H.A.L.T: Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness
H.A.L.T: Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness
T
HUNGER, ANGER, LONELINESS, AND TIREDNESS
• Exercising, punching a pillow, or even cleaning are active ways to get rid of the excess
energy anger brings with it.
• Creative projects such as painting, singing, or writing might be a better way for you to dispel
your anger.
• Meditation or prayer can be way to calm yourself anywhere and at any time.
• Finally, talking to someone who isn’t involved in the situation can be a very useful way to
think think through your anger. Regardless of how you expel your anger, make sure you
acknowledge it and reflect upon its causes so you can then release it in constructive, not
destructive, ways.
LONELINESS
• Loneliness can occur when we are by ourselves or when surrounded by many
people.
• We isolate ourselves when we don’t feel like others can understand us, withdrawing
into ourselves out of fear or doubt.
• Being alone is a self-imposed situation.
• If you’re feeling lonely, HALT and ask yourself if you have reached out to anyone lately.
CONT
• Your support system is there for you when you feel depressed,
overwhelmed, or anxious, or if you just someone to talk to.
• Going to a meeting, calling a friend, or visiting a loved one might be just
what you need.
• You can also simply go out in the world by taking a walk, running errands,
or going to a coffee shop.
• Rather than hiding from everyone and returning to substance abuse, reach
out and connect with others who want to see you happy and healthy.
TIREDNESS
• Tiredness takes a toll on our bodies, mind, and spirit.
• When our days are filled with errands, meetings, and activities it is easy to ignore how tired
we become.
• However, running on low energy compromises our ability to think and our capacity to cope.
• Taking the time to HALT is particularly important when you’re tired.
• Satisfying the physical need to sleep, rest, and rejuvenate is critical to keeping healthy
physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
• A good night’s sleep or a leisurely nap may be all you need to change your outlook for the day.
CONT
• Never ignore an overall feeling of grumpiness try to figure out if you are
hungry, angry, lonely or tired. Find one that fits and find out how to take
care of it.
• Avoiding or resolving feelings of hunger, anger, loneliness and tiredness can
be tremendously helpful for those in addiction recovery.
• Learn to identify these feelings and understand what is going on behind
them and we will be able to reduce and relieve triggers that pop up. The
key is to pay attention and not ignore them.
CONT
• Using H.A.L.T. in addiction recovery is a simple way to avoid triggers and get to the
heart of what’s really bothering the recovery addict.
• This strategy is also great to help the clients assess their needs and to ensure to get
their needs met. It can also help prevent a bad attitude, miserable feelings or
meltdowns.
CONT
• Educating clients in these rules can help them focus on what is important:
i. Change their lifestyle (sleep patterns)
ii. Be completely honest;
iii. Ask for help;
iv. Practice self-care
v. Practice mindfulness; and
vi. Don’t bend the rules (consistently ignore the advice).
SUMMARY
• HALT can serve as a reminder to all of us that we need to take care of our basic needs
every day.
• For those recovering from addiction, paying closer attention to your feelings will help you
prevent relapse.
• Take a moment each day to check in with yourself. Ask, “Am I hungry, angry, lonely, or
tired?” Honestly assessing how you feel takes only a minute.
• Doing so will make the everyday stress of life easier to deal with and help you maintain
sobriety.