Mental & Emotional Self Care

I already talked about physical self care in a previous post. Mental and emotional health self care is even more important. Why? Because if you are a person with a substance use disorder then this part of you is very unbalanced and has contributed to your disorder. Sometimes it is the root cause of substance misuse. Since we are body, mind, spirit, all aspects of ourselves must be treated at the same time. This area might need a little more work to become balanced and whole. 

Again, it starts with you...the real you. Not the person you pretend to be at school, work or even home. The real you without any masks. Some people don't really know who they are since they have pretended and used substances for so long. So, the first step is to acknowledge your feelings. This takes time. What you feel is NOT who you are. It is a temporary uncomfortable place. Maybe you are angry or bitter that life dealt you so many difficulties. Maybe you are scared to get help; fear of the unknown. Perhaps you think it means being judged. It could be that you don't like or love yourself. You have self blame and guilt for getting into this situation and having this disorder. Well all that can get better and those feelings can go away! How? First, make the phone call for help. Entire cities are getting together and each agency near you may have a common goal of supporting you, guiding you towards treatment and recovery, and being there for you every step of the way. Gone are the days of going at it alone! Even if your family and friends are not supportive, these agencies are being taught on how to manage your care according to all your specific needs and be your support system. If this is not the case, then find an area that is adopting this type of care. It will be well worth it.

After you start treatment and feel safe and supported, let all those negative feelings melt away. Cry if you need to....it is therapeutic. Then it is time to get to know yourself. Self reflection is needed. Counseling is recommended. In most treatment programs it is mandatory since it is so crucial to success. Also do things on your own such as taking a walk every day and think about yourself: your dislikes, what you like about yourself such as your positive qualities. Think about happy times in your past and what you can do to make happy memories in the future.  Make an appointment for a Reiki session which is energy work that facilitates balancing and healing all aspects of you. Reflect while you paint or do color therapy. Besides walking, it is one of the best activities for self reflection and it can be fun! Work on a jigsaw puzzle. Go out and sit in nature without distractions. Listen to a  guided meditation in a place where you won't be disturbed. Sit in the Sun. Do some gardening or get some houseplants and take care of them (yes talk to them!). Listen to meaningful music. Journal by writing or drawing every day. Join a peer support group. Recovery is successful when you have multiple support sources. Plus you might make a friend or two.

Now that you know yourself a little it is time to love yourself and express who you are. Forgive yourself.  No more self blame!  Do one thing for yourself  EVERY day. It is so important to love yourself and to show yourself that love. Practice positive affirmations every day and say them out loud. Learn a new hobby that always intrigued you. Dance while no on is looking! Hug a pet or a friend and share your love. Watch a comedy and engage in laughter which is very therapeutic. Read a self help or spiritual book. Go out and listen to live music. Join a social club of some sort. There is a social club for every type of interest such as sports, art & culture, photography, book club, dinner & movie, dog walkers, singles, chess, cribbage, billiards, gaming , arts and crafts, etc...

As I said before, it starts with balancing the physical, mental/emotional and spiritual aspects of yourself. All this is needed for a successful recovery.

Here is how we can make a difference!

I went to a conference where virtually every public and community health agency in the area where I live was represented. There is a change in the wording of the common language being used when speaking about "addiction". I want to talk about this and explain some of the reasons why this is being changed.
When you hear the words "addict", "addiction", "drug abuse", it brings a mental image to whoever hears or reads these terms.....for example, the word abuse brings on the image of someone hurting another person. These words, which depict images when heard, influence a person towards being judgmental of that person or group of people. This could affect the quality of healthcare for that judged person. Maybe that person feels judged and won't go for help. That is a terrible thought! We need to stop judging by changing our language when speaking about or with "people with substance use disorder". Doesn't that sound like we are talking about an everyday person with a diagnosis that needs to be treated? Yes! Let's start using these terms:
substance use disorder, person in recovery, drug misuse, actively using, abstinent, not using.
NO more addiction, addict, drug abuse, former addict, clean, dirty. Let's talk about people as if they ARE people, like you, like me. When people who have a substance use disorder talk about themselves, they also should not use the old terms. Why? Because talking about themselves in a negative way presents a negative self image in their own mind. When they say it over and over again, that negative self image is reinforced over and over. That is enough to make anyone depressed, want to hide and numb those negative feelings! So let's help others talk and feel more positive about themselves. It starts with me and you. Together we can make a difference!

Let's talk about Opiate Use & Drug misuse

Takoda says, "Talk LOUD"

Takoda the rescue dog got a second chance at Life...someone you know might not if they misuse opiates, other drugs, or medications so....talk LOUD

Let's talk about
Opiate
Use &
Drug misuse

with your friends, with your kids, with your parents!