Trying to quit after an addiction to alcohol or drugs is very difficult. In addition, denying strong cravings and dealing with withdrawal symptoms alone makes it even harder. A person’s unsuccessful attempts can often lead them to relapse. They stand a greater chance by developing the proper coping mechanisms for withdrawal from alcohol or drugs.
The Importance of Coping Mechanisms for Withdrawal
Getting clean after abusing substances is hard work for any person. They must begin to understand how their choice of turning to drugs or alcohol impacts their life. Breaking a bad habit is one thing. Uncovering the emotional, mental and physical reasons for addiction is another. The person must challenge old beliefs and learn new ways of living.
A hard part of battling recovery is going through withdrawal symptoms. In fact, some of the things a person experiences can make them give up and turn back the vices. They are struggling with an unpleasant tug-of-war between wanting to get clean and satisfying their cravings.
Additionally, coping mechanisms play a huge role in relapse prevention. A person’s body has become accustomed to the chemical imbalance caused by drugs or alcohol. Therefore, they need ways to redirect their attention from substances to healthier choices.
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms for Withdrawal
There are many unhealthy ways that a person may use to cope with the discomforts of detox. For example, some of these may include:
- Denial – refusing to face the truth about their addiction
- Avoidance –returning to their addiction to avoid the pain
- Displacement – redirecting negative feelings from reality towards something “safer”
- Passive-aggressiveness – displaying anger and hostility
- Rationalization – using logic or excuses to justify their reasons for being addicted
Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Withdrawal
Specifically, most treatment centers incorporate coping techniques to help a person learn new practices. One of the first things a person can learn is how to focus on positive things. However, negative thinking can put them closer to relapsing.
They can avoid a downward spiral by finding the silver lining to any sort of situation. This is different from trivializing negative things. Rather, the person is encouraged to acknowledge the negative. What this teaches them is to look for positive solutions before turning to drugs or alcohol.
Activities such as exercise, journaling, and meditation can help a person cope. They can improve their mental, physical and emotional health.
Begin Your Sobriety Journey Today
Crest View Recovery Center offers a compassionate environment to help you develop positive coping mechanisms for withdrawal. Moreover, our substance abuse services factors in your need for alcohol and drug withdrawal treatment. We meet you where you are and use multiple levels of care to help ensure your chance of a full recovery.
For example, CVRC’s comprehensive rehab program includes:
Don’t delay your recovery another day. Call us at 866-327-2505 to gain the tools you need to cope with withdrawal symptoms. You are just one call away from a clear future with coping mechanisms for withdrawal.