Practicing Healthy Coping Skills

701 Words2 Pages

After three years of using drugs and alcohol to cure myself of anxiety, depression, anger, and stress, I lost the ability to savor life without using. I found myself in positions in which I could not contain my anger or went into a state of extreme depression. Today, I am in a drug and alcohol treatment center. Being here has taught me how to overcome problems without using drugs and alcohol, but by using safe coping skills. Safe coping skills are an exceptionally useful way of managing with anxiety, anger, depression, and stress. I employ safe coping skills by reading books, praying to my higher power, and by communicating positively with myself and others. By employing these methods you can guarantee yourself an improved lifestyle.
Often, life is an ongoing battle to stay thinking positively. Everyone deals with stressful situations, because of this, life can become quite overwhelming. People seek ways to escape reality, most of the time using drugs and alcohol to do so. Reading books is a marvelous way to practice healthy coping skills. By reading and becoming immersed in the story you forget about the world around you. In my experiences, reading has allowed me to obliterate the stress of being in treatment and thoughts of using. For instance, I am currently reading the Divergent series by Veronica Roth. Within the Divergent series, Veronica delivers a captivating story which allows readers to dive in and fully engross themselves within it. By reading books I find it uncomplicated to occupy my thoughts. Subsequently, reading can also put me in an improved mood by allowing me to walk away from a dangerous situation and think about the book. Books can also be a great resource in recovery. Books such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) ...

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...staying positive and thinking positive, my life became positive. Thinking positive is an ongoing process. Its unusually strenuous, but once you master the art of positive thinking you are guaranteed a happier way of living.
Many people go their whole lives questioning why they cannot be happy, I know I did. Practicing healthy coping skills is a phenomenal way to undertake living a happier life. It is also important to realize that life is not just rainbows and daffodils, everyone has problems they must face. Coping skills such as reading, praying to your higher power, and communicating positively with yourself and others, is just a start to living a happier life. These skills worked wonders for me and I cannot wait to leave treatment and show the world exactly what I am made of. I have learned from my mistakes and am a much happier person with myself and others.

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