When people think of “depressing” times of the year, their minds often go right to the colder months. However, for people in recovery, any time of year can be stressful. This includes spring in recovery, which can lead people to worry about outdoor activities and re-engaging with friends and loved ones. The good news is that people in recovery do not have to fret about spring. There are many great ways to keep progressing in one’s recovery program in the spring.
Better Understanding Addiction
Addiction affects millions of people in the U.S. and around the world every day. It tears apart families and leaves individuals feeling like they have nowhere left to turn. Many people are also left wondering if they have “failed” in some sort of way. This is an unfortunate and flawed way of thinking about addiction.
Many people think that addiction is some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply untrue. Addiction is a disease. In fact, addiction has more in common with chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes than it does with a “choice.”
Addiction is also a family disease. This means that it affects many more people than just the individual who is struggling. This is often what addiction is referred to as “a tornado that destroys everyone and everything in its path.” However, there is some positive news when it comes to the family and addiction; the family is often the first line of defense in getting an individual the help they need. The key is to know the right signs and symptoms to look out for.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of addiction (and co-occurring disorders) are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Not being able to stop once starting to drink or use substances
Loss of appetite (or excessive appetite) and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and well-being - Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Impaired judgment
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Now, as previously mentioned, people often minimize addiction or even falsely categorize it as a “choice.” However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can even be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help sooner rather than later is critical. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
Settling Into Spring in Recovery
Many people who are in recovery often get anxious about getting back into their everyday lives. This can be especially true regarding spring in recovery because people are more active and engaged with each other.
The good news is that one does not need to become stressed about spring in recovery. As long as one is connected to their recovery plan (such as continuing psychotherapy sessions and attending 12-Step recovery meetings), one can enjoy life during any time of the year. There are also ways to enjoy the spring while also engaging in recovery.
Settling Into Spring in Recovery: Being Active Outdoors
Getting outdoors during the spring is a great way to support one’s recovery. The two can also be combined, such as getting outdoors and utilizing nature immersion therapy.
Nature immersion therapy offers many benefits. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Besides improvements to physical and psychological well-being, exposure to natural environments has been shown to bring about positive impacts on cognitive functioning… While cognitive restoration and physiological well-being are the prominent and renowned benefits of nature exposure, there is one important construct that is often overlooked in environmental psychology research studies – that is, the human-nature relationship; also known as connectedness to nature (CN).” This “CN” can also be experienced during surf therapy.
Settling Into Spring in Recovery: Surf Therapy
Surfing is an ideal way to participate and jump into spring in recovery. This is especially true in Charleston, South Carolina.
Surfing offers many recovery benefits. According to the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychology, “One environmental context that has received less attention is water-based physical activity, with researchers suggesting that swimming and other water-based activities (e.g., kayaking, surfing) may provide superior benefits for the promotion of human well-being due to greater affordances. These activities have heightened the psychological benefits (e.g., reduced anxiety, depression, and perceived stress, increased positive affect, and increased quality of life) associated with exercise and nature among US war veterans. Further, there is increasing evidence suggesting that participation in action and adventure sports, such as surfing, is meaningful and life-enhancing.”
Long-Term Success With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes,” no matter what time of year it is. This is why all of our plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
Recovery is outside waiting. The key is to go out there and get it.
Seasonal changes can bring about many emotions for people in recovery. Many people think this only happens as the winter months approach, but this is untrue. Switching to spring can also be tough. The good news is that there are many effective ways to celebrate recovery in spring. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about adjusting to spring and the other seasons in recovery, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
