling, ingesting, or rubbing essential oils on the skin to treat problems ranging from headaches to melancholy, might entail diffusing, inhaling, ingesting, or applying essential oils on the skin. Essential oils with relaxing characteristics, such as rose, lavender, ylang-ylang, sage, and chamomile, may be used in aromatherapy for PTSD.
Know When It’s Time to Seek Assistance
There will be occasions when you are overwhelmed by stress. Make an appointment with your therapist or sponsor as soon as possible if this occurs. Don’t put it off any longer. Your therapist or sponsor can listen, provide ideas, and hold you accountable if you’re having trouble breaking through the stress in your life.
Concentrate on Your Objectives
When stress is such an important part of your day, you may need to just stop thinking about it and focus on your objectives instead. What are your goals for today? Put your concerns aside and concentrate solely on that one job. Don’t place too much pressure on yourself to deal with all of those difficulties.
Are You Trying to Recover from Veteran Drug Addiction?
Stress isn’t going away, but you can learn to manage it effectively. At Heroes’ Mile, addiction rehabilitation facility, you’ll have the strategies you need to manage and reduce stress with ongoing therapy and support from your team.
We can assist you or a Veteran you know who is battling with drug misuse or addiction. Call 1-888-VET-NOW2 or fill out our confidential form, and one of our admissions counsellors will do everything possible to assist you. Do you have any questions about our methods or your current condition? We are always happy to provide the answers you’re looking for. Please don’t hesitate to ask.
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Original Author: Cody Cox
