The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences in anyone’s life. It’s a situation that’s both painful and impossible to change. It often leads to depression and, for people recovering from addiction, it might lead to relapse. As difficult as it is to work through grief, it doesn’t have to lead to relapse. Here are some tips for maintaining your recovery while grieving.
Give yourself permission to grieve.
Perhaps the most important thing is not trying to avoid the pain. Avoidant behavior is typically what leads to substance use. Grieving is normal and healthy. It may takes months for the pain to subside, and that’s fine. Don’t be angry with yourself or feel like you should get over it. Just let it be. It won’t last forever.
Stick to your recovery plan.
The death of a loved one, especially if it’s unexpected, can shake your world and leave you feeling disoriented. You might feel like you can’t live your normal life in the wake of such an event. However, sticking to your recovery plan becomes even more important. One reason is that you’re at much higher risk for relapse because grief is a powerful trigger. Dropping your regular recovery activities will only increase your risk. Another reason is that sticking to the main elements of your daily routine can help preserve a sense of normalcy. For example, going to meetings, even if you really don’t feel like it, can be a point of contact with your normal life and keep you grounded.
Reach out to others.
Don’t try to deal with grief alone. Reach out to family and friends. Accept help from friends and neighbors. Talking about what you’re going through reduces stress and helps you remember the good times. It might even bring you closer to friends and family. Also, reach out to your group. Let them know what’s going on. It helps to talk about it and it helps to have the extra support.
Talk to a therapist.
Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with a therapist, preferably one who has experience dealing with both grief and addiction. The death of a loved one can bring up many issues, including guilt, regret, and resentment. People sometimes find their thoughts and behavior become very strange. It helps to talk to someone who is familiar with these issues, who can help you sort out your feelings. Remember, although grief is usually most intense over the death of a loved one, we can also grieve after a divorce, a breakup, or losing a job. Whatever you’re grieving for, remember that relapsing won’t help.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental illness, we can help. Recovery Ways is a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible substance abuse treatment to as many people as possible. Request information online or call us today at 1-888-986-7848.
