How to Deal with Grief and Loss in Rehab


People can grieve after any significant life change, the death of a loved one, the breakdown of a relationship or giving up a substance on which they have been dependent. What is common is a feeling of emptiness and loss and the experience of very powerful feelings. How these feelings are dealt with is of particular relevance to those in recovery. A recovering addict is particularly vulnerable to relapse when bereavement occurs and it is vitally important that they seek out help and support so as to prevent any return to substance abuse when dealing with loss in rehab.

Dealing With Your Emotions in Rehab

It is important that emotions are acknowledged and that sadness, anger and guilt are experienced rather than blotted out. Loss needs to be accepted and acknowledged at this very difficult time. The feeling of grief experienced over the death of a loved one or the breakdown of a relationship has parallels with the feelings expressed by some recovering addicts when they stop using. In addiction there is an intense relationship between the person and the substance controlling their lives and they can experience feelings of deep loss when they begin their rehab journey.

As part of a recovery program the individual will be armed with tools for coping with these feelings and some of those tools include talking to others and sharing feelings, attending regular meetings and sessions and focussing on sobriety. At Casa Recovery in San Juan Capistrano CA our counselors and therapists use holistic methods to help clients dealing with grief in rehab.

Using prayer or mediation can help when you feel overwhelmed by emotions. Reading books or articles by others who have experienced loss and maintained sobriety can be inspirational. Grief can cause a person to neglect themselves. They may not eat properly and sleep may become difficult. It is very important to take care of your health or you can spiral downwards and risk relapse. If you feel you are at risk of using an addictive substance you should consider seeking drug rehab in Orange County.

Find Acceptance of Your Loss with Personal Grief Counseling at Casa Recovery

It is wise to get personal grief counseling, it is normal to seek help at such times whether you are in recovery or not. You may feel that overcoming feelings of loss and pain is disrespectful and that suffering is inevitable in loss, but it is imperative to reach out for help and acknowledge your emotions. Don’t drown your sorrows, come for alcohol rehab in Orange County where the calming sea air will heal you and open your heart to creativity and positive outcomes. Be nurtured through your loss and grief. Contact us today, we can help.

Table of Contents