Alternative addiction recovery methods cover a lot of ground, and there’s a lot to think about when it comes to making healthy choices. It can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared, so it’s important to do some research ahead of time and figure out what’s right for you. Some individuals prefer to look for a treatment that allows them to stay active in order to incorporate fitness into a new routine; others would rather take it slowly to ascertain what kind of recovery methods will help them stay on a sober path without stress.
No matter what your goals are, it’s important to keep your needs in mind. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, it might be in your best interest to pursue art therapy or learn relaxation techniques. These will help you battle stress, a major trigger when it comes to making unhealthy choices. If you’re having a hard time unpacking all the emotions that addiction--and then recovery--can bring, acting out certain situations in a kind of role-reversal with loved ones may be helpful.
Keep reading for some great tips on how to make your recovery a successful one.
Diet and exercise
Your diet and exercise routine are both incredibly important tools when it comes to addiction recovery; not only are they beneficial to your physical health, they can boost your mental health as well. Look for a regimen that will be easy for you to maintain, and make well-balanced meals a part of your daily routine. Dark, leafy greens, lean protein, and the right carbs can make all the difference when it comes to your health. Click here for some great information on diet, exercise, and recovery.
Try a new hobby
While addiction recovery is almost always a long road, there are some things that can help make it easier. Taking up a new hobby will allow you to tap into a side of yourself that you haven’t explored and can boost your confidence, self-esteem, and sense of pride. Whether you want to try woodworking, painting, working on automobiles, sewing, or cooking, there are plenty of activities you can do that will keep you feeling good in a healthy way.
Try art therapy
Many individuals shy away from art therapy because they don’t feel they are creative enough. The truth is, most of us have a creative side; it takes a lot of practice and experimenting to bring something out of it. Try to be patient with yourself and look for different mediums, such as paint, colored pencils, and clay. If you don’t have success with one, try another. Sometimes, it takes a little while to find the sweet spot, but when you do, it’s magical.
Yoga
Yoga has been put into practice by everyone from housewives to inmates, and for very good reason: it promotes mindfulness, which allows you to focus and be present. This is especially helpful for individuals who have battled addiction, because drugs and alcohol perpetuate a feeling of mindlessness, meaning they push away the need to think too hard about any one thing. They can give the illusion of taking away stress and anxiety, but in reality, they only add to the problem. Start with some simple yoga moves so you don’t become overwhelmed; you can look here for some great tips.
Seek a healthier you
There are many different types of treatment that focus on getting you healthy, but one that has had a lot of success is finding fun ways to get active and be more adventurous. This type of therapy usually involves spending more time outdoors, learning how to get along with nature and have fun while pushing yourself a bit physically. Because both exercise and being outside can help tremendously with boosting mental health, this is a great way to ease stress and push away the negative feelings associated with addiction.
Finding an alternative addiction recovery method that works for your needs and lifestyle may take a while, so be patient with yourself as you learn how to heal in a healthy way. Talk to your friends and family about your plans and allow them to help out when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
About the Author:
Kimberly Hayes enjoys writing about health and wellness and created PublicHealthAlert.info to help keep the public informed about the latest developments in popular health issues and concerns. In addition to studying to become a crisis intervention counselor, Kimberly is hard at work on her new book, which discusses the ins and outs of alternative addiction treatments.