How To Deal With Anxiety During Addiction Recovery
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Recovery from addiction is hard, and anxiety can make it harder. Stress, money worries and loss can push people toward alcohol or drugs as a way to cope, and anxiety often returns once they stop.
Many people struggle with substance use, and help is available. Treatment programs, such as a baton rouge detox center, work with people at every stage of recovery, from detox to aftercare.
Specialists say coping with stress is a big part of the picture. Some people manage stress in healthy ways, while others turn to substances to relax.
Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms of withdrawal and early recovery. In this post, we look at why it happens and practical ways to cope with it alongside professional care.
Types of Addiction
Addiction can involve many substances and behaviors. Here, we focus on alcohol and drugs.
Alcohol, nicotine, opioids, cannabis and stimulants are among the substances most often linked to addiction. Cannabis products, including delta-8 and delta-9 THC, can also lead to dependence.
Nicotine is also highly addictive. Addictive substances change how the brain’s reward and stress systems work, which helps explain why quitting is so hard.
Many people don’t notice the problem until it is affecting their health, work, relationships and finances.
Recovery takes time. Withdrawal symptoms often appear in the first days after stopping, and some, like anxiety and poor sleep, can linger.
Here are some of the symptoms that can appear during recovery.
Symptoms in Recovery from Addiction
Withdrawal symptoms depend on the substance. With alcohol, MedlinePlus lists anxiety, shakiness, insomnia, nightmares, irritability and fatigue, usually starting within 8 hours of the last drink and peaking at 24 to 72 hours.
Severe alcohol withdrawal (delirium tremens) can cause sudden confusion, hallucinations, seizures and fever. Alcohol withdrawal can quickly become life-threatening, so never detox from heavy drinking on your own.
Talk to a doctor before you stop, and call 911 for seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations or an irregular heartbeat.
Where to Seek Help?
Public and nonprofit programs offer detox, outpatient care, residential rehab and peer support groups. Addiction patients can get support at every stage, and a doctor can help you choose the right level of care.
In the U.S., SAMHSA’s National Helpline is free, confidential and open 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It can refer you to treatment near you. In a crisis, call or text 988.
The increase in anxiety levels is a concern for many during their recovery process. There are several ways to cope with the same, like the following:
Exercise
Regular exercise can ease stress and help you sleep better. A good routine might mix walking, strength work and stretching, built up gradually.
Physical activity also gives your day structure and a healthy way to release tension. Ask your doctor what level of exercise is safe for you, especially early in recovery.
Healthy Diet
Eating well supports recovery. Aim for regular meals with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein, which help restore nutrients that heavy drinking or drug use can deplete.
A balanced diet won’t cure anxiety, but steady meals can help keep your energy and mood more stable. Treatment programs often include nutrition support as part of care.
Doing your Favorite Hobby
Hobbies serve as the perfect way to shut off from the world. They serve as an immense relief for the patient in the middle of any treatment. Several patients like to have time for their favorite hobby in their daily schedule, and it helps them cope with the problems in their lives and the recovery process.
It can be playing board games, outdoor games, video games, online games, reading, and many more. The best way is to have your own space for some time before going back to the strict schedule of medicines.
Talking with family, friends and support groups also helps. Your care team can treat anxiety directly too, with talk therapy, medication or both, so tell them if it is getting worse.
Conclusion
The path to recovery from addiction to emotional wellbeing is full of obstacles. Anxiety can raise the risk of relapse, so plan ahead for hard moments with your treatment team and loved ones. Build exercise, regular meals and sleep into your days.
More people are seeking help for addiction, and that is a positive sign. Take recovery one step at a time and let professionals guide you.
Sources
- Alcohol withdrawal, MedlinePlus
- National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues, SAMHSA
- Relaxation Techniques: What You Need To Know, NCCIH
