Why HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) Matters

Starting

To get healthier, you need to do more than just stay away from drugs. You also need to know how to identify what’s going on inside you before it gets out of hand. The term HALT, which stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired, is one of the best and fastest ways to get better. If you don’t detect these four states quickly away, you can be more inclined to relapse.

We tell our customers at Deluxe Treatment that HALT is like checking the dashboard of their own mental health. When one light starts flashing, you should pull over, take a breath, and check in before you run out of petrol.

What HALT Is and Why It Matters

HALT is a brief term that advises you to stop and think about what you really need before you do something based on how you feel. When you’re hungry, angry, alone, or sleepy, it’s evident that your emotional defenses are down and desires could slip in.

People don’t normally go back to their old habits out of the blue. It usually starts with discomfort, which is a tiny need that isn’t being met, and then it gets worse until it feels like it can’t be ignored. HALT enables you swiftly check in with yourself and do something before it happens.

Are You Hungry?

Feed your body and let your mind relax. If you don’t eat or drink enough coffee, you could feel furious, nervous, and fast to act. Hunger can quickly turn into heart agony for persons who are recuperating. If you want something, it could just be low blood sugar.

Have some nuts, fruit, or a protein bar on hand to snack on. Drink a lot of water. Eating meals at the same time every day keeps you energized and helps you think effectively. Eating healthy makes your thinking more stable.

Mad: Don’t Attempt to Run Away from It

It’s normal to be angry. What counts is how you deal with it. It gets worse if you keep it inside. Letting it out will ruin relationships. Find out what made you mad and where it came from.

Think about how you feel: wounded, angry, or terrified. Then find healthy ways to deal with stress, such as going for a walk, writing in a notebook, talking to a friend, or going to therapy. At Deluxe Treatment, we teach our clients that being able to appropriately express rage is a strength, not a weakness.

When You’re Alone, Connect

Feeling alone is one of the most prevalent reasons people go back to their old habits. It’s excellent for healing to be around other people, but it’s awful for it to be alone. When you feel like no one understands you or you want to be alone, that’s when you should reach out, not shrink back.

Send a text to a friend, attend a meeting, or go to a public place where you feel comfortable. Even small things might help you remember that you’re part of something. You don’t get better when you’re by yourself. You get better in relationships.

If You’re Exhausted, Rest

When you’re exhausted, everything is tougher. When you’re weary, you don’t have as much patience, your sentiments are stronger, and it’s hard to choose what to do. You can feel bad and want to eat more if you don’t get enough sleep. This mix is not good.

You should take care of your sleep just like you take care of your sobriety. Make sure you get enough sleep, keep your home peaceful, and take breaks when you need them. Taking care of your mental health doesn’t mean you’re lazy; it means you’re taking a break.

Use HALT Every Day

You don’t only do HALT when something goes wrong; you do it every day. Every morning or whenever you feel off, ask yourself:

• Do I want to eat?
• Am I losing my mind?
• Is it just me?
• Do I feel sleepy?

If you can say “yes” to any of these questions, do something little. Get some sleep, call a buddy, work out, or eat something good for you. Taking care of your needs makes your recuperation stronger every time.

Getting to Know What You Want

HALT is great since it’s so easy. It tells you to stop and think before you act and to pay attention to your body before it gets worse. Learning more about yourself is one of the best strategies to stay sober.

We help our customers use HALT together with therapy, mindfulness, and self-care at Deluxe Treatment. One huge reason people don’t go back to the way they used to be is because the tiny things they don’t notice add up. HALT lets you halt them before they take over.

When you feel furious or anxious again, just remember HALT. It softly tells you to stop and listen to what your body and mind are saying. Being compassionate when you meet these requests is one of the finest strategies to stay balanced and protect your recovery.

We at Deluxe Treatment think that information is power. One of the best strategies to stay on track, stay connected, and stay true to your recovery journey is to HALT.