Sometimes we just run out of options. We’ve used every tool we have. We’ve called every person we can. We’ve gone to meetings. We’ve meditated. We’ve exercised. We’ve taken a nap. No matter what we try we cannot shake the unshakeable mood we are in, a mood which is inspiring an obsessive and insatiable preoccupation with cravings. Despite our best clinical knowledge from treatment we can’t help but just think that maybe we really do need just one drink or drug to make it through. What if this feeling doesn’t change? What if we will never find relief without drugs and alcohol? This experience is not permanent and it does not mean you have to relapse. It’s a combination of fear, stress, and the way that addiction takes over the brain. When you run out of options here are just a few more things to try which might be so simple you overlooked them:
Pump Up The Jams
Music is a healing language. It can help us feel what we feel like we cannot feel. If you can’t get through your anger, turn on something angry. If you can’t break through some sadness, try something obnoxiously happy. Whatever you listen to, listen to it loud. Not only will the music itself help, but the sound waves will permeate your body and help your internal frequency to resettle.
Act It Out
For the recovering addict and alcoholic this could be a dangerous suggestion. Since you are recovering, however, you’re learning to turn to other behaviors other than using. If you are so angry that you want to break something- try it out. Its likely you aren’t going to feel this way for a long time, and you aren’t going to want to turn to an impulsive behavior again. One way to let out that kind of aggression is to throw ice cubes against the wall, ripping up paper, beating a pillow against the bed or against the wall.
Talk To Someone You Don’t Know
Your friends aren’t helping. Your family isn’t helping. Sharing at a recovery support meeting and listening to everyone’s advice isn’t helping. Talking to someone completely objective can be helpful. Try calling your local AA central hotline, a crisis hotline, or some other free number where a trained individual is on the other line. You might hear something you haven’t heard or even say something you haven’t been able to say.
We strive to provide each client with the tools they need so they never reach that point of desperation. Our intensive outpatient programs are designed to act as extended care helping clients transition from treatment to an autonomous lifestyle. For more information on our balanced approach to recovery, call us today at 800-380-0012.
