The early stages of recovery can trigger anxieties induced by changes. Being patient and finding ways to cope without the use of substances is vital.

When you're on your journey to addiction recovery, anxiety can throw a wrench in the works.

This is because while you're withdrawing or abstaining from alcohol or drugs, your brain releases chemicals that trigger anxiety attacks. For some, it can be debilitating, even leading to relapse. 

In this post, we'll tell you how to stay on the right track. 

4 Ways to Beat Anxiety During Addiction Recovery 

Want to banish anxiety for good? Read on to find out how. 

1. Meditate

Meditation has been proven to reduce anxiety.  It allows you to eliminate distractions, quiet your thoughts, relax your body, and center yourself. 

It doesn't have to be a religious practice. Simply take a few minutes out of each day to practice meditation in a way that suits you. If you don't know where to start, try some mindfulness and meditation apps. 

2. Talk About It

Bottling up your anxiety is one of the worst things you can do. Instead, you have to learn to talk about it. Ideally, you would do this with a therapist.

Therapy is crucial for those who are both struggling with addiction and suffering from anxiety. A medical professional can give you the tools you need to deal with your anxiety in a healthy way. However, when you don't have access to a therapist, trusted friends and family members can also be of great help. 

3. Find a Healthy Distraction

Anxiety can cause some people to relapse, as they resort to substance abuse for comfort.  That's why you need to find a positive, healthy replacement. That way, you have something else to turn to in your time of need. 

This could be just about anything that makes you feel good, as long as it's good for you and gives you the inspiration to stay sober.

Reading a book, going for a walk, reaching out to a friend, or listening to music are all great choices. See what works for you. 

4. Recite Affirmations

Affirmations can have a powerful impact on your life. Reciting them can be a way to banish negative self-talk and instill confidence, strength, and self-esteem. Crucially, they can also help to banish anxiety.

This means writing a positive statement or message to yourself and repeating it out loud several times to yourself. Some people find it helpful to do this while looking in a mirror. 

Here are some examples of affirmations that addicts use when they're suffering from anxiety:

• I am a strong, independent person
• I am loved
• I choose to feel calm and peaceful at this moment
• Anxiety does not define me

Try using these, or some of your own, during your recovery. They'll help to keep you grounded. 

Find Your Comfort Zone

Anxiety can be part and parcel addiction recovery, but it doesn't have to hinder it.

As long as you deal with it in the right way, it won't get in the way of your progress. To do that, you need to create a positive living environment, in the right place with the right people around you.

At A Fresh Start, we can build that for you.

Find out more about A Fresh Start to see how we can help you.

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