Sometimes feeling worse means you are taking steps to get better

Alcohol and/or other drug use mixed up your thinking patterns. For those in early recovery, your brain needs time to adjust to life without chemicals. As this happens, you can have feelings that don't make any sense, such as:



Feeling like you've been asleep for years and can't handle the simplest situation without using.
Feeling grief in letting go of your use.
Feeling stranded and wonder "what now?"
Feeling like you lost the friends or family who are still using.
Feeling that sobriety is like punishment or being deprived.
Feeling strange during ordinary activities because you have forgotten how to do things sober.
Pain from other problems can suddenly resurface.
You can have trouble thinking clearly.
You might struggle with anxiety or depression.
You might "space out".
Impulsive behaviors can pose a challenge.
Your emotions can run to extremes with anger, self-pity, hopelessness, or defensiveness.
It might be difficult to remember things.
It can be difficult to commit to things.
Your physical coordination might not work as well.
You might have trouble sleeping.
You might constantly stress about every aspect of life.
You might feel numb or "drugged" with emotions-depression, anger, helplessness-just like when you were using.


These emotions mean your brain is recovering now that the alcohol or drugs are gone. During this time:



Don't expect too much of yourself. Your physical coordination and ability to concentrate won't work as well for a while.
Try to avoid doing things that could make you feel worse, like eating junk food or drinking coffee.
Find humor in situations instead of feeling sorry for yourself.
Remind yourself that your emotional state will get better soon if you stay sober.
Get as much sleep as possible. Don't worry too much about sleep disturbances. You will sleep better soon.
Eat well, including healthy snacks if you are hungry.
Take vitamins to restore needed nutrition.


As time goes by, you may notice that your head is clearer. Instead of fighting your impulses, you can relax and just go through your day. You can think about the weeks ahead, instead of just today. You are moving into longer-term recovery.



YOU CAN DO THIS!!



The Next Step...Toward a Better Life SAMHSA