Understanding comfort zones is essential on the addiction recovery path. So many of the best parts of life happen when you step out of your comfort zone. Taking the step to ask for help for substance use is one critical example of stepping out of your comfort zone. If you want to learn more about comfort zones and how you can use them to your advantage in recovery, we have a few tips and tricks below.
Comfort zones are as they sound: a place or a feeling that makes you comfortable. Your comfort zone can be something physical, like a room in your house, or a non-physical location or feeling. Most of the time, when people mention comfort zones, they're referring to a safe space where they can heal and relax from day-to-day experiences.
In addiction recovery, even talking about getting outside of a comfort zone often makes individuals uncomfortable. Over the years, though, you will learn many people fall short because of their comfort zones, as well as regularly return to their comfort zones, depending on their emotional wellness.
Some comfort zones can allow individuals to feel protected, so they don't get hurt. Almost every individual in the world builds up some sort of comfort zone that they can return to when they face uncomfortable situations. These comfort zones are places where you don't feel pain, and you are never put into an uncomfortable position.
There are different types of pain. There is continuous pain, and then there is hopeful pain. Hopeful pain gives the feeling that there is a light at the end. The continuous pain, however, is a pain that you feel will never go away, and there seems to be no hope or light at the end of the tunnel.
When you experience continuous pain, you might be stuck in a comfort zone. For the pain to end, you may need to make yourself uncomfortable and face a stressful situation. However, if you or someone you love is stuck in a comfort zone, you should understand that many others continuously do the same thing every day and get the same results. They stay in their comfort zone, just as you might. It is not uncommon to find someone who likes to stay within their comfort zones. Addressing the pain will help you convert conflicts into positive energy.
Comfort zones make you feel safe, secure and protected from outside influences. Those that choose to remain in their comfort zone feel that nothing will change, and they are all right with that. There are no uncomfortable feelings and there are no uncomfortable situations in their comfort zone. They may feel their pain will never end, but at least they won't have to deal with anything else. If you don't learn how to address the pain, you will continue to suffer, remaining in that “comfort zone.” Learning how to get out of your comfort zone can help.
Substance use can form a comfort zone, too. If you are struggling with addiction, you may be more comfortable with continuing to drink and/or use because of that comfort zone.
In some cases, those who stay in these comfort zones don't want to address the pain. Many people feel that if they stay in their comfort zone, they don't have to worry about anyone else and can focus on self-care to cope with their inner pain. Maybe they even feel like they can close their eyes and their pain will go away, and their substance use helps them do that. However, that substance use is also resulting in pain, for yourself and others. To address substance use, the elements of those comfort zones need to be addressed first.
You deserve to have a healthy, happy life that is free from substance use. If you want to feel healthier and happier, it is time for you to try something different. It is time for you to take hold of your fear and take that first step forward out of your comfort zone.
You might be hesitant to step out of your comfort zone if you feel that your addiction is helping you cope with the pain. However, it is hurting your life harder than you realize. You might feel that your addiction is a security blanket for you or a family member, but it's truly hurting everyone and not just you.
It's time for you to be gentle with yourself and make the courageous decision to take that step forward. People care about who and how you are. You have peers and other people around who understand your situation, even if you feel that there's no one out there who relates to you.
Every person in the world has times where they feel like they can't get out of a negative situation. If you need help, there is no shame in asking for help from someone who can understand your situation or can find you resources to help. You've already been through enough tragedy and enough pain. You don't need to protect yourself by not asking for assistance. One day, your pain can get eliminated, but only if you take the first step out of your comfort zone. If you feel that you want your pain to end, then it is time to step out of your comfort zone. NorthStar Transitions is here to help you move forward in your life. The beauty and the freedom that comes with life after treatment will open up your life and increase your comfort levels in new ways. We can help you with your pain. Learn more or call us at (303) 558-6400.
