Thinking back I'm almost positive, like many others my drug and alcohol use started as a way to deal with some type of depression. After getting completely clean and sober. Letting some time maybe even years pass. How does one deal with depression, anxiety etc without being put on meds ? Certainly a lot of recovering addicts have this question 
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Simple exercises help tremendously, writing a daily gratitude list? out.At least 10 things that I am grateful for.Then,how could I show that I am grateful
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Bingo. I suffered from depression all of my life. Runs in my family. Self medicated for decades. It only dug me deeper. It wasn't until combining various methods (mainly exercise) was I able to temper it. There's no silver bullet but this got me off the sauce.
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I don't think there is any other way to deal with it other than feeling all the feels. I am recently off meds because I realized they like alcohol just numbed me so I could function. I am not going to lie, it hasn't been easy. I keep saying to myself to just ride the wave to the other side or no one ever died from a feeling (although it feels like you can). We can work through things but it isn't a quick fix.
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Exercise… #1
Meditation… Deepak Chopra
Journal….work through the Feelings
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I like these replies. A gratitude list, getting busy with exercise, journaling. All healthy options. I add prayer. I found some great prayers in the 12 step program. For years I became a workaholic to occupy my anxiety and depression. It wasn’t until I felt even broken at work that I realized I needed to get back to basics and set aside time for exercise and meditation.
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Dion great question! I’m sure most of us have dealt with this situation. I know I have. I decided not to take meds for my emotional health. I did and still do utilize the tools of the program to manage my mental & emotional health.
The 12 steps are a constant process, SERVICE, prayer & meditation daily, and in person meetings. Also getting out in nature daily helps too.
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