H.A.L.T. – Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired

One of the most common acronyms in recovery is H.A.L.T. (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired). This recovery tool learned in a drug rehab program is simple to use and applicable to all addicts in recovery, or even those who are not in recovery. No matter how you are feeling or what circumstances are going on around you, H.A.L.T. is a simple tool to assess if you are in relapse mode. When any of these characteristics are present, a recovering addict will be irritable, moody, lethargic, and seemingly unhappy. When our body is not feeling well, our brains also begin to think more negatively. Negative thoughts will sometimes be self-loathing, self-punishing and will ultimately lead to cravings to use drugs and alcohol to escape. It is important to be self aware of H.A.L.T. to decrease the risk of relapse. Never act on thoughts that are based upon feelings that are generated simply because you have neglected to take care of your needs.