I’ve heard addiction described as using something outside yourself to cope with internal pain. I’ll be eight years sober this August, and that still comes up for me sometimes, though it’s gotten exponentially better. But when I do seek something external to cope with my pain, emotional restlessness often crops up.
Restlessness happens then because you’re not in the present moment; you’re grasping for another time that you will feel differently. Restlessness can feel like wanting to be elsewhere because you think something, somewhere will take away the pain.
When I can sit with this instead of immediately looking for something to “solve” the feeling, it passes. Meditation can really help you tolerate uncomfortable feelings. For me, it’s also helped with the patience to ride out impulses and cravings, whether it’s for substances or other destructive habits.
Sometimes restlessness presents more physically. If I’m able to do so when this happens for me, I’ll go for a run or a walk, do push ups, or something else that gets me moving.(Pro-tip: if you have restless leg syndrome [RLS], tonic water helps tremendously!)
Another option is calling a friend, partner, or family member to see if they want to go on a mini adventure. Explore a neighborhood you’ve never been to, play with water balloons, start a spontaneous game of tug of war, whatever. Sometimes it takes going out and being part of the world to feel present and remember you can have fun in non-destructive ways.
Understanding the role of dopamine can also be helpful. Addiction is caused by a complex interplay of genetics and environment, the combination of which is different for everyone. Still, people with substance use disorders are more likely to have fewer dopamine receptors.[1] Then, during addiction, the brain gets accustomed to receiving floods of dopamine from substance use and seeks balance by lowering dopamine receptors.
In recovery, you may be looking for other ways to get “dopamine hits,” which can also explain the sense of restlessness. Novel experiences create a dopamine rush, but there are plenty of ways to engage in healthy, constructive things that feel new.
Another important thing to mention is that ADHD can cause restlessness. There are strong links between ADHD and addiction. I have both, and I’ve practiced constructive ways of coping with restlessness, while learning to accept that I am inclined towards it and I might always feel it in some ways.
Restlessness can feel overwhelming, but it will pass. As you ride out the feeling, it’s empowering to realize that you have the tools to cope with it.
If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will help you build the tools to cope with whatever life brings without using drugs or alcohol. To learn more, call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.
[1] https://www.apa.org/monitor/2008/06/genes-addict
