When we are working towards recovery, one of our biggest challenges is the temptation we feel to use again. We’re hit with addictive urges that can be overwhelmingly strong. We got accustomed to giving into our urges and compulsions. We felt we had no control over ourselves. We didn’t feel connected to our willpower and inner strength. How can we learn to cope with urges so that they we no longer allow them to overtake us? Very often our responses to our urges weren’t conscious. We weren’t always mindful of our actions. We can learn to incorporate mindfulness into our everyday lives. We can start to notice when urges arise and respond to them calmly, rather than merely reacting and defaulting to our go-to compulsions. Instead of unconsciously reverting back to our knee-jerk reactions, we can choose to sit with the uncomfortable feelings that accompany the urge. Sometimes urges make us feel anxious or panicked. We may be frustrated or angry. We might be terrified we’ll fall off the wagon. Sit with these feelings and just allow them. When we’re able to accept our difficult feelings rather than resisting them, we give them a chance to dissipate on their own. The energy can flow naturally when we don’t try to block it, stop it or fight it. If we can respond to it with calm rather than overreacting, it can neutralize itself organically. As you’re allowing yourself to feel all of the emotions that come with the urges, think through the big picture of what these urges actually mean and how they’ve affected you in the past. What consequences have you experienced after giving into them? We tend to forget the fall after the high. We’re so focused on the good feelings, the rush, the euphoria, that we romanticize the whole experience and forget all the devastating aftereffects. When an urge hits, take the time to process all of the feelings that come after using – the guilt, shame, regret, remorse, disappointment. Remember the anguish you felt letting your loved ones down. Remember how disappointed you felt the last time you relapsed. Most importantly, remember how hard you’ve worked, and let that encourage you to keep going. Our addictive urges can be painfully difficult. Reach out to your sponsor, go to a support group meeting, schedule time with your therapist, see a friend. Give yourself all of the mental and emotional encouragement and support you possibly can by affirming to yourself that you are strong, capable and brave. Tell yourself that you believe in yourself and have faith in yourself.
We offer occupational therapy to help you develop important life skills and coping mechanisms. Call 1-888-986-7848 for more information.
