RECOVERING FROM AN ADDICTION

There are well-known ways to get help – therapy, medications, support groups and more – and going it alone is not recommended. These at-home tactics may smooth a bumpy recovery.

Exercise Heading out for a run or taking a dance class can create a natural high, reduce the effects of stress and even ease an addict through withdrawal. Exercise may also stimulate reward centres in the brain, helping ease cravings.

Mindfulness A study in US medical journal JAMA Psychiatry found that people in treatment for alcohol or drug addiction who participated in an eight-week mindfulness course had significantly lower relapse rates a year later than those who had only traditional therapy and support.

Online support A variety of apps are available to help people manage their recovery and get 24/7 support from both peers and counsellors, including I Am Sober from ReachOut Australia, “an addiction buddy useful for quitting any activity or substance”.