Learning to Tolerate Distress

Managing stress is crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding relapse. Reflecting on past experiences where frustration and overwhelm led to substance use can provide insight into how stress has impacted your recovery journey. Common triggers may include certain people, situations, or attitudes. Developing coping skills, such as self-encouraging thoughts like “This situation will pass” or “I am strong enough to handle this,” can help you endure distressing situations. Additionally, practicing lifestyle changes, such as seeking support and staying active, will strengthen your ability to manage stress and stay resilient in recovery.