There are many reasons why someone struggles with addiction, but one of the most common reasons stems from stress and anxiety. Individuals who don’t understand how to cope with stress and anxiety without alcohol or drugs often get caught up in a vicious cycle to numb the pain.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can overcome your anxiety while staying sober and healthy.

Exercise

Most exercises help you release endorphins and ultimately relax, thus keeping your anxiety in check. While you can try a number of different exercises that work best for you, there are certain exercises that focus on calmness. For example, yoga can help you focus on your inner feelings and separate yourself from the emotions causing you to feel anxious.

Healthy Distractions

Besides exercise, there are plenty of ways you can distract yourself from your anxiety and avoid using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. Many people find that writing, listening to music, reading, or cooking help focus their minds on other things until their feelings of anxiety pass. Practicing mindfulness, a form of mediation, may also provide a healthy distraction.

Grounding Exercises

Often times, therapists will tell those who suffer from anxiety to perform grounding exercises using a five-step method. Look around and find five things you can physically see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. List out the objects each time you find them, and you may see this greatly helps overcome your anxiety.

Professional Help

If you find yourself struggling to cope with your anxiety on your own, you may benefit from seeking professional treatment. A licensed psychologist can talk you through your anxiety and help you determine its cause and ways you can combat drug or alcohol cravings.

No matter what healthy route you choose to overcome your anxiety, the main thing you should focus on in your recovery is staying sober.

At Silver Ridge, our program focuses on the well-being of the whole person by providing a safe place free from the pain of addiction through the encouragement of personal exploration and therapeutic practices. Contact us today to begin your fresh start today.