Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Addiction (or a Substance Use Disorder) is a treatable, chronic, often relapsing disorder that leads to impairment in many aspects of a person’s life. Our center in Moorestown provides therapy near you tailored to your needs, ensuring effective treatment and lasting recovery. Below are the common symptoms of a substance use disorder.
Symptoms of Addiction:
• Often using more of a substance than intended
• Pattern of unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop using
•Spending a lot of time obtaining substances or recovering from substances
• Cravings
• Tolerance
Withdrawal
• Negative consequences of substance use at work, school, or home
• Continued substance uses despite consequences in social life
• Decreased or stopped social activities, hobbies, or work requirements
• Continued use of substances in dangerous situations
• Continued use of substances despite negative impact on mental or physical health
Entering into recovery is an important and difficult process, and below are some helpful tips for recovery planning and relapse prevention.
1. Practice living “One Day at a Time”
The “One Day at a Time” slogan is common in 12-step Fellowships. Practicing this skill means staying present and focusing on what is in front of you. Often, people become overwhelmed by worries of the future or ruminations of the past, which can trigger relapse. By focusing on “One Day at a Time” individuals in recovery can live their recovery skills in the moment
2. Create a Healthy Support Network
Addiction is a very isolating disease. In recovery, creating a supportive environment of social connections can help individuals find empathy, support, accountability, and guidance in recovery. A support network could include family, friends, 12-step Fellowships, group counseling peers, spiritual leaders, a sports team, a sponsor, or a therapist.
3. Use coping skills to manage triggers
Coping with triggers is a major part of recovery planning. The 4 D’s can be a good tool for managing triggers and cravings as they arise.
1. Delay – Use impulse control strategies to avoid an impulsive slip up. If you can delay relapse initially, you can give yourself time to use your other skills.
2. Distract – Distraction might include calling a friend, working on a task, exercising, or reading to take your mind off of the craving.
3. Deep-Breathe – Taking slow, purposeful breaths can help create a sense of relaxation and clarity to prevent relapse.
4. De-Catastrophize – Challenging and reframing your anxious thoughts can help alleviate the panic associated with cravings and can be a good tool to use throughout recovery.
How can therapy help?
Therapy can be very helpful when entering recovery. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can challenge thoughts related to addiction and recovery and provide behavioral tools for coping. Often individuals with addiction have co-occurring mental health disorders or trauma history, which can also be processed and addressed in therapy to help strengthen a person’s long-term recovery.
If you or someone you love is interested in seeking therapy for addiction and recovery, Mind, Body, and Soul Therapy & Counseling has counselors near Moorestown who specialize in addiction services, trauma therapy, and mental health. Reach out to us by dialing 856-834-3709 or by filling out a Request Form.