The addiction recovery process involves developing the skills you need to handle challenges in the future. During therapy, you’ll learn about strategies that can help you manage stress effectively. Stress can be a trigger for relapse, and for that reason, stress management is an important component of addiction treatment. Our team at Midwest Detox Center can offer the support you need to achieve the goal of long-term recovery.
How Stress Connects with Addiction
Stress is a part of life. It comes and goes in various degrees, but some level of stress is likely present for most people at various points in their life. Without proper coping strategies for stress, a person might turn to drugs or alcohol to cope, which can become a dangerous habit.
When stress occurs, the hormone cortisol is released into the bloodstream. It works to stimulate the heart rate, breathing rate, and brain function to give you the tools you need to respond properly. This feeling can be easy to manage in the short term, especially when you know that the stressful experience will soon be over. For example, some people may feel stress when having to give a speech. Once that speech is over, the stress dissipates.
In other types of stress, it doesn’t get any better. Stress about a chronic illness, for example, is lasting. That means the body remains at a heightened level for a longer time. To resolve that stress, a person may look for outlets such as drugs and alcohol to feel relief. While these substances can provide some short-term relief until they wear off, over time, a person may wish to use more and more of the substance to keep the stressors at bay.
Are You Struggling with Stress Management?
It is not always easy to know that you’re using drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with stress. Some common signs you may include:
- Having to use drugs to get through the day
- Needing a drink after work
- Taking medications to head to work to take the edge off
- Needing drugs to help you have more energy or be social
- Using illicit substances to stop negative thoughts about yourself
Stress management is something you can learn. While a lack of coping skills can create risks for long-term recovery, learning how to master stress management can give you the tools to remain sober.
How Do You Improve Stress Management?
During your detox and addiction recovery process, you’ll learn how to achieve this. First, you’ll work with your therapist to understand all the stress triggers that impact you. These are things that cause you to want to use drugs. Understanding those triggers allows you to avoid them whenever possible. When you cannot avoid stress triggers, you’ll have healthy coping skills that you can fall back on.
Sometimes stress is just a part of the day. In these cases, you’ll learn how to combat stress. For example, physical exercise helps burn cortisol. You may also find doing enjoyable things can offset the stress you feel.
How to Get Help for Stress Management and Addiction
Drug and alcohol addiction is a health risk. While you may be able to deal with stress, your body cannot handle long-term addiction and dependence. That’s why it is critical to take the first step in getting help. Treatment options at Midwest Detox Center include:
- Women’s drug treatment
- Men’s drug treatment
- Drug detox programs
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Alcohol detox programs
- Prescription drug addiction programs
Overcome Your Addiction – Call Midwest Detox Center for Immediate Help
Stress management is a big part of the addiction recovery process. Even if you think you can manage stress now, life can be challenging once you face triggers head-on after treatment. Our team at Midwest Detox Center wants to help you through the process. Get information by calling 833.647.0392 or connect with us online now.
