Author Heather King explained the complexity of her struggle with addiction in her published book titled, Parched. She stated:
“I lived always in the future, never in the present. Next time, next time! Next time I drank it would be different, next time it would make me feel good again. And all my efforts were doomed, because already drinking hadn’t made me feel good in years.” ‘
Addiction makes us think that our lives will feel better – that suddenly our entire world will change and our problems will go away; what many find, however, is that the “promise” of alcohol and other drugs only lasts as long as the high. Once the high is gone, reality sets in again. Sobriety can be a difficult to grasp, and it takes time; there are many therapeutic activities that can help ease the process, though.
Sobriety requires change, and certain activities facilitate that change in a number of ways:
- 12-Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) help add structure to recovery while also connecting a person with sobriety leaders and peers who are working towards similar goals
- Holistic practices such as massage therapy, meditation, yoga and more can help align the mind, body and spirit – which can greatly reduce some of the anxiety or depression that a person may be feeling as they navigate their journey to sobriety
- Creative processes such as art therapy, music therapy and drama therapy allow for movement and expression alongside the building of connections with others – which is exactly what those in recovery need to begin adapting to recovery
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Addiction Research and Therapy emphasized the beneficial effects of nutritional therapy for those in recovery. The study noted that coming in from active addiction, it’s normal for people to experience depression, anxiety, memory loss, mood swings and more; nutrition in combination with other treatment activities can make a world of difference for someone anxious to adjust to sobriety.
Cumberland Heights in Murfreesboro Tennessee is a 12-step based outpatient alcohol & drug rehab program. Cumberland Heights’ Intensive Outpatient Program is designed for individuals age 18 and above who may be in the early stages of dependency or are experiencing problems with alcohol or drug use. We believe that each person has a unique story to tell – and that’s why we always put the patient first.
