Addiction and fear: 5 ways to address fear in addiction recovery

Managing fear is an important element of addiction recovery. 5 tips on how to address fear here.

2
minute read

Fear is an addict’s worst enemy

Many people who deal with addiction have a difficult time in managing their fears when they are in recovery. Remember that alcohol and drugs will do nothing in the long run in fixing your problems. It will just make things worse. Managing your fear and anxieties as well as seeking addiction and depression help will take some hard work.   In fact, addiction and psychological treatment are complementary. Be patient, persistent and stay committed in trying to solve your problem.

Here are a few tips on how an addict can manage their fears and cope with anxiety self help while they are trying to get better.

1. Take it “One Day At A Time”

Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or coming month, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. Focus on the present and stop trying to predict what may happen next week. Next week will take care of itself.

2. Manage negative thoughts

A good way to manage your worry is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or anxious, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.

3. Learn from fearful experiences

In every fear related situation you experience, begin to learn what works, what doesn’t work, and what you need to improve on in managing your fears and anxieties. This will give you the confidence to manage your anxiety the next time around.

4. Take it easy and go at your own pace

Be smart in how you deal with your fears and anxieties. Do not try to tackle everything all at once. When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, break the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success. Remember to take things one step at a time and do no more than what you can handle.

5. Use the help that is available

If you have trouble, talk to a member of the clergy, a professional clinical counselor, psychiatrist or psychologist to help deal with fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to cope with your current problem. By talking to a professional, you help yourself in the long run ly learning techniques and behaviors to continue throughout your life. The important thing is to get the proper help by seeing a mental healthprofessional.

About the author
Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/
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