What is HALT?
What Does the Halt acronym stand for? HALT is an acronym tool used by individuals to monitor their well-being. People struggling with addiction or trying to maintain sobriety are taught to remember HALT. This exercise works to reject triggers by forcing the individual to reflect on their emotional state. By applying the rules of HALT, a person prioritizes self-care which helps them make healthy decisions. This sobriety technique is practiced in 12-step organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
What Does The HALT Acronym Stand For?
The HALT acronym used in recovery stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. The word “halt” means to stop. This play on words suggests that individuals facing temptation stop and reflect on these four feelings. If they are feeling hungry, angry, lonely, or tired it makes them vulnerable to relapse. By identifying these feelings, individuals can curb the temptation to use again.
Hungry
Hunger can make you irritable, confused, and weak. Because many addictive substances can alter appetite, some people in early recovery can go days without food. The body needs food for energy and brain fuel. When a person feels hungry, they are more likely to make poor decisions. By applying HALT, you may recognize that you are hungry. If you are, food intake will make you feel much better.
Make sure to incorporate healthy, nutrient-rich foods into your diet. Develop a regular eating schedule that consists of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Healthy snacks like fruit, vegetables, or nuts will keep hunger away and also provide nutrients. A balanced diet will help you feel better and prevent irritability and poor behavioral thought patterns.
Angry
Many people in recovery once abused substances as a way to cope with their anger. Once sober, they must find different ways to cope. If feelings of anger are ignored, it can build up and cause the person to relapse. HALT reminds them to identify their anger and identify its source. By confronting this emotion, anger can be rationalized and reduced.
Support groups and therapy are great ways to develop better, less emotional coping skills. They reduce the likelihood of relapse and help to identify the source of your anger. If the HALT exercise reveals that you are angry, you must address the emotion. Lean on members of your support group. Call a friend or family member that supports your recovery journey. By venting, the anger will pass and you will feel better.
Lonely
Addiction is a lonely disease. Life in recovery can also be lonely. People in recovery often have to distance themselves from loved ones who do not support their sobriety. This loneliness can lead to depression or an urge to use again. It can also cause people in recovery to return to unhealthy relationships and risk relapsing. Because of this, building a solid support group while in recovery is crucial.
A community of peers who are also in recovery can reinforce the desire to stay sober. HALT reminds people that although they may feel lonely, they are not alone. Reach out to mentors, recovery peers, or friends. Try a new hobby like journaling when feeling lonely. These outlets will help you feel less isolated and improve healthy coping skills for continued sobriety.
Tired
Maintaining sobriety can be exhausting. Between meetings, therapy sessions, and personal commitments it is easy to become tired. While these are beneficial towards continued recovery, rest is also important. By applying HALT, you will be able to identify if you need more sleep or rest.
Lack of adequate sleep can trigger a relapse. Finding ways to relax and incorporate more rest into your busy schedule can prevent relapse. If you feel tired, take a nap or plan for an early night. Do things that calm and revitalize you. Avoid screen time and opt for a book. Take a bubble bath. Do things for yourself. Rest and self-care during recovery are of high importance. Rest and recovery go hand-in-hand so make sure you are taking enough time for yourself.
Let Us Help
It is important to know what the HALT acronym stands for as it is an effective coping strategy. Recovery is a lifelong commitment that requires ongoing effort. Exercises like HALT help simplify the recovery journey, making long-term sobriety attainable.
Many people in recovery could benefit from additional help. At our addiction treatment center, you are in good hands. We offer various services to assist in recovery from addiction. Our specialists are trained in trauma-informed care and relapse prevention, guaranteeing that you receive the help you deserve.
If you or a loved one is in recovery and needs assistance, we are here to help. Recovery can be isolating, but you no longer have to suffer alone. Call us today to see how we can help.
