Bereavement, better known as grief and mourning that occurs after death, happens more often than any of us would like during our journey of recovery. Death seems to be attached to the concept of addiction. We grieve the substances we once used, those we’ve lost to the disease of addiction, and the person we were during active addiction. It is difficult enough to cope with death with the proper support system and coping skills, but when we add in the fact that drugs and alcohol were numbing us for so long prior to our recovery, facing grief can be even scarier.

Stages of Grief

Bereavement can be demonstrated as a mental, physical, social or emotional response. Emotional states can be those of irritation, blaming oneself, nervousness, depression, and hopelessness. Some physical response includes trouble sleeping, feeling hungry, overeating, and physical health conditions arising.

Grief has no specific timeline. Just because someone we know is suddenly seeming okay after the passing of a loved one does not mean that another individual will also be fine at the exact same time. There is nothing wrong with this. Often people go between stages of grief in varied forms and may even fall back to a previous phase or skip a stage.

According to Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, there are five stages of grief: Facing Grief and Loss in Recovery

  1. Denial may happen whether we chose for it to or not. We may avoid the reality of the situation, any truths or data that reminds us of our loved one’s passing. This is normal, so do not despair when you go through denial after death. This stage is a way for us to handle the fact that a loved one is no longer on this earth with us.
  2. Anger may be demonstrated onto yourself or towards others in your life. This is especially true for how we may react to those who are close to us. If you are one of the unlucky recipients of anger, staying detached and not judging the individual is advised.
  3. Bargaining, or a negational stage, may be experienced by you. This could be through prayer, silent wishes, or even out loud to others in our life. We may ask for it to be us who is taken instead of the person has passed away. We may bargain through words such as “I’ll be good if you…” or any other bartering options.
  4. Depression is also known as “preparatory grieving” and demonstrates that you are no longer in denial over the death of your loved one. Anxiety, questioning, unhappiness, and remorse may occur during this phase.
  5. Acceptance occurs when there is a level of emotional disengagement and objectivity regarding death. Please note that you can reach this stage and still revert to a previous stage.

Discovery Place: A Great Place to Find the Support You Need for Your Sobriety

Loved ones, including those you met in 12-step groups, family, friends, co-workers, and your own faith can be wonderful support systems for you during bereavement. Unfortunately, grief is a stressor, and stressors can sometimes lead to relapses. At Discovery Place in Burns, Tennessee, we understand the importance of a good support network. Our alternative drug and alcohol rehab provides you with an environment that fosters emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Alumni-volunteers take on leadership roles as both mentors and as friends. We are committed to affordable services. Call us today at 1-800-725- 0922 to allow us to aid you through this journey.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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