8 Ways to Reduce Stress Without Drug and Alcohol

When you meet changes in your life, you may experience stress as a physical or emotional reaction. Some stress may be helpful, allowing you to take on and master a new project while also boosting your confidence. However, too much stress may have a negative impact on your mental and physical health, leaving you exhausted.

What is stress and how is it harmful?

Stress may come from a variety of sources, ranging from everyday traffic to physical injuries or being exposed to an abusive relationship. Stress disrupts the body's regular function balance, also known as homeostasis, on a physical level. To preserve homeostasis, the body responds to stress by mobilizing different physiological and behavioral changes via the endocrine (hormone release) and neurological (increased neuronal activity and neurotransmitter release in particular locations such as the amygdala) systems.

To be clear, not all forms of stress are harmful. In many respects, stress is beneficial to our health. It helps us stay alert and motivated, which is great for stress-inducing situations like sitting for an exam or having a job interview (although in both, too much stress can be debilitating). However, stress is mostly a physical response where the body switches to "flight or fight" mode.

As a result, learning to cope with stress without the use of drugs or alcohol is critical. It's worth the effort for your general health and to keep your sobriety. Here are 8 ways to reduce stress without drug and alcohol addiction. 

1. Meditation

2. Breathwork

3. Mindfulness

4. Positive Affirmations

5. Physical Activity

6. Listen to Music

7. Gratitude Journal

8. Good Sleep

Stress can contribute to substance abuse. If your resources for coping are not enough, or if someone you love struggles with drug and alcohol abuse, we encourage you to learn more about drug addiction treatment options. Help is always available and reaching out is the first step to healing. Call All American Detox Center for the best drug alcohol rehab center in Woodland Hill, CA.