Feelings During Early Recovery From Addiction | Alcoholism
Addicts | alcoholics experience a number of common feelings during early recovery from addiction | alcoholism. Learning what they are and that these feelings and emotions are normal during early recovery is important not only for the addict | alcoholic, but for their family members and friends, as well.
Knowing the Common Feelings During Early Recovery from Addiction | Alcoholism Experienced by Addicts | Alcoholics
As you read in my last post, SAMHSA has a new publication available — “The Next Step…Toward a Better Life. It describes the stages of recovery from alcohol and drug abuse and what to expect after leaving detoxification services and offers guidance in adjusting to sobriety just after detox and through long-term recovery; discusses legal issues; and lists resources.
One of the sections in this publication covers common feelings and emotions an addict/alcoholic may have during their first 30 days of sobriety. Here’s what SAMHSA has to say:
Drug and alcohol use mixed up your thinking patterns. Now that you are detoxified, your brain needs time to adjust to life without chemicals. As this happens, you can have feelings that don’t make any sense, such as:
•Feeling like you’ve been asleep for years and can’t handle the simplest situation without “using.”
•Feeling grief in letting go of your use.
•Feeling “stranded” and wonder “what now?”
•Feeling like you lost the friends or family who are still using.
•Feeling that sobriety is like punishment or being deprived.
•Feeling strange during ordinary activities because you have forgotten how to do things sober.
•Pain from other problems can suddenly resurface.
•You can have trouble thinking clearly.
•You might struggle with anxiety or depression.
•You might feel overwhelmed.
•You might “space out.”
•Impulsive behaviors can pose a challenge.
•Your emotions can run to extremes with anger, self-pity, hopelessness, or defensiveness.
•It might be difficult to remember things.
•It can be difficult to commit to things.
•Your physical coordination might not work as well.
•You might have trouble sleeping.
•You might constantly stress about every aspect of life.
•You might feel numb or “drugged” with emotions—depression, anger, helplessness—just like when you were using.
And What To About About Them
SAMHSA continues in this booklet, writing, “These emotions mean your brain is recovering now that the alcohol or drugs are gone. During this time:
•Don’t expect too much of yourself. Your physical coordination and ability to concentrate won’t work as well for a while.
•Try to avoid doing things that could make you feel worse, like eating junk food or drinking coffee.
•Find humor in situations instead of feeling sorry for yourself.
•Remind yourself that your emotional state will get better soon if you stay sober.
•Get as much sleep as possible. Don’t worry too much about sleep disturbances. You will sleep better soon.
•Eat well, including healthy snacks if you are hungry.
•Take vitamins to restore needed nutrition.
Lisa Frederiksen
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