Sobriety, for many, is a hard-won battle—a journey of determination, resilience, and continuous effort. At the heart of this journey lies the concept of recovery capital in sustaining sobriety, an integral component that often determines the success and longevity of an individual’s sober life. As many detox centers in WV emphasize, understanding and building upon this recovery capital can be the crucial difference between a fleeting effort and a lifelong commitment to sobriety. As we explore this topic, we’ll uncover the significance of recovery capital and how it shapes the path of those striving for a healthier life. Continue reading →
Trauma can lead people to turn to addiction for solace. At Harmony Ridge Recovery Center WV, we take a holistic approach to address these struggles. We will explore the five pillars of recovery from trauma and addiction, highlighting the importance of addressing trauma to break free from addiction and achieve lasting well-being. Continue reading →
What if a single thought could help steer the course of addiction recovery? This isn’t a philosophical query but a reality many have experienced. Harnessing the power of positive thinking in addiction recovery, as countless individuals have done, can be transformative. Let’s find out how! Continue reading →
Support groups play a pivotal role in the journey toward recovery, particularly during the crucial aftercare phase that solidifies long-term sobriety. By prioritizing support groups in addiction treatment, individuals facing substance abuse disorders can find solace, guidance, and a sense of belonging within a community of like-minded individuals who understand their struggles firsthand. At Harmony Ridge Recovery, we recognize and embrace the transformative power of support groups and how they boost recovery capital. Our West Virginia treatment center has been integrating these principles throughout our comprehensive programs for years, and we’re proud of the results this approach has yielded. Continue reading →
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound expression of gratitude. Yet, understanding and practicing it could be the key to unlocking better mental health and overall wellness. This article delves into how gratitude can transform your mental health, exploring its definition, neuroscientific basis, impact, and how to cultivate appreciation practices. It’s no secret that institutions such as detox centers in WV emphasize the role of gratitude in recovery processes, underscoring its universal importance. We hope to enlighten and equip you with the knowledge to harness the power of gratitude in your journey toward improved mental health.Continue reading →
Today, there are millions of people living with alcohol and substance use disorders. And while much attention is given to how many people have substance use disorders (SUD), not much attention is given to those who have overcome their alcohol use disorder and SUD and are in recovery. With more than 20 million people in recovery, the need for resources for this group has never been greater. Once the fun and novelty of being in recovery wears off, you can be left feeling bored. After all, much of the entertainment and socializing you did was centered around alcohol and drugs. Now that this is gone it can feel like you are living a boring life. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. If you are beginning to feel sober and bored in recovery, consider these ideas to keep your recovery journey on track!
Redefining Fun in Long-Term Recovery
When you think of your days in active addiction as “fun” and sobriety as a “drag,” you downplay the negative consequences of your substance abuse and disqualify the positive results of quitting, and you may begin to show the signs of early relapse. Sober and bored is nothing more than a mentality.
Research shows that when people expect to have fun, they usually have fun, and when they expect not to, they usually don’t. Cognitive-behavioral therapy during treatment and through your recovery program helps you learn to redefine fun and dash your misconceptions that using is “fun” and not using is not fun. Learn to think about fun and pleasure in a whole new way, and this will go a long way toward preventing a relapse.
Dangers of Sober and Bored Spare Time
Boredom and spare time are not beneficial to those in recovery and can lead to relapse. Boredom is considered the most common relapse trigger. It can lead to depression, irritability, anger, and isolation which can lead to an increase in cravings and thoughts of reusing.
The better way to look at boredom is that it is not a problem, it is, in fact, an opportunity. A chance to rediscover who you are and adjust to your changed circumstances.
Healing Power of Hobbies
Studies have shown that participating in hobbies and other fun leisure pastimes is associated with better health. The health benefits of having a hobby include:
Enhanced sense of well-being
Less depression
Lower blood pressure
Decreased body fat
Reduced risk for dementia in later life
When you’re recovering from an addiction, there may be other benefits as well. Hobbies help fend off stress and boredom, and they can give you a sense of purpose. As a result, they may reduce your risk of relapse. A word to the wise: It’s possible to go overboard, becoming so obsessed with a hobby that it starts interfering with the rest of your life. For example, you might spend so much time on a hobby that you slack off at work or neglect your family and friends. Or you might spend so much money on your hobby that you get into a financial bind. As with so many things in life, moderation is important.
Sober and Bored – Where to Find Enjoyment
Having fun in recovery may not come naturally right at first, but it won’t take long before you begin enjoying yourself, finding pleasure and fun in a variety of places. If you’re not sure how to go about having fun in recovery, consider the ways you used to have fun before you began using drugs or alcohol. Those activities may be worth a revisit.
Finding new hobbies is another way to ensure you’re having fun in recovery. What kinds of activities have you always thought you might enjoy? Now is the time to give them a try. You can also find out what your sober friends are into, and join them in their hobbies. Maybe you’ll discover a love for kayaking, or photography, or baking or sports.
Hobbies to Strengthen Your Sobriety
The reality is there are plenty of exciting things you can do with this newly available free time. Here are helpful hobbies that are not only fun, but that can also strengthen your sobriety and help you fight sober and bored as well.
Active Activities
The great thing about hobbies that involve physical activity is that they improve your level of fitness and general health – they also help to keep your weight under control. If you are not active in recovery, it can soon lead to symptoms of depression, low energy levels, obesity, illness, and a reduced life expectancy. Here are some of the active hobbies you might want to try now that you are sober:
Walking is suitable for almost everyone and can improve your mood while reducing your risk of asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke – it is recommended that you walk 10,000 steps a day to enjoy these benefits.
Running is an easy activity to take up because all you really need is a decent pair of trainers.
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise because it involves so many muscles while not putting pressure on the joints.
Cycling is a nice way to explore the surroundings while keeping fit.
Joining a gym offers an opportunity to socialize as well as improve fitness.
Relaxation Hobbies
The inability to manage stress can be a real problem for those in early recovery. Relaxation hobbies offer a great way to unwind and improve your ability to deal with stress in the future. Some of the most popular activities in this category include:
Mindfulness meditation does not only improve the ability to handle stress, but it has also been shown to be a powerful tool for dealing with addiction cravings
Tai chi is a type of moving meditation as well as a martial art – it is perfect for those who do not like the idea of sitting down to meditate
Yoga involves graceful stretches that improve health and help combat stress
Minimalism is a way of life as well as a hobby. The idea is that reducing possessions simplifies life, thus reducing stress.
Journal writing is an excellent way to let off some steam and feel more in control of life.
Do volunteer work. There are many organizations that can use a helping hand. Visit VolunteerMatch.org to find organizations seeking volunteers. Type in a few words in the search box about your interests or choose from the categories listed on the website (Animals, Arts and Culture, Computers and Technology, Education and Literacy, Environment, Faith-based, Sports, etc.) You have the option of choosing between volunteering at a local organization or virtually.
Mentally Stimulating Hobbies
Solve a puzzle. Mentally stimulating hobbies — such as solving crossword or Sudoku puzzles, playing chess or cards, reading or writing — help keep your mind sharp at any age. As you get older, research suggests that such hobbies may help protect your brain against cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Open a sketchbook. Drawing, painting, sculpting and other visual arts offer a way to express feelings that might be difficult to put into words. Having an outlet for self-expression may ease stress and anxiety.
Study a new language. Pick up language-training CDs at the local library or look for free websites and apps that can help you learn a foreign language. If you have already had some language training, you may want to start with something you are familiar with and build on it. Once you have gained some skill with a second (or subsequent) language, you can look at adding another one.
Skill classes. Many people don’t realize they have untapped creativity waiting to be released, and art isn’t limited to paint and canvas. Cooking, crafting, woodworking, leather making, pottery, car restoration – the options are limitless!
Brainstorming Ideas and Questions To Ask
What did you enjoy before your addiction?
Are there any activities you abandoned that could bring you joy?
Are there any activities you always wanted to try?
What were your childhood interests? What made you stop?
Do you have any role models? Why do you look up to that person?
Use the internet to research new hobbies
Ask friends and families what their hobbies are.
Are there any local classes you are interested in?
Could you volunteer your time for a good cause
Forget Sober and Bored – Have Fun and Enjoy Your Long Term Recovery!
Having fun in recovery reduces your risk of relapse. With these helpful tips you can beat sober and bored. The important thing is to stay open-minded and maintain a positive attitude. Give activities a chance, and give yourself a chance to have fun doing them. Eventually, you won’t feel that you need to drink or use drugs in order to have fun or enhance your fun. You may even begin to wonder if the “fun” you had while you were under the influence was really fun at all.
The social pressure surrounding drinking is a prevalent aspect of modern society. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a night out with friends, alcohol often takes center stage. However, if you choose not to drink, it’s crucial to know what to say when someone asks why you’re not drinking. Having a well-prepared answer is essential for asserting your decision, navigating social situations smoothly, and prioritizing your well-being. Understanding the social pressure of drinking and the significance of knowing what to say empowers you to handle such inquiries confidently and authentically. That is why Harmony Ridge Recovery Center WV has prepared the answers to this particular question. Continue reading →
Recovery from mental health conditions, addiction, and physical illnesses can be a long and challenging process, often requiring a multifaceted approach. While medical treatments and therapies are crucial, the role of emotional wellness in recovery should not be overlooked. EWe will explore the crucial role of emotional wellness in recovery and discuss practical strategies for improvement to support the recovery process. Whether you are currently in recovery or supporting someone who is, understanding the impact of emotional wellness can make a significant difference in the journey to healing. Continue reading →
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a disease that affects people from all walks of life. Experts have tried to pinpoint factors like genetics, sex, race, or socioeconomics that may predispose someone to alcohol addiction. But it has no single cause. Psychological, genetic, and behavioral factors can all contribute to having the disease. One of the major obstacles to recovery from alcohol use disorder is having to deal with cravings for alcohol. Cravings are response patterns that are programmed in people and appear as a result of environmental conditions, changes in mood, stress, or other types of triggers that prime these response patterns. Although sometimes cravings may appear to simply come out of nowhere, they are most often triggered by some environmental situation, feeling, or memory that one has about former alcohol abuse.
From sugar to caffeine to opioids, anyone who has quit an addictive substance understands how tough it is to get through cravings. Knowledge is power, so here’s some basic information on cravings to help you understand what’s happening in your body and mind when the urge to drink, use, smoke, or grab a brownie hits.
Can you see the signs of alcoholism?
Alcohol addiction can be difficult to recognize. Unlike cocaine or heroin, alcohol is widely available and accepted in many cultures. It’s often at the center of social situations and closely linked to celebrations and enjoyment. Drinking is a part of life for many people. When is it common in society, it can be hard to tell the difference between someone who likes to have a few drinks now and then and someone with a real problem.
Some symptoms of alcohol addiction are:
increased quantity or frequency of use
high tolerance for alcohol, or lack of “hangover” symptoms
drinking at inappropriate times, such as first thing in the morning, or in places like church or work
wanting to be where alcohol is present and avoiding situations where there is none
changes in friendships; someone with an alcohol addiction may choose friends who also drink heavily
avoiding contact with loved ones
hiding alcohol, or hiding while drinking
dependence on alcohol to function in everyday life
increased lethargy, depression, or other emotional issues
legal or professional problems such as an arrest or loss of a job
As an addiction tends to get worse over time, it’s important to look for early warning signs. If identified and treated early, someone with an alcohol addiction may be able to avoid major consequences of the disease.
How addictive is alcohol?
Alcohol can be a highly addictive substance, especially when consumed in large amounts within a short period of time. Alcohol addiction develops in several stages. The process of addiction may begin with the first drink, with physical and mental factors that can escalate quickly. Like any other addictive drug, alcohol affects the brain’s chemistry. When a person drinks alcohol, the drug causes their brain to release the neurotransmitters, which are chemicals responsible for signaling (among other things) pleasure and reward. In the brain, alcohol increases the effects of neurotransmitters that slow the body down while also decreasing the effects of neurotransmitters that speed the body up. The combined effect results in many of the intoxicating effects of alcohol.
What are triggers for alcohol cravings?
Triggers and cues are different names for the same type of situation that leads to a priming or activation of a craving in an individual. They can be very personal and subjective in nature, or they can be quite generalized and occur over many individuals. The effects of cues and triggers produce both physical and mental changes that eventually are interpreted as a craving.External triggers are more obvious to recognize and control than internal ones. Alcohol abuse treatment strives to help patients understand the initial warning signs of relapse and acquire healthy coping skills to prevent a possible relapse.
External Triggers
External triggers are objects, places, people, and activities that evoke cravings linked with alcohol use. Patients in recovery can be sheltered from the risks of external triggers by producing strategies to avoid triggers that prompt their prior alcohol use. Patients should also be able to fight their alcohol cravings when they’re in triggering circumstances.
People
People who are closest to the alcoholic could be a cause of cravings that ultimately lead to relapse. It is unsafe for patients in recovery to be around friends and family who are consuming alcohol.
Even peers who refrain from alcohol can be hazardous. Offering alcohol to a former addict could trigger emotions that urge an alcoholic to use again.
Places
High-risk places remind former alcohol abusers of the times they engaged in drinking to get drunk. Driving or walking through areas where alcoholics used to drink may spark a recollection related to alcohol use.
Situations
Those who are at risk of relapse should avoid stressful circumstances that could urge them to start consuming alcohol again. Individuals can find different ways to avoid high-risk situations such as happy hours or events where they previously would hang out and binge drink.
A person can identify the feelings that could trigger a relapse by questioning themselves:
How do I feel before consuming alcohol?
How do I want to think before drinking alcohol?
Within the last week, how did I feel when craving alcohol?
Patients in recovery must be conscious of the internal triggers they struggle with most and have a method ready to seek support.
Dealing With Triggers
Once you are aware of your triggers, you can decide how you want to deal with them. For some triggers the best plan is to avoid them, especially in the beginning. For example, some people find that they need to avoid social gatherings with alcohol.
Other triggers, like stressful life events, cannot be avoided. However, you can take control over unavoidable triggers by anticipating ways to handle them. If you are faced with a trigger that causes a craving you can:
Reach out to a sponsor or other sober support.
Attend a 12-step or other recovery meeting such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Use distraction by changing the scenery or engaging in a hobby.
Avoid stressful situations during an intense craving.
MAT (Medically Assisted Treatments) for Alcohol Cravings
Medication-assisted treatment programs exist to help individuals remain substance-free when entering and throughout recovery. For severe addictions, detoxification is often the first stage of recovery. During a medically supervised detox program, individuals rid their body of substances and prepare for inpatient treatment. This process may involve the use of medications to ease symptoms or help taper off the use of substances. Medically assisted treatments (medications) attempt to address cravings by affecting the actual physical process associated with the craving and then eliminating the strength of the craving in the person. There are numerous medications that have been used to address cravings for alcohol.
Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances in the nation, and many people are high-functioning alcoholics or people who live with heavy alcohol use disorders every day. These people may have been abusing alcohol for years, which makes treatment for alcohol dependence more complicated. Medications can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and ease cravings so a person can remain fully focused on healing and committed to recovery.
What is the outlook for alcoholism and alcohol cravings?
Early treatment of alcoholism is most effective. Addictions that have gone on longer are harder to break. However, long-term addictions can be successfully treated. Friends and family members of people who have an alcohol addiction can benefit from professional support or by joining programs like Al-Anon. Someone with an alcohol addiction who has remained sober for months or years may find themselves drinking again. They may binge drink once or drink for a period of time before getting sober again. But a relapse doesn’t indicate failure. It’s important that the person get back on track and resume treatment. Ultimately, sobriety is the responsibility of the person who has the alcohol addiction. It’s important to not enable destructive behaviors and to maintain appropriate boundaries if the person with the alcohol addiction is still drinking. This can mean cutting off financial assistance or making it difficult for them to fulfill the addiction.
Managing Alcohol Cravings and Addiction with Harmony Ridge Recovery Center
You don’t have to go through recovery alone. Many people who struggle with alcohol addiction find it difficult or impossible to quit without the help or support of others. There are many professionals and support groups designed to get you the help you need. Increase your chance of a full recovery with the help of a dedicated treatment center. Contact our team today to learn more!
‘If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.’ This famous quote by Admiral William H. McRaven can be applied to all aspects of life. But this becomes even more important when we talk about changing the whole structure of someone’s inner world. When your whole universe is in chaos, incorporating little rules into your life can make a huge difference. We at Harmony Ridge Recovery Center WV always highlight the importance of a structured daily routine in recovery.Continue reading →
