These tips for avoiding relapse come from experience. Recovery from addiction isn’t just about quitting drugs—it’s about avoiding them altogether for the rest of your life. Many people after completing a detox struggle with sober living. However, being mindful, self-motivated, and keeping oneself busy with new hobbies can go a long way in avoiding relapse.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder even after receiving treatment at a rehab, reach out to Serenity Grove’s personalized relapse prevention therapy program right away.
Addiction alters brain chemistry, changing the way people think, feel or act. Adjusting to life after rehab can get quite overwhelming as the person has to relearn vital life skills and make lifestyle changes. As a result, many get tempted back to their old ways, thereby triggering a relapse. To learn more about Serenity Grove’s treatment program tailored to avoiding relapse, call us at 844.904.3485.
5 of the Best Tips for Avoiding Relapse
Recovery from addiction is a lifelong commitment. While studies suggest that many people who manage to quit a drug may start using again within a year, there are several simple ways to significantly minimize the chances of a relapse.
The following tips and strategies will guide you on the path of sober living:
Identify Your Triggers and Try to Avoid Them
More often than not, the recovery journey is about letting go of the past and building a better future for oneself. However, it isn’t possible to simply erase all the memories or cues of taking drugs/alcohol. Visiting a familiar bar or neighborhood or meeting someone you once did drugs with can trigger powerful cravings. That is why it is important to identify one’s triggers, including the different sights, sounds, and other cues associated with drug use, along with an action plan to avoid such triggers in the future.
Make the Necessary Lifestyle Changes
Sober living involves making mindful lifestyle changes to promote health and happiness. These may include getting regular exercise, following a diet, going for a walk, attending yoga or meditation classes, and so on. In some cases, it might also mean setting clearer boundaries and focusing on self-care and self-love.
Find New Hobbies
After rehab, it is quite common to find oneself with an excess of free time. Try to keep busy with new hobbies that bring you joy, or take part in community projects and volunteer work. Keeping oneself distracted can play a vital role in avoiding relapse.
Opt for Relapse Prevention Therapy
High-risk clients who are prone to relapse can benefit by enrolling in a quality relapse prevention therapy program. These sessions are particularly geared at developing better coping mechanisms, finding unique solutions to one’s issues, and formulating contingency plans to deal with triggers.
Have a Sober Buddy
For those struggling with alcoholism, it may be difficult to avoid alcohol entirely as drinking at social events is normalized in our culture. So, if you can’t say no to a social gathering where you know alcohol will be freely served, take a “sober” buddy along to keep an eye out for you. Ask your family members and friends to play an active part in your healing process by holding you accountable.
Find the Secret to Sober Living at Serenity Grove
At Serenity Grove, we offer a calm and supportive atmosphere for our clients to recover from addiction so that they can go on to live happier and more meaningful lives.
As a family-owned residential treatment center, we specialize in end-to-end care services. Our empathetic staff guides the client through every step of the recovery journey, from detox to residential care to outpatient treatment and beyond. Clients can also enroll in our lifelong continuing care program to enjoy ongoing support, help, and access to vital healthcare resources even after their treatment is formally over.
No matter how severe the case, lifelong sobriety, and wellness are achievable goals. Call us at 844.904.3485 and change your life today.
