Millions of people struggle with drug and alcohol addiction each year. Admitting you have a problem is just the first step in the recovery process. Whether you enter a rehabilitation facility alone or enter a couples rehab with your partner, you will have to work hard to keep temptations at bay. Once you have completed a substance abuse rehabilitation program, you will need to use all of the strategies you have learned to prepare for life in the real world again.
The insulated environment provided by a rehabilitation center is a far cry from the problems that will face you in your everyday life. If you are looking for some helpful tips to aid in your recovery journey, check out some of the helpful ideas below.
Understand What Triggers Your Desire To Use Drugs and Alcohol
One of the main things you will learn in your treatment program is how to identify and deal with the causes of your addiction. This can be helpful information to have as you face the dangers of relapse in your everyday life. The addiction specialists who helped you on your path to sobriety have seen many success stories, as well as many failures. The knowledge they have from working with people who have relapsed is essential in helping you in your journey. One of the keys to avoiding relapse is understanding what triggers your desire to use drugs and alcohol in the first place.
Depression and anxiety are just two of the most common issues that contribute to addicts relapsing. In fact, more than 20% of people who have anxiety disorders or chronic depression also have substance abuse problems. Experiencing stressful financial and relationship problems can also lead an addict to relapse. The more you know about your personal triggers, the easier it will be to see them coming and deal with them without using drugs or alcohol.
Steer Clear of Old Habits and Routines
Some recovering addicts fail to realize just how dangerous hanging out with old friends can be in relation to their sobriety. Making the mistake of thinking your resolve is stronger than your desire to use drugs and alcohol can lead to a relapse as well. This is why addiction specialists highly recommend that addicts stay away from their old friends until they have at least a year of sobriety under their belts.
While avoiding old hangouts and friends will be difficult, it is important to ensure you remain sober, especially in the initial months after rehab. Taking the time to make new friends that are passionate about sobriety is also beneficial. These are people who can support you and be your shoulder to cry on when times get tough. They will also help you stay on the straight and narrow when you are tempted to fall back into your old ways.
Having a Structured Schedule Is Helpful
Being in the throes of addiction can lead to a person’s life spiraling out of control. When a person is addicted to drugs and alcohol, they often keep very odd hours. This can prohibit them from working a day job and living a normal life. If you are recently sober, you will need to work on developing a detailed daily schedule to bring some much-needed structure to your life.
Trying to stay sober with a chaotic or disorganized schedule can be difficult. You also need to set goals for both your sobriety and your career. Keeping track of the steps you are making to achieve these goals can keep you motivated.
Sobriety Is a Long-Term Process
As most former addicts know, staying sober is an ongoing struggle. This is why you need to avoid letting your guard down when it comes to being around people who use drugs and alcohol. Having a sponsor, you can talk to about your daily struggles with addiction can help you avoid relapsing, as well as a supportive group of people to help you along the way.