Coping With Grief and Loss in Recovery

Grief and loss are among the most significant emotions that affect people throughout their lives. These feelings can be quite devastating for those who are in the process of recovery from addiction. Everyone mourns differently, and it is normal to feel sad, angry, guilty, and even downright miserable when grieving. If you are not careful, these emotions can be used as a gateway to relapse if you are in recovery. 

Understanding Grief and Loss

Grief can be described as a normal process of coping with a loss, which involves many feelings and behaviors. It is usually linked to the death of a loved one, but one can also experience grief when something else is lost; for instance, it could be a loss of a relationship, a source of income, or even one’s health. In recovery, you also may have a process of mourning the loss of your previous way of life, even one that was not very healthy, as you enter a new phase.

Loss is something that everyone experiences in life. Although the way that people cope with it is different, there are general stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages are not consecutive; a person can switch from one to another at any moment. It is important to recognize that grief is a process, and one should allow themselves to go through it and feel and express the emotions necessary. 

The Correlation Between Grief and Loss and Relapse

For people in recovery, the levels of emotions that are associated with the grieving process are likely to precipitate relapse. The use of substances can be understood as a way of self-regulation in order to face a seemingly unbearable affective state or to avoid it. During the grieving process, one may be tempted to go back to old, comfortable coping mechanisms. The somatic symptoms of grief, including sleep disturbances and changes in appetite, can negatively impact an individual’s psychological well-being and thereby raise the probability of relapse. 

Grief in recovery does not mean that the individual has failed in the process of recovery. It is common to everyone. The most important thing is to know how to deal with these feelings properly and when you feel overwhelmed to ask for help.  

Managing Grief and Loss in Recovery

To begin coping with grief, you have to first embrace and accept the feelings. It is understandable to feel a whole range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, confusion, and even relief. Just like any other loss, it is okay to mourn and deal with it in a way that allows you to overcome it. The following strategies may help you to overcome grief through your recovery journey.

Seek Support from Others

It is important to have people to turn to when you are in a state of sorrow. Your support network may consist of family members, friends, other people with similar conditions, therapists, and sponsors. Not every single person will be able to relate to what you are going through, but finding people who can help can provide relief. Our team at Restoration Recovery is here to support you in finding a network of individuals who can support you outside of treatment, some of whom may have shared experiences. 

Avoid Isolation

It is normal to want to be alone when you are grieving. Loneliness only intensifies the feeling of grief. To the best of your ability, try to avoid isolation and keep in contact with supportive people, whether it is through a phone call or a brief visit. Social circles can help you feel better and reassure you that you are not the only one going through such an experience. Utilize your support at Restoration Recovery to avoid falling into an unhealthy level of isolation.  

Mindfulness and Meditation

The practices of mindfulness and meditation are quite helpful in coping with bereavement and regulating emotional responses. By increasing awareness of the present and paying attention to the thoughts and feelings that are being experienced—without judgment—you can truly acknowledge the impact the loss has on you. Mindfulness can assist you in being practical and not getting carried away by the emotions that may seem extreme. 

Avoid High-Risk Situations

When dealing with grief and loss, it is important to stay away from places that may lead to the urge to relapse. Suppose you have created a relapse prevention plan. In that case, this is a critical time to utilize it to ensure that you are avoiding high-risk situations that can be detrimental to your recovery. With grief, your inhibitions may be lowered, and it can be difficult to stay on solid ground. Work to identify the risk factors and have a list of people who can be contacted if you feel overwhelmed. 

Loss is a part of life; although it is painful, it is also an opportunity for you to change and heal. In recovery, the process of understanding how to manage grief without turning to substances can improve your ability to be more resilient and self-aware. Everyone, including yourself, is allowed to ask for help from friends and family, especially when dealing with grief in recovery. Learn more about how you can manage grief and loss in recovery in a way that helps you manage long-term success with your sobriety and emotional regulation. Reach out to Restoration Recovery today to get started on your journey and overcome your grief at (888) 290-0925.