As I’m in my early days of recovery I’ve given a lot of thought to how I used to cope before using substance. I couldn’t come up with a real answer until last night when I had a breakdown and had thoughts of self-harm. That’s how I used to cope. I’d rather use my substance to cope than feel these horrible thoughts…
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Working out helps me a lot
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What do you do when you’re down and don’t have the motivation?
Pray! believe in your high power 
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I think of how bad it used to be and don’t want that life anymore
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Great question, and congrats on being courageous enough to get honest about how you feel. Awareness is how it all begins. Heck yeah it so f’n uncomfortable. Our solution was to escape thru whatever means necessary…regardless of the consequences. So you’re going thru the same things all of us recovering addicts/alcoholics go thru…now what do I do?! This sounds so silly, I almost feel stupid writing this, but…you gotta become more comfortable being uncomfortable. It’s a process. Give yourself a break. It’s going to take time. Sometimes you’ll start feeling better, and other times not so much. Try not to judge, and think less. We can’t think our way out of this. Actually, we need to let go of trying to figure it all out. I suggest you start with some breathing exercises. You can Google and find some guided videos on how to do it. Meditation also helps slow down our overthinking, but man is it hard when ur mind is racing. I suggest breathing first, then try adding some meditation. They say feelings last no more than 90 seconds. It’s all the bs our mind attaches to these feelings that lasts so long. Learn to recognize the feeling, and then detach from all the overthinking and obsessive thoughts. Easier said than done, but you’re on the path. Keep pushing forward ODAAT
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In addition to working out if you enjoy reading get in a quiet place and read the big book.
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Thank you, this was amazing. I appreciate your advice!
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Ah yes! I actually just got one from a meeting!
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