Addiction – Page 2 – Cindy Athey, MS, MCAP, SAP

Achieving Financial Stability in Recovery

Addiction, Alcohol Use, Substance Abuse / September 30, 2020

Recovery from an addiction can be tough at times, especially to the wallet. Financial stability can feel like a far-off lofty dream, but it can happen.

I know you have overdue bills, owe people money from back in the day when you were borrowing it to buy alcohol or drugs and then there are the treatment expenses.

I wanted to give a few suggestions to help you see the light at the end of this type of bleak tunnel because as you take small steps towards it that light will get brighter & brighter.

4 tips to get your finances headed back on track

Make a list of what is coming in & going out

I know it is depressing & really who in early recovery wants to look at that list. I get it but I know it feels better to know where you stand than continue to be in denial. You can look at the exact spot that you are in & then come up with a strategy to get out of it.

A strong recovery is about all things mind, body & soul. If your mind is cluttered with money worries, well then it’s more difficult to build a strong foundation when making significant changes.

Identify the needs & the wants

A basic need is just that something that you must have to survive like a roof over your head, electricity, food, treatment/counseling expenses, 12 step meeting contributions and transportation. These are necessities.

The wants are things that make life a bit easier such as eating out, internet, Netflix and even a cell phone. I know you are probably thinking I must have a cell phone. Yes, it is very handy to have but look at your phone is it a new one? Can you find a cheaper version at Walmart or Metro PCS? May not be the ideal one you want for now, but it will do until you get back on your feet financially.

Write this out as a list of all expenses. You can even add any outstanding debts you may owe as well.

Figure out a plan

Now we have our list & you can see what you can cut from it. If your living outside of your means, which is your bills are more than your income then you need to consider either finding a higher paying job or cutting expenses.

Here’s a quick list to look at

Can you downgrade or disconnect your internet, phone or streaming plans?
How often do you eat out?
Do you smoke cigarettes?
Would working a second job for a short time be helpful?

These are questions to ask. If you are feeling depressed right now, take a deep breath & remember you are getting this back on track. You start seeing it turn around pretty quick, hang in there. It’s all baby steps.

Start making those baby steps

Let’s say you can meet your basic needs which is awesome. Now list your wants by priority of what you really want in your life. Add in what you can afford. If you can start to pay off a debt, even with $10 or $20 a week or month, do it. You will feel better. Remember you are starting to take responsibility & by doing so will make you feel more empowered.

Looking at debt is never fun. I know I’ve been there but if you take some basic temporary baby steps, you can start to see the situation turn around. Recovery from drugs and alcohol is possible but so is financial recovery.

If you feel like you don’t know where to start, reach out & schedule your free 20 minute recovery strategy call to help you come up with a plan to put this behind you. Click the book a call link on the side of this page.

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How to Tell If You Need a Counselor for an Addiction

Addiction, Finding a Counselor / September 14, 2020

During the past few months, everyone has been under a great deal of stress. It has been difficult to manage and substance abuse is on the rise.

Sometimes people are fearful to reach out for help or unsure what they need to do to change the situation. I wanted to write about some signs that indicate counseling may be helpful.

Signs Addiction Counseling May Be Helpful to You

You are drinking or abusing substances more than 3 times per week.
When you drink, you have difficulties stopping once you start.
You keep running out of your prescription early.
Your friends or family are talking to you about it & many times it is causing arguments.
You know deep down it’s a problem but am not sure how to change.

Benefits of Addiction Counseling

You will feel relief
You will feel understood
You will start to feel better physically and mentally
You will learn skills to stay sober and clean
You will create a plan to minimize relapses

How to Search for a Counselor or Therapist who Specializes in Addiction

You can search with google or Psychology Today by the substance you are having issues with. You can narrow the search on Psychology Today by picking the problem you would like help with as well as the zip code, insurance, etc. Be specific and look for a counselor that specializes in addiction.

I say this as there have been many advancements in the treatment of addictions. It is a brain disease. Substance abuse changes the brain chemistry. There are various medications that can help eliminate cravings, urges and eliminate withdrawal effects.

A counselor who specializes in addictions will be knowledgeable of these options and have connections in the addiction treatment community to link/refer you to a higher level of care if it is needed.

3 Questions to Ask the Counselor When You Call

Do you specialize in treatment of substance abuse or addictions?
Do you have a state certification for addiction counseling? (it is a specialization/additional certification that just a traditional therapist)
Will they see you if you are taking medications for addiction? (like Vivitrol, Suboxone or Methadone) Some counselors do not see the benefits of medicated assisted treatment in the treatment of addiction. They prefer a client to not be on these medications.

So as you can see if you feel like you are struggling to reduce your drinking or using pills, addiction counseling can help.

Isn’t it time to start feeling better and less ashamed? If you feel like it is, reach out and book a free 20 minute session by clicking the button below.

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Drugs & Alcohol: Red Flags to Notice

Addiction, Alcohol Use, Substance Abuse / August 6, 2020

drug & alcohol use is on the rise during covid — Identifying red flags can help you determine if drugs & alcohol use are a problem in your life

We have all been dealing with the pandemic and some people have managed to cope with it better than others. Drugs & alcohol use are up according to latest numbers. Not good news I know.

I wanted to write a quick article about how you can quickly decide if you have an issue with substances.

I meet with clients and can immediately spot if they have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, drugs or food. Mainly any type of compulsive behavior but for the nature of this blog post we will focus on those 3. So what do these people say that causes my red flag to go up?

Thinking errors or cognitive distortions as we call them in the field come up in the initial conversation. A thinking error is just that a distorted view of life or reality in some way.

Red Flags

For example, people will minimize the issue (thinking error). They will say things like “I don’t drink that much”. Another one is “I take my pills as prescribed but yeah, sometimes I run out of my prescription early”.

However, it is in congruent with what the reality is. The person could have just been arrested for a DUI or had to try to get a refill early. It really is an issue in their life that they are minimizing or in denial.

Another red flag is when a person reports drinking or using a substance daily to cover up some problem. The person says they don’t want to think about or perhaps “numb out” so they don’t feel. That’s a problem with whatever you are using to cope.

There are lots of red flags that can indicate a substance use disorder. The main thing is if you think it’s a problem or feel shame the day after then it’s a problem.

How to Change It

Counseling can help you learn healthy ways to cope with stress especially during this time in our country. It can help you get to the root of the issue of why you abuse substances. Counseling can help you come up with strategies to put into place that work for you. It can help you reduce or stop abusing the substance.

If you feel this may be you, reach out by scheduling a free 15 min phone or online zoom session . The free session is used to discuss if counseling might be right fit for you.

Interested in learning more about Cindy, go to the FAQ page

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Staying Sober During Holiday BBQ’s

Alcohol Use, Relapse Prevention, Substance Abuse / June 29, 2020

Staying sober with a plan is key — Holiday BBQ’s can increase your risk of relapse. But don’t worry – staying sober can happen with a plan.

Staying sober during holiday get togethers can be difficult. The 4^th of July is coming up in a week. Holiday BBQ’s are typically filled with hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad & of course, cold refreshments (beer, wine & perhaps red, white & blue jello shots).

So it can increase your risk of relapse. There’s some good news of course in that if you have a plan for those types of events, it is way easier to keep your recovery in check.

Here are a few tips to help you with creating that plan

Stay close to the sober people

Not everyone will be drinking. The people that are the drinkers typically stay together. However, let’s say everyone is drinking (worst case scenario) nominate yourself to be the DD (designated driver) & let the host know that ahead of time.

The host of the party & drinkers will appreciate that you are acting responsibly to make sure they get home safely.

Practice your excuse before the event

Everyone does not need to know all of your business unless you want them to. Sometimes it can lower your self-esteem & increase your feelings of shame. Drug and alcohol problems have people feeling so much shame. Let go of that and decide ahead of time (key point- figure this out ahead of time) what you will say.

You can always role play this with a loved one. I guarantee there is someone in your corner that wants you to stay sober and if not, give me a call. It’s free and I would love to help you figure this out.

Some examples of excuses that work & people typically won’t question (& if they do, ignore them & stand your ground)

“I don’t drink”

“My doctor said I can’t drink”

“I have to drive”

“I’m on a 30 day no alcohol cleanse”

“I’m the DD for the evening”

Do Not Feel Guilty about Staying Sober

I know if you tell them no, they might continue to put the pressure on and make you feel like you are the fun sucker of the party. Stand fast friend. Your sobriety is the number 1 important thing in this and not a random BBQ that happens every year.

The Big Picture

Look at the big picture & if you are reading this, I know you know that alcohol is a problem in your life. Take a moment & imagine how good you are going to feel when you wake up the day after the BBQ with no shame. What a win….you stayed sober. It’s an awesome feeling & this whole deal gets easier with time. Trust me it does with practice.

If you are struggling and worried about staying sober at the upcoming 4^th of July festivities, please reach out and schedule your free 15 min phone consultation so we can talk about ways to help you stay sober.

Schedule Free Phone Consultation

Let’s talk about it so you can enjoy yourself on this Independence Day because you know what you are breaking free from alcohol. Talk about freedom!

Here is where you can find more information about alcohol counseling

Staying Sober at BBQ's — Tips to Staying Sober at BBQ’s

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Drug & Alcohol Treatment – What Level Do You Need?

Addiction, Alcohol Use, Relapse Prevention, Substance Abuse / June 22, 2020

Start your road to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction — Ready to start your road to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction?

Drug and alcohol treatment can vary based on what type of level of care is needed. This will give a general breakdown of the various types. Some of the ones we will discuss are: Medical Detox, Residential Treatment, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient services.

Medical Detox

This type of treatment is considered the highest level of care. It provides medical monitoring by a physician for the client 24 hours per day.

Length of stay is dependent on many different variables such as substances used, tolerance level, addiction severity and health issues. An average stay is up to a week.

Residential Treatment

Once medically cleared from the detox, many times clients continue their recovery in a residential treatment program. As the name implies, the client will live at the program. These programs vary in length as well.

Many are 28-30 days but others can last up to 6-18 months. These programs provide individual and family counseling, 12 step meetings and group therapy.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

These programs are outpatient in which the client resides at home and attends the program typically between 3-5 days per week during the day. The programs generally include individual and group therapy.

Outpatient Therapy

Once a client has completed residential treatment or IOP part of their discharge plan is continued counseling in an outpatient setting. This therapy will occur in a counselor’s office.

These sessions are held individually with a counselor to help the client learn and implement coping skills in their life to maintain sobriety.

Still Not Sure What Level of Treatment You Need?

If you are still unsure what level of drug & alcohol treatment is most appropriate for you, talk to an expert. Schedule your Free Consultation so we can discuss this and see what is the best avenue for you.

Schedule Free Consultation

To find out more info about Cindy Athey, alcohol & drug abuse therapist in Clearwater, check out the About Me page or click here to go to my LinkedIn Profile page

FAQ’s for new clients

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Why HALT Is Important to Your Recovery

Addiction, Alcohol Use, Substance Abuse / June 8, 2020

The 12 step groups have wonderful acronyms and short sayings to help you along in your recovery. You may be aware of the important HALT acronym but I get this question a lot in from clients so I felt I would explain it for folks who are not involved in 12 step groups as it is very helpful to your recovery.

The H.A.L.T. acronym is especially important to any successful recovery from substance abuse or any mental health disorder like anxiety, depression or eating disorders. It stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired.

The premise is if you are any of these states you are increasing your risk of relapse or coping with these states in an unhealthy way. The remedy to strengthen your recovery is not to be in these states.

Let’s break these down

HALT — Ask yourself these questions to help identify
any problems in your recovery

Hungry

Ever been so busy running around & slipped with nourishing your body with healthy foods? Yes, we all have, and it is hard to cope with stress when we have not been adding the right type of “fuel” to our machine. A major part of recovery has to do with the brain, so it is especially important to eat healthy foods on a regular basis.

Tip: Focus on eating regularly throughout the day and mostly healthy foods. Make sure you are drinking enough water.

Angry

We all get angry from time to time. However, many times people respond in anger quickly and do not stop and think when they experience it. This can increase the risk of relapse. You ask how?

Let’s look at this scenario. You get angry with your boss, get home from work and say “What a day! I need a drink”. Yep, it can happen that easily.

Tip: Stop and think when you become angry. Lots of times anger is due to something else. By stopping and thinking you can identify what is the underlying thing that is really making you mad. The example above could be that the person doesn’t like their job because they are not being treated with respect or it isn’t what they really want to be doing.

Lonely

Loneliness is a feeling that is not fun. Lots of time when people enter recovery, they feel lonely. All their “friends” are typically unhealthy. There is a lack of boundaries and once a person starts setting boundaries, they lose those connections.

People don’t like to be alone but can learn that’s it is healthy sometimes to be by yourself. You can work on you during those down times.

Tip: Embrace the alone time and focus on self care. Focus on learning more about yourself and how to make healthy supportive friendships.

Tired

When people are struggling in their recovery from drugs and alcohol or with other issues, they typically are not sleeping well. Insomnia can be an issue. When you become over tired, it is really hard to cope with stress in a healthy way.

Tip: Examine your sleep routine. Try some yoga or meditation before bedtime. Listen to a guided meditation to help you fall asleep.

If you find that you are struggling in your recovery and need some help creating a plan to get it back on track and avoid the states of HALT, click the link now to book your free 15 min recovery strategy call.

Why HALT is so important to your recovery

To learn more about me, check out my LinkedIn profile

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How to Tell if You Have a Drinking or Alcohol Use Problem

Addiction, Alcohol Use, Relapse Prevention, Substance Abuse / May 19, 2020

Drinking or alcohol use has risen during the pandemic and so have issues with it. One question I am asked quite frequently is to help people figure out if they have an alcohol problem. I decided to write about how you can decide for yourself if alcohol has become a problem in your life.

There is no shame in determining if this is a problem so just let that feeling go and sit by yourself and look at this.

It’s so important to let go of denial and really look at your life.

Also important side note before we go deeper in this topic: these are general indicators suggesting that you may have an issue with alcohol & not an alcohol use disorder diagnosis. There’s generally more involved in officially assessing a person for a substance use disorder. So speak to a professional or medical provider about this.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1) How much & how often am I drinking?

If you are drinking daily that’s a problem and I’m including “Mommy Wine Time” in this.

Here is why I say that. We are creatures of habit. Just think about it. I typically always buy certain brands of food, toothpaste, jeans, etc… I pretty much stick to the same schedule each day (getting up at the same time & going to bed around the same time). If I start drinking daily, at some point it will become a habit or my stress management go-to.

For me, one drink will equal more like too many so I don’t drink. I’ve figured this out. If that’s you and you find more times than not the 1-2 recommended drinks turn into way more or maybe a bottle of wine, it’s a problem.

2) Do you have times when you can’t remember what has happened when you have been drinking?

When a person can still talk, walk or stagger and not remember what they did or what they said to others, this is a blackout. The BAC (blood alcohol concentration) increased too quickly and the brain basically shuts down to just managing essential body functions. Research has shown that short term memories are not being made. I think that is really scary in its own right.

3) Has your drinking caused problems in your relationships, finances, work or daily life?

Are other people in your life asking you to cut down on your drinking? This is a clear-cut sign that alcohol has become an issue. If you call off to work more than you go or perhaps when you are there you feel sick from being hungover, that is a clear sign as well that alcohol is a problem in your life. If your finances are all over the place and you are missing money after a night out, well you know the answer. Alcohol is a problem

4) Are there substance abuse issues in your family history?

Look at your parents, grandparents, siblings and cousins and see if there is a substance abuse history there. If there is, that increases your risk of having a substance abuse issue in your life.

5) Do you feel shame, embarrassment, anxiety or depression after you have been drinking?

Here’s the thing, if you feel these feelings chances are you already know it’s a problem in your life. Alcohol is a depressant so it’s very nature will make you feel more depressed. However, shame tells the tale and no one likes to feel that.

6) Is drinking working for you?

An important thing to finally look at is how is alcohol working for you in your life. If it’s causing issues, it’s not working. Just looking at it to see if it’s worth the hassle is recommended.

Alcohol does not relieve anxiety and stress. Yes, it feels relaxing initially but at some point you go over that “I drank too much” cliff and then it actually increases anxiety and stress.

Decided You May Need Some Help With This?

If you notice after looking at these questions that you may have difficulties with drinking, treatment is helpful. There are different types of treatment such as inpatient, outpatient, individual and group therapy. The good news is that treatment is not uniform and it is tailored specifically to your situation. Essentially not everyone needs rehab.

Most important is to remember an alcohol problem is not a personal failing in you. It is indicative of a deeper problem that needs worked on.

Those types of issues could be low self-esteem, previous trauma, codependency, anger and the list can go on. It’s always best to talk with a professional to figure that out. They will be able to help you come up with a treatment plan that will work for you.

Also if you drink daily and a great quantity, talk to your medical professional prior to stopping. Unfortunately at some point alcohol abuse becomes a chronic physical health issue. Your medical provider will be able to assess where you are at with that.

If you need assistance figuring out the next step schedule your free 15 minute recovery strategy call. The call will help you determine your next step in your recovery journey.

Click this link & you will be taken to the book a session page

Book Your Free 15 Min Recovery Strategy Call

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Addiction Relapse Again…. Now What?

Addiction, Relapse Prevention, Substance Abuse / May 6, 2020

I was thinking about all the people who had an addiction relapse yesterday on Cinco de Mayo AKA Cinco de Drinko and are feeling bad about themselves today. And if you are one of those people who are reading this right now I wanted to give you encouragement that you can beat this. Substance abuse is not an easy mountain to climb but you know what you can do it.

(a little bit of self-disclosure here) I am a former binge drinker. Yeah I know hard to believe right? Well I personally know how you are feeling this morning. I know you feel like you screwed up yet again. I understand and have felt the embarrassment, the shame, the “WTF seriously you know better” thoughts you are feeling.

So I thought I would give you a few tips/encouragement on how to shake off those crappy, self-defeated thoughts while you are recovering from yesterday’s relapse.

I want you to know this:

Addiction relapse can happen when you do not have healthy strategies in place.

The risk increases when you let your guard down and are missing meetings, counseling sessions or working on improving yourself because you are too busy.

Relapses happen when you have not changed the toxic, unhealthy people in your life. I know some of these people are family members and may take a little extra skill set to deal with that but totally can be done.

I know setting and sticking to boundaries sucks at first. It’s scary. If you do stick to boundaries (personal standards/rules) and eliminate those toxic people in your life, recovery is way easier.

If you are not actively working on your recovery, you are actively working towards your next addiction relapse. (READ THAT AGAIN)

It is an important statement and truth.

I speak to people who relapse over and over again. Shoot I was there for a bit in their shoes years ago. I know it sucks but the common thread is they have not changed their behaviors and mindsets. They have failed to address the root of the problem.

Addiction is not the root of the problem. Addiction is the ineffective coping strategy used to cover up the problem, whatever it may be.

Counseling helps get to the root of that problem, process those feelings and helps you learn healthy strategies to put into place so that an addiction relapse becomes a thing of the past.

I know for a fact you can put substance abuse in your past because I have done that. Do I ever say….Cindy you will never drink again. Nope because I feel that is setting myself up for failure.

Here’s an example of why I say that….. I love chocolate cake. If I say to myself, you will never eat chocolate cake again because it’s too fattening. Guess what, I will more than likely really want chocolate cake because my mind will be tricked into thinking I am missing out on something delicious.

Same goes for alcohol in my book. I give myself the choice. When that choice presents itself & it does on occasion, I am confident that I am not going to drink. I know the dark road it leads down and I am at a place in my life that I will not put myself through that pain and suffering again. My relationship with alcohol is over. Essentially I kicked it to the curb and realize it doesn’t work for me. You can get to that spot too.

The 12 step meetings say play the tape out. So if I play the tape out, one drink leads to too many and I end up throwing up, passing out and waking up not remembering what I did and what I said to whom. I know when I wake up I will feel like shit, mentally and physically. So I chose not to drink.

I chose to surround myself with healthy people who are not power drinkers. I chose to cope with feelings in healthier ways like reading, napping, playing with the dog, meditation or talking to healthy friends.

So if you relapsed yesterday, that’s ok. Sit with yourself today, let go of the shame and think about what actions you can take to start back on your road to recovery.

It is a journey and with any journey there may be ups and downs. This substance abuse/addiction journey you are on can end successfully in recovery. Right now you have hit a down spot but I know you can turn it around.

If you are struggling and unsure of what step to take to get back on track, please click the link here to schedule a free 15 min recovery strategy call. Let’s talk about what is the next step for you to take on your recovery journey.

Want to learn more about me, check out my LinkedIn profile

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A Letter to You About Online Counseling

Addiction, Finding a Counselor, Relapse Prevention, Substance Abuse / April 24, 2020

I wrote you a letter to discuss the benefits of online counseling during the pandemic & why it’s super important for you to reach out.

Dear Reader,

I wanted to write a quick letter to you to alleviate any fears you may have about starting online counseling. I am an addiction counselor in Clearwater and as you know, trying to cope with the pandemic as well.

Our world has changed significantly in the past month. Counseling has turned to online or phone sessions. Counselors like me understand that many are fearful of trying this new format, who likes change anyways. I wanted to write a short letter to help alleviate any concerns you may have.

Telehealth also known as online counseling has been around for a while. It has been under-utilized but now has been placed in the forefront as the way to get counseling. Counselors are not in their offices right now and working from home.

Getting Started with Online Counseling

I wanted to give some basic information about how to get started with teletherapy. Actually it is very easy. Your counselor will email or text you an invite or link to the telehealth platform they are using such as Zoom or Doxy. These platforms are HIPPA compliant and secure.

I know you have read in the press lately about Zoom having issues with a breech in security. I am happy to report they initiated a password for each provider to use for sessions which has minimized the issue. To be honest, I guess I was one of the lucky ones because I never had a session compromised.

Once you connect the session by clicking the link or invite, you will see your therapist on the other end. It’s super easy. I recommend clients wear headphones or ear buds as it helps keep the conversation confidential, more focused, and easier to hear.

Tips for Online Counseling

I also recommend clients find a quiet place to talk. With kids home from school, that may mean taking a break talking in the car, sitting outside or in a quiet location inside the home while they play their video games or watch one of their shows.

Why Counseling is Important Right Now

Counseling is especially important at a time like this. We are all in the midst of experiencing something new, Covid-19 and stay at home orders. We have lost our normal and are trying to cope and adjust. Some people handle change easily and others struggle with it.

This time has caused an amplification of different types of stress such as financial stress if you have lost your job, family stress like all of sudden becoming the full time teacher/parent or loss of freedom to go where you want to with who you would like to as well as work stress if you are an essential worker.

This stress can increase feelings of grief/loss, anxiety, depression, anger and that is totally ok. However, learning to cope with those feelings in a healthy way is very important to your mental health. We are all in the same boat. Taking it one day or news conference at a time.

Online counseling is one of those tools that can help you learn to put healthy coping skills into place to help manage your symptoms and reduce conflicts in the home and reduce the risk of relapses to use of alcohol and drugs to self-medicate.

Counseling is a safe place to discuss how you are feeling because at times it can be difficult to discuss with family members because it just adds additional stress which will cause conflicts. Remember your family is going through this collective trauma as well.

How to Find an Online Counselor

So to wrap this up, I hope this letter finds you well and if you are struggling, please reach out to a counselor to help you. Many are accepting new clients. You can find them in a directory like Psychology Today.

When you go to Psychology Today, each counselor was asked to indicate how they were offering their services during the pandemic. It’s on their profile. Many indicate telehealth only at this time, accepting new clients or sliding fees so just check it out.

Or if you already have a counselor, please reach out to them to schedule a session. Many are offering sliding scales or shorter sessions to help with the financial aspect of counseling during the pandemic.

Also if you want to talk about this or having any questions please reach out to me here and book a free 15 min phone consultation. You are under no obligation to book a session but I can help you by answering any questions you may have.

Wishing you peace & serenity,

Cindy

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Why Recovery Feels Harder Right Now

Addiction, Relapse Prevention, Substance Abuse / April 15, 2020

Why recovery feels harder during the pandemic — Why recovery feels harder right now during covid-19

Covid-19 has been such a sad and awful game changer to our lives this past month. Here in Clearwater I’m on week 4 of the Stay at Home order. Due to the increase in feeling anxious, stressed and depressed, it has been more difficult for people to stay clean and sober. I have been getting more calls about helping people who are struggling with recovery.

I wanted to share my thoughts about this. Mainly in the hopes of helping someone who is struggling (TBH we all are 😉 ). If you look at our typical everyday life pre-covid, it was running around from task to task. These could be kids, school, work, household duties, cooking and now all of sudden that has all changed or stopped.

Most people do not like change and have a difficult time accepting it. Therefore, an increase in negative thoughts like worry, doubt or depression tends to occur.

Here’s the reason why your early recovery is feeling harder

Most people with substance abuse issues never really “deal” with their feelings. Addicts & alcoholics numb it out or block it out by being drunk or high.

For example, if you are drunk or high chances are, you will not be too worried about the situation because you are feeling good at the moment. However, at some point the floor drops out and you are left struggling with increased feelings of depression, anxiety or shame. A crappy trifecta.

Most times when people are in an active addiction, they are not used to being by themselves feeling real feelings. Those feelings and previous traumas have been suppressed for a long time.

Part of recovery is embracing that alone time to work on you. Sometimes this can mean reaching out for help from professionals. Typically self-esteem is low right now. Struggling to improve that can feel like a huge mountain to climb. However, reframing your thoughts or looking at them in a different way is helpful.

Let me show you what I mean about reframing a thought:

Some examples may be:

Just reading this blog post means you are further along in your recovery than people that are drunk or high right now.
Being drunk or high all the time is not working for you.
You are brave to even start to look at this part of yourself.
You are learning about addiction and well on your way to overcoming it and moving on in a healthier way of life (that serenity they talk about 😊 ).

Those are 4 quick examples that I thought of just sitting here that can help you raise your self-esteem. You know why because they are true and facts. Feelings are not facts. We are not looking at feelings right now only facts. I’m sure you can think of some more as well. I recommend people write the facts down & hang them up where they can see.

Recovery is based out of truth.

The truth is we know you have a problem or you would not be reading this. The truth is there are tons of people that get clean & sober and stay clean & sober. Another truth is the past can never be changed no matter how much we want to change it.

It can be initially hard to look at. However if not looked at, the problem it will continue to go down a dark road and who wants that??? Not me, so to change that.

I had to get comfortable being uncomfortable with myself. I had to learn to become comfortable with my alone, down time. Easy, nope but I got reconnected with my spiritual side which I don’t typically talk about too often with others as they are either on board or not with that type of thing. However, recovery is an individual process. What has worked for me may not work for you but unless you try you will never know.

Wrap Up

So to wrap this post up let me just add, you can do this. There is no reason why you cannot stay clean and sober. You can learn to like being alone with yourself. You can raise your self-esteem. Those are facts as well because I’ve done them all.

There will no longer be a sick & tired of being sick & tired feeling. A little 12 step saying but you know what they are sooo truly valid to substance abuse or mental health). I say them all the time to myself. BTW there are tons of online 12 step meetings right now. Embrace change, let go of things that once were and enter recovery. You will not regret it.

If you are ready to get started with your recovery journey, click this link to book a session for a free 15 min recovery journey strategy call.

So I guess that is about it for now. Please take care and be safe.

For more information about me, check out my LinkedIn profile

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