When it comes to dealing with pain, many people turn to drugs or alcohol for relief. This can be a way of self-medicating and getting temporary reprieve. But regular substance use can quickly spiral into addiction and does nothing to address the underlying issues. Part of the recovery process is learning how to manage and overcome pain without drugs or alcohol. There are many healthier ways of coping.

Dealing with Physical Pain in Recovery

You’ve had a long day at work and you come home and your back is killing you. Or your tennis elbow or arthritis is acting up. Normally you’d settle in with a drink in hand and try to relax. But now that you’re in recovery, this is no longer an option. You have to implement different ways of dealing with the pain because you’re determined to maintain your sobriety. Fortunately, you have many options.

• Exercise. One option is to get moving. Staying physically active can keep your joints and muscles looser and more flexible. This can ease tension and help reduce pain. Start with some gentle stretches and work your way up. Talk to your doctor about specific types of exercise that could help. The local gym or fitness center may have classes you can sign up for.
• Acupuncture. This ancient Chinese form of medicine can have a surprising effect. Tiny needles are inserted into specific points in the body to improve energy flow. It is believed that when these pathways become blocked, that is when pain occurs. By opening them up, you can feel relief. And even if you hate needles, you’ll hardly feel them at all.
• Massage therapy. Getting a massage can reduce stress and tension in your muscles. The therapist can focus on areas that are causing you the most trouble and they may incorporate heat or cold into your massage as well. A massage can also improve blood flow and circulation which can promote healing and pain relief.
• Physical therapy. A physical therapist can target your specific needs. They know just how to move and work the body to help ease pain and enhance mobility. They can set you up with an exercise plan that you can continue at home as well.

Dealing with Emotional Pain in Recovery

It would be great if you could wake up every day in a pleasant mood and maintain that happiness throughout the day. But the reality is that our emotions fluctuate based on our surroundings and the events that occur. If you’re feeling especially sad, angry, or frustrated, you may be tempted to drink away your pain. Negative feelings can increase risk of relapse. You can take steps to boost your mood and work through emotional pain, however.

• Start a journal. Let your thoughts flow and write down everything that comes to mind. Don’t worry about whether or not it makes sense. Just getting your feelings out and putting them on paper can provide a sense of relief. They’re no longer bottled up inside you. Your journal can be for your eyes only and doesn’t have to be something you share with others. This can make you feel more comfortable being completely honest.
• Attend a support group meeting. Turn to others who understand firsthand what you are going through. They can provide a listening ear and offer insight into ways of coping without relapsing.
• Call a friend. Having someone to talk to – even if they don’t have all the answers – can be helpful. Sometimes you just want someone who will listen; they don’t necessarily have to say anything in return. A friend can also help take your mind off of things or help you to see them in a different light. They may interpret issues differently than you do and give you a new perspective.
• Talk to a therapist. They can help you work through challenging situations and equip you with resources and strategies to use for the future. You can also implement strategies that you learned in rehab. Family therapy may also be a good idea to help rebuild relationships and work through challenges you are facing together.
• Meditation. Clearing your mind and focusing your thoughts can be an effective way of dealing with both emotional and physical pain. Deep breathing can also help. When you’re more aware of your thoughts and the connection with your body, it can keep you grounded in the present. Meditation can be done practically anywhere and anytime, so it is a good tool to have.

Keeping physical and emotional pain in check can allow you to keep progressing forward in your recovery. Knowing strategies for reducing stress and tension can boost mood and reduce risk of relapse.

If your go-to method of dealing with pain is drugs or alcohol, there is help available. Chapters Capistrano provides customized treatment plans tailored to your individual needs. There are also dual diagnosis programs available for those who struggle with addiction as well as a mental health condition such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, or bipolar disorder. Contact Chapters Capistrano today at 949-276-2886 to overcome addiction and learn healthier ways of coping with pain.