Addiction, also known as Substance Use disorder, is a global issue that has been on rise since decades. In fact, Drug and Alcohol Addiction in India has been steadily increasing, with the youth population falling prey to this illness. However, the awareness about this being a mental health issue that can be treated by professional help is also increasing. More and more people are seeking rehabs in India, or outside the country, going to clinics or mental health centers for deaddiction treatment. The idea that addiction is a moral failing or a will power problem is gradually fading, and slowly being replaced by the understanding that it is a psychological issue that needs therapy and learning new life skills.
The Void of Alcohol and Drugs
Individuals who come into recovery, often struggle with the idea of a life of abstinence, believing that life will be boring or monotonous without alcohol or drugs. This is one of biggest blocks that people have when they begin treatment. In addiction, the substance becomes the sole companion of the individual- in good time and in bad, in happy times or low times, in celebrations and major life events. The person’s life revolves around drugs and alcohol, influencing almost every daily decision they make. Hence, when they decide to abstain there is a void that is left, similar to having left a companion behind. When this void is not filled with something meaningful, it manifests in negative ways such as anxiety, depressed mood, emotional disturbance, or simply loss of interest in other areas of life. These issues lead one again down the same path, to the last place of solace for the addict in recovery, which was the substance. A relapse then, becomes inevitable when this void is left to fester and grow.
In this article, we would like to highlight a few simple ways to fill the void left by substances and to enjoy life in recovery.
1. Find a NEW interest or hobby
The brain of a person in recovery from addiction is on starvation. The person’s reward system in the brain is dependent on the drug or alcohol for pleasure. Nothing else seems to give happiness to them, hence the brain is starved of pleasure and reward. Here, when the person finds a new interest or hobby, the system resets and dopamine, the chemical responsible for happiness, begins to have a normal functioning in the brain. The neural pathways for different areas of interest, learning, reward, recreation, pleasure, become active once more. The void felt because of abstinence is filled and life is enjoyable again. It may take some time to find something that peaks one’s interest, but it is important to remember that interest doesn’t just fall into one’s lap. Interest is built overtime. And it is only when recovery is interesting, exciting and pleasurable, that one will stay in recovery. This is one of the most important, also very overlooked areas of recovery that in fact helps the person prevent a relapse and nurture their selves.
2. Connecting with Nature
A lot of us live in cities where we have very little interaction with nature. We have manufactured trees, manicured lawns and pretty flowers in vases and we don’t take any time out to enjoy being on nature. It has been proven time and again in many researches that reconnecting with nature helps one maintain stable mental health, increasing feelings of happiness and peace and regulating one’s moods. It also makes us more present, more mindful, and decreases stress. Taking some time out to walk on grass, getting the early morning sunshine, going bird watching, smelling flowers, meditating on bare ground, are some of the easy ways in which one can reconnect with nature. It may seem boring at first, but slowly you can start enjoying it and realise the innumerable benefits of these simple tasks.
3. Building Bridges with others
Addiction to drugs or alcohol is an isolating illness, in that one constantly pushes others away, or only prefers the company of those who are into substances. People who care for the person are seen as unwanted as they may keep advising the person to stop drinking or using. Meaningful bonds are lost and the person feels disconnected from the world. In recovery, it is important to reconnect with people who are a positive influence in one’s life. It is said that we are the sum of the the six people who we interact with the most. Avoiding those who may influence one or trigger one towards substances and being with those who motivate and share interests with us in important. Being vulnerable, sharing, expressing emotions and doing interesting activities together is the way to build positive relationships in one’s life.
4. Gratitude Journal
Any form of journaling in which one expresses what they are feeling and it helps them process and let go of difficult thoughts and emotions, is a wonderful activity in recovery. Gratitude journal is one such activity, in which we can write down the things, daily events, people that we are thankful for. Gratitude is a way for us to more present, more content with life. We may always have something to complain about and feel dissatisfied with. But we rarely pay attention to the things that are working for us. By paying attention and expressing gratitude we can realise that our lives are abundant and we don’t need substances to complete our lives.
At ZorbaWellness Rehabilitation Center in India, drugs and alcohol addiction is treated along with other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. A holistic approach which treats addiction is implemented. Uplifting ones physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being is the goal of this approach. The idea is to reconnect with our true self, beyond all addictions and mental health issues so that one can unlock their real potential and live life to the fullest. Clients are guided on how to obtain and sustain recovery for long term by engaging in daily activities in their lifestyle that promote mental health. Enjoying recovery is a key area that we focus on for clients. Afterall, if you can’t enjoy recovery, why would stay in recovery?