For those recovering from substance abuse, coping with the daily stress of living can be especially taxing. Suddenly, the old way of relieving anxiety and doubt by using drugs or alcohol is no longer available. Additionally, facing stressful situations can tempt us to resort to less-healthy patterns of behavior in order to cope. So it’s crucial to find new methods for dealing with stress that will support the recovery process rather than threaten to derail it.
In this video, renowned psychologists Jon Carlson and Judy Lewis offer four simple yet effective strategies for managing stressful situations, from paying bills to planning weddings. With a live studio audience in various stages of substance abuse recovery, Carlson and Lewis walk participants through relaxation exercises, lifestyle adjustment strategies, thought pattern correction methods, and the creation of action plans for preventing stressful circumstances. You’ll come away with a renewed confidence in your ability to manage stressful situations without jeopardizing your recovery.
This video is part of the series The 7 Skills for Addiction-Free Living, and is primarily geared towards people in recovery, as well as their family members and loved ones. It is also an excellent resource for educators and trainers in addiction counseling programs, as well as staff at recovery treatment centers. Therapists in private practice will want this in their library to lend to clients struggling with substance abuse. Other videos in this series include:
- The 7 Skills for Addiction-Free Living: Alternatives to Substance Abuse
- The 7 Skills for Addiction-Free Living: Assertiveness
- The 7 Skills for Addiction-Free Living: Behavioral Self-Control
- The 7 Skills for Addiction-Free Living: Managing Emotions
- The 7 Skills for Addiction-Free Living: Social Skills
- The 7 Skills for Addiction-Free Living: Problem Solving
