It’s hard to stop addiction, but it’s just as hard, if not harder, to stay sober after Addiction Treatment. There are many things that can happen in your life that can make you go back to bad habits you used to have, even after staying at an Addiction Treatment Center.
Many people who have trouble with drugs or alcohol find it hard to stay clean during the holidays. Others may have trouble when they see an old friend.
If you’re having trouble staying sober, it’s important not to feel like a failure, sometimes it can be difficult to fall away from your Drug Treatment and Alcohol Treatment. Setbacks are often a part of long-term success. What’s important is that you keep moving forward on your way to living sober.
Here are some ways to help you stay sober if you’re having trouble.
Take Care of Your Mind
How well your mind is functioning can have a significant effect on your propensity to use substances. It can make you use it even though you know it’s bad for you.
In any case, co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse are surprisingly common. Addiction is a chronic disease, and it will recur as often as necessary if your mental health isn’t attended to before, during, and after sobriety.
For those who struggle with both mental illness and addiction, getting sober may require assistance from professionals in a mental health treatment center.
If you’re having trouble figuring out what kind of mental health treatment would be best for you, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a doctor or therapist, as well as someone with experience in substance abuse.
Improve Your Family And Friend Relationships
Substance abuse treatment requires family involvement. Family dynamics can sometimes contribute to alcohol or drug abuse. Family can help you avoid relapse if they’re involved in your recovery.
It may take family therapy, but make sure your loved ones aren’t enabling you. A therapy environment can help you raise sensitive issues. Your family can help you stay sober if you work through your issues. Drug Rehab and Alcohol Rehab are both big steps, and you will need support.
Friends matter. If you’re low on friends and don’t trust any family members, join a support group. You can learn how to prevent relapse and make new friends.
Healthy Relationships
The quality of family and friend relationships matters for recovery. Whether it’s an unsupportive parent or a drug dealer friend, it’s important to leave unhealthy relationships.
Block them on social networks and avoid their hangouts. If you feel like you owe them a reason, tell them you need space, but you should never feel guilty for leaving unhealthy relationships that don’t support your recovery.
Learn That Things Can Be Fun Alone
Empty days make relapse easier. Finding new ways to stay engaged in life is part of sobriety.
Having a job can help you forget about your addiction and keep you busy, but there are other ways to do so. So learn how to have fun alone, so you’re not dependent on others. Examples:
- Museum-hop
- Find somewhere to stargaze
- Learn an instrument
- Language-learn
- Outdoors
- Study
- Spa-day
- Start a hobby
Learn To Adapt To Schedule Changes
Scheduling is essential for relapse prevention. A chaotic or disorganized life can encourage relapse. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, call your family, and unwind with a bath or shower every night.
Develop a routine that works for you and find ways to cope if it gets disrupted. Reaching out to family, attending an AA meeting, or increasing your meditation can help you cope if you’re off schedule.