A common by-product of addiction is that individuals don’t tend to take very good care of themselves. Yet self-care can be a vital aspect of breaking the cycle of addiction. It also improves an addict’s chances of recovering and finding a sense of balance, wellbeing and peace.
When used in conjunction with professional treatment, self care can be very effective. Here are some things you need to know about practicing self-care as an addict.
What is Addiction?
Addiction has a broader definition than many people believe. It is about not having control over something you do, ingest or use, in a way that could become harmful to you.
The most common addictions relate to drugs, alcohol, smoking or solvents. However, people can also be addicted to gambling, shopping, work, the internet, and many other things.
Becoming addicted to something happens when you enjoy the way that thing makes you feel, and you get a strong feeling to try to get that feeling again. It can become a habit that is difficult to stop. In the case of substances such as drugs and alcohol, the addiction is physical as well as mental.
Addictions can be incredibly disruptive for someone’s life, relationships and work. When alcohol, drugs or solvents are involved, the addiction can have significant health effects and risks too.
What is Self-Care?
Focusing on emotional, physical and mental health, self-care is about recognizing the way you should look after yourself. It is about putting your needs first and finding the things that improve the quality of your life. Ultimately, self-care is about taking action to preserve, improve and protect your health, wellbeing and happiness.
In addiction recovery, self-care helps individuals address inner needs. Focusing on physical and mental health needs is a powerful way to move beyond a life of addiction. Often, self-care in this sense incorporates nutritionally rich eating habits, exercise, good sleep hygiene and relaxation.
Self-Care Ideas for Addicts
The key to practicing self-care as an addict is to recognize that anyone can take steps to improve their emotional, physical and mental health. The key is also for individuals to find what works for them, and what their bodies respond to. Trying different things is part of the process of creating a personalized self-care routine.
Many activities that people find helpful for self-care incorporate elements of relaxation, promoting mental wellbeing, and gentle exercise. For example, some people find peace by going for a walk without taking a cell phone or digital device with them. The fresh air, movement and lack of distractions blend the key pillars of self-care.
Practicing mindfulness is something that is helpful for many people. Being present in the moment and focusing on a simple activity can be one way of practicing mindfulness. Others prefer to listen to a guided mindfulness track on an app, or do yoga followed by guided relaxation. Having a bath or laying on the sofa while solely focusing on your breath is another relaxation technique that can calm the mind.
While some people find a feeling of wellbeing through activities that are specifically designed to be relaxing, others find that being active gives them a sense of equilibrium. Try going for a run or doing a high intensity workout to see if you get a positive reaction from it. ‘Activity’ can also mean writing a to-do list and ticking things off one by one, or listening to a high energy song that makes you happy.
Getting Professional Treatment
Some people decide not to get professional treatment to help with an addiction, preferring to try self-care techniques and other approaches by themselves. However, professional treatment can also be the intervention people need to set them on the right path. Sometimes self-care works best once an individual has embarked on a period of professional treatment.
Addicts often question whether treatment or rehab is the right option for them, or they’re not sure if their problem is severe enough. In fact, people with all levels of addiction are likely to benefit from some form of professional intervention.
When thinking about whether treatment will be beneficial, consider whether the addiction is causing health issues or relationship problems. These are two of the top reasons to seek treatment, as health and relationships can be particularly fragile.
Professionals also say that if an individual is experiencing a lack of control, is not demonstrating responsibility, and is spending a lot of effort trying to get hold of substances – they likely need professional intervention.
Another point worth remembering is that addictions can and do get worse. It is better to get help, recover and learn self-care strategies as early as possible in order to live a happy and healthy life. It’s never too late to get help. Focusing on the problem and disrupting a negative cycle of addiction by going to rehab and getting help from a professional can truly turn things around.