Chronically using substances tends to make our lives more stressful—and us less able to handle stress. The longer time you spend in recovery, the more manageable life tends to become. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t go through rough times. Hard things happen whether you’re sober or not.
In recovery, you find ways to get through stress and emotional ups and downs without drinking or using; you can then use those skills during hard times. Also, when you’re facing difficult emotions instead of blunting them with substances, you have an opportunity to process them.
During rough times, it’s especially helpful to stay connected to your support system. We need connection and support always, and particularly when we’re navigating something hard. While some people may feel the urge to isolate when facing something challenging, support is crucial.
For some people, it may also feel helpful to give support; being there for a friend, or being of service, can make a difference in someone else’s life. If you’re really struggling, you might not have the energy to support others for now, and that’s okay. But in some cases, it could feel energizing and even help you make sense of your own challenges.
While it may not feel like it now, every experience you have in recovery is an opportunity to grow. In active addiction, we’re not present to experience any of life—both the rough times and the exciting milestones. You’re getting to actually experience your life now. While that can be so hard when life isn’t going well, it’s an opportunity. Take extra care of yourself while you’re in a rough time, and remember that this will give you tools for coping with challenges in the future.
If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and 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 find healthy ways to cope with stress, so that you can stay sober through whatever life brings. Call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.