Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida uses a number of verbal and nonverbal programs to help clients cope with the challenges of detox. The skills you learn here give you a strong base for your future rehab and recovery efforts. Since no two people are exactly alike, everyone has a unique journey in terms of the physical, mental, and emotional experiences during detox and beyond.
That’s why it’s extremely important to face your feelings and learn how to deal with them proactively during your stay with us. In this article we’ll answer the question “What are coping skills?” and learn how these skills positively impact your recovery and drug-free living.
What Are Coping Skills?
Sometimes, you may feel strong enough to endure pain and barely flinch. Other times, the simplest things, an unkind word or a disparaging coworker, can throw you off your game. Learning coping skills allows you to channel your thoughts and feelings positively and hold on to sobriety.
Coping skills include self-expression and emotional outlets, such as:
- Artistic outlets
- Journaling and other written therapy
- Helping others
- Recognizing purpose in your life
Other, more specific programs teach you to:
- Set boundaries
- Practice mindfulness
- Work collaboratively with others
- Create a network of friends
What Are Coping Skills that Don’t Require Talking?
Some clients find it easier to express themselves through nonverbal therapies. One-on-one, group, and family sessions may overwhelm them without getting to the root causes of their addiction. If this applies to you, you can seek out nonverbal therapies that help you open up and prepare to share your feelings.
Sometimes, a pen and paper are the best way to get your feelings down. If you have a hard time getting started, ask your counselors for some prompts to get you going. Writing benefits those new to sobriety or working through detox. Additionally, it gives you time to reflect on your emotions, thoughts, and expressions without worrying about what anyone else thinks or says.
Pull out those busy thoughts revolving in your mind and you may find that your thoughts quiet down. Also, journaling helps you work out your feelings on the verbal therapy sessions you attend.
Turn your thoughts into doodles or sketches. Don’t worry about what the pictures look like right now. The important thing is whether or not art therapy helps you develop the coping skills you need for sustainable recovery. What are coping skills learned through art? For some clients, creating art impacts their brain the same way as meditation or exercise.
As you lose yourself in the artistic process, it helps you deal with your swirling emotions. Drawing unleashes the right-side of your brain, where creativity lives. The colors you use and the shape of the objects help your art therapist understand your feelings and emotions better.
Feeling Good Is the Best Coping Skill
Exercise helps you blow off stress and steam. In the morning, exercise energizes you for a productive day. In the evening, it wears you out, so you sleep better.
Exercise creates endorphins and gets your heart rate up. Running is an excellent exercise, but you can try walking, weightlifting, and other activities that make you physically and mentally stronger. Dopamine and endorphins give you a natural high that’s much better for you than the artificial euphoria induced by substance abuse.
Learn Coping Skills at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
Getting sober and drug-free immediately gives you a clearer vision, helping you to look on the bright side of life again. That doesn’t mean it’s smooth sailing after detox. However, developing an optimistic outlook in detox gives you a great base for building up your confidence to resist the temptation to use drugs or alcohol again.
Verbal and nonverbal therapy programs at Serenity House Detox & Recovery give you positive ways to express your feelings. Call us at 866.294.5306 to discuss our detox services in Jupiter, FL, and get started on the road to better health, wellness and sober living.