Handling Success in Recovery: Dealing with ‘Good’ Stress When Life Improves
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Marco M. Zahedi
Medical Director, Compassion Recovery Center
Dr. Michael Majeski
Licensed Psychologist (LP), Compassion Recovery Center
Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome to Compassion Recovery Center’s blog. Today, we’re going to talk about something a little different – not the difficult challenges of early recovery, but the complex feelings that can arise when things actually start going right. It might sound counterintuitive, but experiencing success in recovery can bring its own unique set of pressures and stresses. This isn’t the kind of stress that comes from relapse triggers or the immediate struggles of withdrawal; it’s often referred to as “good” stress, or eustress. While positive, it still requires careful navigation. Handling success in recovery is a crucial, yet often overlooked, part of the journey. When you start achieving milestones – whether it’s getting a new job, repairing relationships, finishing school, or simply feeling stable and happy – these positive changes can introduce new dynamics into your life. These changes, even good ones, require adaptation, adjustment, and energy, all of which can be forms of stress. Learning to manage this “good” stress is essential for long-term sobriety and overall well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into what “good” stress is, how it manifests in recovery, and why managing it is so important. We’ll explore practical strategies, the power of support systems, and how flexible, accessible treatment options like those offered through telehealth by Compassion Recovery Center, especially our Virtual IOP Program, can provide the ongoing support needed to navigate the challenges that come even with success. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to embrace positive changes without compromising your recovery.
Understanding “Good” Stress
Stress is often seen as a purely negative force in our lives, something to be avoided at all costs. We think of stress as the pressure of deadlines, financial worries, relationship conflicts, or health problems. In the context of addiction recovery, stress is frequently linked to triggers, cravings, and the emotional turmoil that can lead to relapse. This type of stress, which is harmful and overwhelming, is often referred to as “bad” stress or distress. However, there’s another side to the coin: “good” stress, also known as eustress. Unlike distress, eustress is positive, motivating, and enhances function. It’s the feeling you get when you’re excited about a new opportunity, challenged by a learning experience, or preparing for a significant positive event. It’s the rush of adrenaline before a performance, the energy you feel when working on a project you’re passionate about, or the anticipation of a joyful occasion. In recovery, “good” stress can arise from many sources. Imagine securing a job after a period of unemployment – that’s a significant success, but it comes with the stress of learning new tasks, meeting expectations, and adjusting to a new routine. Rebuilding relationships with family and friends is incredibly rewarding, but it involves navigating complex emotions, setting boundaries, and potentially dealing with past hurts, all of which can be stressful, even in a positive way. Moving into your own place, pursuing further education, achieving a fitness goal, or taking on new responsibilities in your community are all examples of successes that bring eustress. The key difference between “good” stress and “bad” stress lies in how we perceive and respond to it. “Good” stress is often perceived as challenging but achievable. It feels exciting, motivating, and can increase our focus and performance. It’s temporary and manageable. “Bad” stress, on the other hand, feels overwhelming, threatening, and depleting. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, and burnout. Physiologically, both types of stress trigger the body’s stress response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. However, with “good” stress, this response is typically short-lived and followed by a return to baseline. The body recovers quickly. With “bad” stress, the response can become chronic, leading to sustained high levels of stress hormones, which can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health over time. Understanding this distinction is crucial in recovery. While you’ve likely developed coping mechanisms for “bad” stress – strategies to avoid triggers, manage cravings, and navigate difficult emotions – you might not have recognized that positive changes can also be stressors requiring attention. Ignoring “good” stress because it seems “good” can lead to subtle pressure build-up, potentially impacting your mood, sleep, and overall sense of balance. Recognizing eustress for what it is – a necessary part of growth and positive change that still requires management – is the first step in handling success in recovery effectively. The impact of “good” stress on mental health and recovery can be significant. While it can boost confidence and provide a sense of purpose, it can also be draining if not managed well. Too much “good” stress, even if from positive sources, can still contribute to fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms, if left unaddressed, can erode the foundation of your recovery, making you more vulnerable to triggers and old coping patterns. Therefore, integrating stress management techniques that work for both types of stress is vital for maintaining stability and continuing to thrive.The Role of Success in Recovery
Achieving success in recovery is a powerful and validating experience. It’s a testament to your hard work, resilience, and commitment. Success can manifest in countless ways: finding stable housing, securing meaningful employment, repairing damaged relationships with loved ones, completing educational goals, improving physical health, developing new hobbies, or simply feeling a deeper sense of peace and contentment. These milestones are cause for celebration and are indicative of true progress. However, as mentioned earlier, success doesn’t mean the absence of challenges. In fact, achieving significant milestones often introduces a new set of stressors that require careful navigation. For instance, getting a new job brings the pressure of performing well, adapting to a new environment, and managing time effectively. Rekindling family ties might involve navigating sensitive conversations, setting healthy boundaries, and managing expectations on both sides. Even positive achievements like getting married or having a child, while joyful, are major life changes that come with significant adjustments and responsibilities – classic examples of eustress. The psychological effects of achieving milestones in recovery are profound. Success can boost self-esteem, reinforce positive identity, and increase feelings of self-efficacy – the belief in your own ability to succeed. These are incredibly protective factors in recovery. Feeling capable and proud of your accomplishments can make you feel stronger and more resilient against challenges. Yet, success can also stir up complex emotions. You might feel pressure to maintain the level of success you’ve achieved. There can be a fear of failure – a worry that if things go wrong, you might lose everything you’ve worked so hard for, potentially impacting your recovery. Sometimes, feelings of imposter syndrome can arise, where you feel like you don’t deserve the success or that you’ll be “found out.” For individuals who are used to a life structured around addiction, success can feel unfamiliar and even unsettling, requiring a complete shift in mindset and routine. Balancing success with ongoing recovery efforts is a critical task. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and demands of new achievements. Work commitments, social engagements related to new relationships, or the demands of further education can start to consume significant amounts of time and energy. If you’re not careful, these new demands can begin to crowd out essential recovery activities like attending support group meetings, engaging in therapy sessions, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking time for self-care. The structure and routine that are often foundational in early recovery can become disrupted by the influx of new, positive opportunities. It’s vital to remember that recovery is a lifelong journey, not a destination you arrive at once you achieve certain successes. Maintaining vigilance, continuing to prioritize your well-being, and staying connected to your support network are just as important, if not more so, when life is going well as when it’s challenging. Moreover, success can sometimes lead to a false sense of security. You might start thinking, “I’ve got this handled now,” and become complacent about your recovery routine. This is a dangerous trap. While confidence is healthy, overconfidence can lead to letting your guard down, skipping meetings, missing therapy appointments, or neglecting self-care practices that are vital for managing stress and maintaining emotional balance. Recognizing that success brings its own unique set of pressures and psychological adjustments is the first step towards navigating them effectively. It requires a conscious effort to integrate new successes into your life while maintaining the core practices that support your sobriety. This balance is key to ensuring that positive changes enhance, rather than jeopardize, your recovery journey. If you’re finding it challenging to navigate this balance, seeking support from professionals specializing in addiction recovery can provide valuable guidance. Compassion Recovery Center offers flexible Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), including virtual IOP, which are designed to support individuals who are living at home, working, or going to school while still needing structured therapy and support for their recovery.
Strategies for Managing “Good” Stress
Effectively managing “good” stress is essential for ensuring that positive life changes support, rather than hinder, your recovery. The strategies used to manage distress can also be incredibly effective for managing eustress, but they might need slight adjustments in focus or application. Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for navigating the heightened energy and mental activity that can accompany success and “good” stress. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. When you’re experiencing the excitement or pressure of success, your mind can race with thoughts about the future, expectations, and potential outcomes. Mindfulness helps ground you in the here and now. Taking a few moments each day to simply notice your breath, observe your surroundings, or pay attention to your physical sensations can help calm the nervous system and create mental space. Meditation, a more structured practice, can train your mind to focus and reduce reactivity to stressful thoughts, whether they are negative worries or the buzzing energy of positive anticipation. Regular practice can increase your overall capacity to handle stress, keeping you centered even amidst excitement and new demands. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches are highly effective in helping you identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns related to stress and success. As mentioned earlier, success can sometimes trigger fears of failure, imposter syndrome, or pressure to constantly perform. CBT helps you recognize these automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) and evaluate whether they are realistic or helpful. You can learn to reframe challenges, develop more balanced perspectives on success and failure, and build healthier self-talk. For instance, if you get a promotion and immediately think, “I’m not qualified, I’m going to mess this up,” CBT techniques can help you examine the evidence for and against this thought, challenge its validity, and replace it with a more constructive thought, such as, “This is a new challenge, and I have the skills to learn and grow into this role.” Compassion Recovery Center incorporates online CBT therapy into its programs, making these valuable skills accessible from anywhere in California, particularly convenient for residents seeking drug rehab programs or alcohol rehab programs in the Orange County area who prefer remote options. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a non-negotiable foundation for managing any kind of stress, including “good” stress. When you’re experiencing success, it’s tempting to let healthy habits slide as you take on more responsibilities or celebrate achievements. However, consistent self-care is crucial. – Diet: Nourishing your body with balanced meals provides the stable energy needed to handle increased demands. Skipping meals or relying on excessive caffeine or sugar can lead to energy crashes and mood swings, making you more susceptible to feeling overwhelmed. – Exercise: Physical activity is a powerful stress reliever. It helps burn off excess energy from stress hormones and releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Finding time for regular exercise, whether it’s a daily walk, going to the gym, yoga, or a sport you enjoy, is vital. Even short bursts of activity can make a difference. – Sleep: Prioritizing sufficient, quality sleep is paramount. Stress, even “good” stress, can interfere with sleep. When you’re excited or busy, it’s easy to cut back on sleep, but this severely impacts your cognitive function, emotional regulation, and ability to cope with pressure. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a relaxing bedtime routine. Integrating these strategies consistently into your life is key. It’s not about adding more pressure; it’s about building resilience and creating a buffer against stress. By proactively managing the energy and demands that come with success, you ensure that these positive developments fuel your recovery rather than becoming another source of strain. Compassion Recovery Center’s remote programs emphasize the development of healthy coping mechanisms and lifestyle habits as part of comprehensive treatment. Learn more about how we can support your journey by exploring our Admissions Information.Leveraging Support Systems
No one navigates the complexities of life, including the stresses that come with success in recovery, entirely alone. Support systems are the bedrock of lasting recovery, providing connection, understanding, and practical help. When life is going well, it might seem like you need support less, but this is often when maintaining those connections becomes even more important. Success can bring new social dynamics, increased visibility, and different kinds of pressures that your established support network can help you process. The role of support groups, such as 12-step programs or SMART Recovery, is invaluable. These groups provide a safe space to share your experiences, including the challenges of navigating success. Hearing how others have handled similar situations, sharing your own struggles with balancing achievement and recovery, and receiving validation and encouragement from peers who understand the unique journey of sobriety can be incredibly helpful. Group meetings reinforce the principle that you are not alone and provide a structured way to prioritize your recovery amidst life’s changes. Many support groups are available online, making them accessible alongside remote drug rehab Orange County options. Individual therapy also plays a crucial role. A therapist can help you process the psychological shifts that accompany success, address any underlying issues that success might bring to the surface (like imposter syndrome or fear of failure), and develop personalized strategies for managing “good” stress. Therapy provides a confidential space to explore complex emotions and thought patterns without judgment. For those seeking flexibility, accessing therapy through telehealth services, like virtual rehab California providers such as Compassion Recovery Center, makes it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule that comes with new successes. Family support is another vital component. Rebuilding trust and strengthening relationships with family members is often a significant success in recovery. However, these relationships require ongoing effort and communication. Navigating expectations, setting healthy boundaries, and addressing past hurts are continuous processes. Sometimes, the stress of positive changes impacts the entire family system. Compassion Recovery Center understands this and offers support that can include aspects like virtual couples counseling rehab and family support sessions, allowing loved ones to participate in the recovery process and learn how to navigate these new dynamics together, remotely. This is particularly beneficial for families seeking Mental Health Treatment alongside addiction recovery, as dual diagnosis often impacts family dynamics significantly. Utilizing telehealth services for ongoing support offers significant advantages when you are actively engaged in building a successful life in recovery. The flexibility of online therapy, group sessions, and check-ins means you don’t have to take significant time off work or other commitments to access care. This removes a potential barrier that could otherwise lead to neglecting support when your schedule becomes demanding. Remote support allows you to maintain consistency in your recovery program, receive timely interventions if needed, and continue to develop coping skills for both challenges and successes, all from the convenience of your home or office. This is a core benefit of choosing Virtual IOP or Outpatient Detox through a provider like Compassion Recovery Center. Maintaining connection with your sponsor or mentor is also incredibly important. They have navigated similar paths and can offer wisdom, perspective, and accountability as you navigate the new terrain of success. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them when you feel overwhelmed, even by positive events. In essence, your support system acts as a crucial safety net and a source of guidance as you continue to grow. Lean on them, be honest about your experiences (both positive and challenging), and actively participate in your chosen support activities. This commitment to connection is fundamental to handling success in recovery gracefully and maintaining long-term sobriety. If you’re looking for a flexible way to access professional support alongside your personal network, consider exploring the telehealth options available at Compassion Recovery Center. You can contact us for a confidential assessment to see how our programs can fit into your life.Integrating Compassion Recovery Center Services
For individuals in Orange County, California, and beyond who are seeking accessible and flexible addiction treatment, Compassion Recovery Center provides a range of services designed to support recovery at various stages, including navigating the complexities of success. Our focus on telehealth means you can access high-quality care without the need for a daily commute to a physical facility, making it an ideal option for those balancing work, family, and other life responsibilities that often accompany progress and success in recovery. Our Virtual IOP Program is a cornerstone of our remote offerings. An Intensive Outpatient Program provides a structured level of care, offering multiple hours of therapy and education per week. Our virtual format delivers this same intensity and structure through secure online platforms. This program is particularly beneficial for individuals who have completed a higher level of care (like Partial Hospitalization Program or residential treatment) or for those who need significant support while still living at home. As you experience success – perhaps returning to work or school – fitting traditional, in-person IOP into your schedule can be challenging. Our virtual IOP offers the necessary therapeutic intensity, group support, and individual counseling on a flexible schedule that respects your daytime commitments. This continuity of care is vital for managing the new stressors that come with success and reinforcing positive coping mechanisms. It allows you to process new experiences, discuss challenges related to work or relationships, and receive guidance on maintaining balance, all within a supportive therapeutic environment. Our Virtual IOP Program serves individuals throughout California, providing essential Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) support remotely. As discussed earlier, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a powerful tool for managing thought patterns related to stress and success. Compassion Recovery Center integrates online CBT therapy into our treatment plans. Through individual and group sessions conducted via telehealth, you can work with experienced therapists to identify and challenge negative or unhelpful thoughts that may arise even when things are going well – thoughts like “I don’t deserve this success,” “It’s only a matter of time before I mess up,” or feelings of overwhelm from new responsibilities. Online CBT provides you with practical techniques to reframe these thoughts, develop healthier coping strategies, and build confidence in your ability to handle new challenges that accompany success. This accessibility is key for maintaining mental wellness alongside sobriety. For some individuals, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) plays a vital role in stabilizing recovery, particularly from opioid or alcohol dependence. While MAT is a medical intervention, it’s often integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy and support. Having access to Outpatient Detox and subsequent MAT treatment online can provide continuity of care, helping individuals maintain stability as they navigate life changes and successes. Medical stability provides a solid foundation upon which to build a life free from active addiction, making it easier to focus on managing stress and embracing positive opportunities. Compassion Recovery Center can help coordinate access to MAT support as part of a broader virtual treatment plan, ensuring all aspects of your recovery are supported. Choosing a virtual rehab California program, especially for those in the Orange County, CA area seeking Orange County IOP options remotely, allows you to integrate ongoing, professional support seamlessly into a life that is becoming fuller and more demanding due to success. You don’t have to choose between pursuing your goals and prioritizing your recovery – you can do both. Compassion Recovery Center is equipped to help individuals dealing with various conditions, including substance abuse and Dual Diagnosis Treatment (co-occurring mental health conditions). Success can sometimes impact mental health symptoms, even positively, but it can also introduce new pressures. Our integrated approach ensures that both addiction and any co-occurring mental health needs are addressed within the same flexible, virtual framework, providing holistic support as you build a successful life. If you are experiencing positive changes in your life and want to ensure you have the support system in place to handle the associated stress and maintain your recovery, we encourage you to reach out today. Our team can help you understand how our virtual programs can provide the ongoing structure and support you need. You can also quickly verify your insurance online to see how accessible our care can be.Practical Tips for Daily Stress Management
Successfully managing “good” stress isn’t just about having long-term strategies; it also involves implementing practical techniques in your daily life. These small, consistent actions can make a big difference in maintaining balance and preventing stress from becoming overwhelming, even when it stems from positive sources. Creating a daily routine is fundamental. While the demands of success might change your schedule, establishing a predictable structure for key activities provides a sense of stability and control. This routine should include dedicated time for self-care, recovery activities, work/education, and rest. Knowing when you will do certain things helps reduce decision fatigue and ensures that essential practices don’t get squeezed out by new demands. For example, schedule your virtual therapy session, block out time for exercise, plan your meals, and set a consistent bedtime. A routine acts as an anchor when life becomes busy and exciting. Techniques for immediate stress relief are also crucial. Sometimes, even positive stressors can lead to moments of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or restless. Having quick, go-to methods to calm yourself in the moment can prevent these feelings from escalating. – Deep Breathing: Taking a few slow, deep breaths is a simple yet powerful way to activate the body’s relaxation response. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat several times. This can be done anywhere, anytime. – Mindful Moment: Briefly bring your attention to your senses. What do you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel right now? This grounds you in the present and distracts from racing thoughts about future successes or pressures. – Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide clarity and release tension. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by new responsibilities, writing about them can help you process the emotions and organize your thoughts. Even a few minutes of journaling can be beneficial. – Short Walk: A brief walk, especially outdoors if possible, can help clear your head and release physical tension. – Listening to Music: Put on some calming or uplifting music that helps shift your mood. Setting realistic goals and expectations is another key aspect of managing the stress of success. When things are going well, it’s easy to get carried away and take on too much. Learn to evaluate new opportunities and responsibilities realistically. Can you genuinely commit the necessary time and energy without sacrificing your well-being and recovery? It’s okay to say no to some things, even if they seem like positive opportunities, if taking them on would overload you. Breaking down larger goals that come with success into smaller, manageable steps can also make them feel less daunting. Celebrate each small step completed rather than focusing solely on the final outcome. Managing expectations, both your own and those of others, helps prevent feelings of inadequacy or pressure. Remember that recovery is about progress, not perfection. There will be days that are more challenging than others, even when you’re experiencing success. Don’t expect to handle every situation flawlessly. Be compassionate with yourself and recognize that navigating positive change is a skill that develops over time. Implementing these practical, daily strategies empowers you to stay grounded, manage your energy, and maintain your equilibrium as you continue to build a successful and fulfilling life in recovery. These types of skills are often taught and reinforced in therapeutic settings like the Virtual IOP Program offered by Compassion Recovery Center. If you’re in need of structured support to develop these skills, consider reaching out to explore treatment options. You can easily check insurance coverage to see if our programs are accessible to you.Long-term Success and Stress Management
Maintaining long-term success in recovery is a continuous journey that involves ongoing learning, adaptation, and resilience. The ability to manage the stresses that come with positive growth is not a one-time achievement but a skill that needs to be practiced and refined over time. Building resilience is fundamental. Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and bounce back from challenges. While success brings positive experiences, life will inevitably still present setbacks, disappointments, and unexpected difficulties, even when you are thriving in recovery. Learning to view these challenges not as failures but as opportunities for growth is key. Resilience is built through consistent self-care, maintaining strong support systems, utilizing effective coping strategies (including those for managing both good and bad stress), and maintaining a positive, yet realistic, outlook. Each time you navigate a stressful situation, positive or negative, you strengthen your ability to handle future challenges. The importance of continuous learning and adaptation cannot be overstated. The world changes, your life changes, and you change. What worked for managing stress in early recovery might need adjustment as your life becomes more complex with success. Stay open to learning new coping mechanisms, exploring different therapeutic approaches, and adapting your strategies as needed. This might involve reading books, attending workshops, or continuing therapy. Recovery is a process of continuous personal growth, and that includes evolving your approach to stress management. Compassion Recovery Center supports this lifelong journey through flexible outpatient options, allowing you to access support as your needs and life circumstances change. Celebrating successes without compromising recovery is a delicate but important balance. Acknowledging and celebrating milestones reinforces positive behavior and provides motivation. However, it’s crucial to do so in ways that align with your values and support your sobriety. For someone in recovery, a traditional celebration involving alcohol or drugs is obviously out of the question. Instead, find healthy ways to celebrate: share your achievement with your support group or therapist, treat yourself to something enjoyable that supports your well-being (like a massage, a nice meal with loved ones, or a trip), or simply take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come. Avoid using success as an excuse to let go of healthy boundaries or recovery practices. For example, celebrating a promotion doesn’t mean it’s okay to skip your therapy session or neglect your exercise routine. True celebration honors the life you are building in sobriety. Maintaining awareness of potential pitfalls is also part of long-term success. Even when life is going well, triggers can still arise, and old thought patterns can resurface, especially during times of increased stress, whether “good” or “bad.” Stay vigilant, stay connected to your support network, and be honest with yourself and others if you start feeling overwhelmed or notice old coping mechanisms resurfacing. Regular check-ins with a therapist or sponsor can help identify potential issues before they escalate. Ultimately, long-term success in recovery isn’t just about abstaining from substances; it’s about building a fulfilling, meaningful life. This life will naturally include challenges and stressors, both positive and negative. By developing robust strategies for managing “good” stress, maintaining strong support systems, embracing continuous learning, and celebrating mindfully, you strengthen your foundation for a resilient and lasting recovery. If you need support in developing these long-term strategies, professional help is available. Get help for substance abuse and learn how to sustain your success.Conclusion
Navigating success in recovery is a unique challenge, often involving the management of “good” stress, or eustress. While positive achievements are milestones worth celebrating, they introduce new dynamics and pressures that require conscious effort to manage. Understanding that success brings its own set of stressors, distinct yet sometimes intertwined with the “bad” stress of early recovery, is the first step in handling this phase effectively. We’ve explored what “good” stress is, how success impacts recovery by introducing new demands and psychological adjustments, and the vital strategies for managing these pressures. From the foundational practices of mindfulness, meditation, and healthy lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, sleep) to the structured support provided by CBT techniques and professional therapy, a multi-faceted approach is key. Equally important is leveraging your support systems – including peer groups, sponsors, and family – and utilizing the flexibility and accessibility of telehealth services. Programs like Compassion Recovery Center’s Virtual IOP Program, online CBT therapy, and access to MAT coordination offer vital ongoing support that can be seamlessly integrated into a busy life, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice your recovery for your successes. We also discussed practical daily tips, such as establishing routines, using immediate stress relief techniques, and setting realistic goals, all of which contribute to maintaining balance amidst positive change. Finally, we touched upon the long-term aspects of handling success, emphasizing building resilience, continuous learning, and celebrating achievements in healthy, recovery-aligned ways. Embracing “good” stress as a natural part of growth is essential. It signifies that you are moving forward, taking on new opportunities, and building a fulfilling life. The challenges it presents are opportunities to strengthen your coping skills and deepen your understanding of yourself. If you are experiencing success in recovery and find yourself struggling to manage the new pressures that arise, or if you are early in your journey and want to build a strong foundation for navigating future successes, help is available. Compassion Recovery Center is here to provide compassionate, flexible, and effective remote addiction treatment. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn how our telehealth programs, serving Orange County and all of California, can support you in not just achieving sobriety, but thriving and handling success gracefully. Start your recovery journey today by exploring our treatment options and verifying your insurance. You deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor while maintaining the peace and stability of your recovery.What is “good” stress and how does it affect recovery?
“Good” stress, or eustress, is positive, motivating stress that comes from challenging yet achievable situations, such as getting a new job, repairing relationships, or reaching personal goals. While positive, it requires adaptation and energy, which can still be taxing. In recovery, managing eustress ensures that positive life changes support long-term sobriety rather than becoming overwhelming.
How can success in recovery lead to new stressors?
Achieving success can introduce new responsibilities, expectations, and pressures. For example, a new job brings performance pressure and routine changes. Rebuilt relationships require navigating complex dynamics. Success can also trigger fears of failure, imposter syndrome, or the challenge of balancing new demands with essential recovery activities.
What are effective strategies for managing “good” stress?
Effective strategies include practicing mindfulness and meditation, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. These help build resilience and manage the demands of positive changes.
How can support systems help in dealing with stress during recovery?
Support systems like peer groups, therapy, sponsors, and family provide crucial connection, understanding, and guidance. They offer a safe space to share experiences, gain perspective, and receive encouragement, helping individuals process emotions and navigate challenges related to both positive and negative stressors.
What role do telehealth services play in managing stress in recovery?
Telehealth services, such as virtual IOP and online therapy, offer flexibility and accessibility. This makes it easier for individuals experiencing success and increased responsibilities to maintain consistent professional support, integrate therapy sessions into busy schedules, and continue developing coping skills remotely, without disrupting work or family commitments.
How can I integrate stress management into my daily routine?
Integrate stress management by creating a structured daily routine that includes dedicated time for self-care, recovery activities, work/education, and rest. Schedule time for practices like exercise, mindfulness, therapy sessions, and healthy meal breaks to ensure they are prioritized amidst new demands.
Why is it important to celebrate successes in recovery?
Celebrating successes acknowledges progress, boosts self-esteem, and provides motivation. It’s important to celebrate in healthy ways that align with recovery values, such as sharing with support systems or engaging in enjoyable activities, rather than using success as an excuse to abandon healthy habits or boundaries.
What are some practical tips for immediate stress relief?
Quick tips for immediate stress relief include taking deep breaths, practicing a brief mindful moment, journaling thoughts and feelings, taking a short walk, or listening to calming music. These techniques can help ground you and reduce tension in the moment.
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