Most if not all of those who use, will remember their first “high.” Often that first high was the best high and one continues to use to try and achieve or relive that same high. For many, it cannot be obtained, and they move on to a harder drug or a greater dosage. This phenomenon is called chasing the high.

When in recovery and when without synthetic chemicals, there really isn’t anything in the natural world that can mimic the dopamine illusion that drugs play on the brain.

Coming down from a high and back into a reality that may be less than ideal can be severely depressing. Tables turn quickly from chasing to feeling like being chased by a dark depression. It may feel like one cannot escape this heavy lowness.

“Will I be happy again?” is a common question that many will ask themselves or ask out loud. The answer is, “Yes, you can be.” Here are a few things that can help.

Antidepressants

One of the first things that could possibly be helpful is to see a physician about anti-depression medication. Many are very nervous about medication when trying to eliminate chemicals from their body.

For this reason, it is imperative that those in recovery are completely transparent and honest with their physician about their substance abuse history. This way, your health provider can responsibly manage medication.

Though it might seem scary to take medication in fear of triggering a relapse, recognize that depression can be a major trigger for relapse. An antidepressant is considered “non-addictive” unlike opiates or other drugs.

Therapy

For some, the reason drugs was sought after was to run away from or try to avoid an unpleasant reality. Trauma, grief, stress, boredom, anger, etc. are all common things that can lead a person to trying drugs.

Drugs, however, do not solve problems. Forgetting about a problem doesn’t make it go away. When setting back into reality, the problems that were left behind are waiting for your when you return.

A therapist can help process difficult events, assist in learning how to cope with negative emotions, gain skills to manage the hardships, and put a plan together for facing trying situations.

Find New Joy

Though the natural and sober world does not have synthetic highs, it does have real and genuine ones. A “natural high” may not be as rapid and intense; but, it is real, lasting, healthy, and long-term. Seek out natural highs and find new joys in life, or revive old joys that were sober and positive.

Things like exercise, eating delicious food, and having positive interpersonal relationships are activities that naturally produce feelings of happiness in your brain.

It may be helpful to get a gym membership, enjoy the outdoors, invest in cooking delicious and healthy meals, get a pet, make new sober friends, and explore new hobbies.

It may not be instant, but with consistent effort, happiness can be found.

If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse please contact Crownview Medical Group to get in touch with a trained medical professional.