BESTCITYTRIPS
Going to a wellness center and undergoing detoxification and treatment does not necessarily mean you are cured. Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is a life-long journey. In fact, there is a high possibility that you will encounter triggers that can make you want to use it again. Triggers can be anything such as losing a job, a loved one, or getting divorced. It is estimated that about 40 to 60% of people with an addiction are likely to have a relapse. Fortunately, there are certain tips you can use to help maintain sobriety. Take a look at the strategies listed below.
Find A Hobby
Everyone has a hobby. You probably had one before drugs and alcohol took up too much of your time. After coming out of a recovery center, take this time to focus on your hobbies in your free time. Whether you love hiking, volunteering, cooking, or swimming, go back to this. When you are no longer using substances, it is important to find positive things to do with your time. Note that any time you are idle, there is a high chance you will be bored. And this boredom is likely to push you to substance abuse.
Keep Practicing What You Have Been Taught
In a wellness center, you will be given advice on how you can continue staying sober even when you are done with treatment. Practice these techniques each day. For instance, one of the things you will be taught is to attend support groups. As the name suggests, you will find support in these groups. These are people that understand the challenges you are facing. Some have been where you are at the moment, and they can give you great advice on how to maintain sobriety.
Understanding What Caused You To Start Using it In The First Place
It is not just enough to go to a recovery center and get treatment. You also need to learn about what caused you to abuse drugs or drink. Was it stress because of work, the loss of a loved one, or a major change in your life? Once you know this, your chances of long-term recovery are significantly higher. However, uncovering what led to addiction is not always clear for everyone. And in this case, you will have to work with addiction counselors and therapists to help you find the underlying reasons. This will help you find positive ways to deal with past trauma.
Don’t Be Overconfident
After you have been sober for a significant amount of time, it is easy to assume that you are now under the control of your addiction. You will assume you can now go out in clubs and not drink or join your drinking friends at a house party. But while it is possible to do these things, you also need to be careful. Even after a long time of being sober, one can still crave alcohol.
Know When To Get Help
Even if you are avoiding a situation that can trigger a relapse, you might still find you are craving drugs or alcohol. And even when everyone in your circle is being supportive, you might still obsess over drugs and alcohol. When you are in such a situation, get help. This is a sign of a potential relapse, and if you do not reach out for support, you may start using it again. Getting help can be scheduling a few meetings with an addiction therapist, going for an outpatient rehab program, or talking to friends and relatives. Choose whichever one you are comfortable with as long as you get help.
Maintaining long-term sobriety is much easier when you have the right kind of support around you. These strategies will keep you going and help you avoid situations that can trigger a relapse.
