How to Deal with Dangerous Emotions in Recovery

While it’s normal to feel a variety of emotions especially in early recovery, it is how you cope with them that tests your mettle. How to deal with these dangerous emotions in recovery can mean the difference between relapse and long-term recovery.

As we have discussed in our previous post, there are a number of dangerous emotions in recovery that can jeopardize your sobriety. These emotions are:

• Boredom
• Loneliness
• Anger
• Resentment
• Fear
• Disappointment
• Guilt
• Excessive joy

Still, there are many things that you can do to make it easier for you to deal with these emotions. As you learn to cope with them, you will find that in time, the going gets easier and you are better able to handle whatever comes your way.

Here are ways on how to deal with dangerous emotions in recovery:

• Learn lifeskills and healthy coping strategies to better handle these negative emotions.
• Practice mindfulness meditation. By acknowledging your emotions and being mindful about what caused them and how you can be on top of them, you will learn not to be overwhelmed by them.
• Keep track of your emotions. By journaling your recovery journey, you can be more in touch with your emotions. Often, you may even find that what overwhelms or devastates you is not that big a deal at all after writing it down on paper. You can also look back on your previous writing and see that these emotions just come and go.
• Have therapy sessions so that you can get to the bottom of these negative emotions.
• Have a support group where you can find belongingness in. This can help you air out your emotions in an environment that is positive and supportive.

What to do when you emotionally relapsed?

Emotional relapse is the first stage of relapse when you are unable to manage these negative emotions in your recovery. This kind of relapse can be very subtle and can creep in without you even knowing it. Here, although you are not yet thinking about using, you are already setting yourself up down that path.

How to Avoid Emotional Relapse:

• Increased awareness. This is when a support group is helpful as they can provide positive and healthy feedback especially when you are feeling isolated, anxious, angry, irritable, or bored. You can also welcome the help of your family member such as your spouse to provide you constructive criticism to keep your emotions and attitudes in check.
• Take action immediately. Chances are, when you are getting into an emotional relapse, you may not be able to tell it but other people around you can. Take criticism positively. At the same time, be objective with yourself. If you feel irritable and tired, relax and get more sleep. If you feel lonely or isolated, interact with other people or find a hobby to consume your time. Treat your symptoms. After all, you’re the only one who can help you in the end.
• Live a balanced, positive life. As emotional relapse can come at you in all directions, it’s important to live a healthy, balanced, positive life. Have a holistic approach in your recovery while at the same time keeping your “defenses” up and continuing to be in tune with your emotions.
  A few examples of having a holistic life to counter emotional relapse are exercise, meditation, having a routine, and keeping an attitude of gratitude.

If you or someone you know is about to go on an emotional relapse, take immediate action and approach it in a healthy, positive way. If you or someone you know, however, has already relapsed, then please, seek help for them before it spirals down towards addiction once again. Call or text us through our confidential hotline: 09175098826.