Millions of Americans struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol, and every year, thousands seek recovery at treatment centers like America’s Rehab Campus. For some, this may be their first visit to a treatment center. Others, however, may be taking a second or third attempt at successfully staying sober. Today, we’re talking about seven ways that can help you maintain your sobriety and ways to include these tips into your relapse prevention strategy.
Take Precautions to Manage or Avoid Triggers
The most vulnerable time for a newly sober person to relapse is during the first few months of sobriety. You may notice triggers that you didn’t realize you had, and you’re likely still dealing with a lot of emotions without the crutch of drugs or alcohol. Although you may be excited about your success in breaking free from active addiction, you may not realize that you have certain triggers until you encounter them. Having a plan for unexpected cravings or triggers before they happen can help you manage them.
Surround Yourself With Positivity
Positive people, places, and things help support you when you’re in recovery. If you’re surrounded by the same unhealthy people and environment you were when you were in active addiction, then you may be easily tempted to fall back into your old ways. Find a positive sobriety support group, and learn to recognize toxic relationships that may affect your ability to stay sober. You may not be able to completely eliminate some negative people from your life, especially if they’re family members or co-workers, but if you have more positive influences in your life, you may be able to handle them better without relapsing.
Always be Honest With Yourself
Although avoiding triggers and surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people can help you stay successful in sobriety, being honest with yourself, feelings, and temptations is how you can manage lasting sobriety. Lies and deceit are the underpinnings of addiction, and it’s common for addicts to habitually be dishonest. However, when you are honest with yourself, your sponsor, or your therapist, then you can start taking steps to address challenges to your sobriety. Your honesty with your support network is your safety net.
Understanding the Danger of “Pink Cloud” Syndrome
When people first enter recovery, they often feel and look better once the detox process is complete. They may be thinking more clearly and have a well-earned sense of accomplishment. The euphoria of early sobriety is often called a “pink cloud” and can be dangerous for those newly sober. Life may seem much brighter and better, but the pink cloud may cause feelings of overconfidence and set people up with unrealistic expectations. It’s important to remember to stay grounded and centered in your recovery, understanding the dangers of this short-lived euphoria.
Maintain Sober Ties
Joining a sobriety support group or keeping in touch with people you met in inpatient or outpatient treatment can help you form relationships with others in early recovery. Staying focused on recovery can be difficult if you feel like you’re the only one you know who is going through the same struggles. Sober friends and mentors can help you feel less alone, and they truly understand your struggles.
Give Back By Helping Others
Giving back to your community and helping others can help many newly sober people find a sense of purpose. When you volunteer in your community, you can learn to feel good about the success of others. This is also a sign of emotional maturity and can help you stay grounded and remember to be humble. When people have a sense of value and are engaged in helping others, it may make it easier to avoid self-harming with drugs or alcohol.
Adopt a practice of Mindful Meditation
Recovery and addiction therapy is an emotional rollercoaster. Mindfulness is the practice of focusing on your thoughts and the present moment. Regular meditation has been shown to reduce stress and help you manage your emotions naturally, without using. It can help you maintain balance in your life.
Conclusion
Drug and alcohol addictions are life-long diseases, incurable, but with proper support and therapy, many addicts can go on to have long, sober, and fulfilling lives. While no one is immune to a relapse, having a relapse strategy in place before you’re tempted can help, such as incorporating these seven tips.
If you’re worried about your own or a loved one’s drug or alcohol use, there is hope. America’s Rehab Campus can help you find a treatment program that works for your needs. Contact us today for a free, confidential assessment. Our recovery specialists are here to meet your immediate and long-term needs.
