If you happen to be on a pathway to recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction, you already know the effort you had to put into getting there. For this reason, you must strive to do everything in your power to avoid a relapse. However, this is easier said than done since the transition from a rehab facility to normal living can get tough.
Upon leaving a rehab Los Angeles facility, you may find yourself in situations that spark the thought of trying alcohol or drugs again. Nevertheless, do not take this as a sign of weakness since it’s a natural part of recovery. With little help from your family, friends not forgetting a good plan, you can overcome all temptations.
That said, here are a few things you can do to stay sober after drug and alcohol addiction.
Identify and Manage Triggers
One of the most critical aspects of preventing relapse is identifying situations that trigger cravings for drugs or alcohol. To have a smooth ride, maintain a list of both external and internal triggers, so you can avoid them. The secret lies in creating a plan that can help you overcome these triggers and maintain a sober lifestyle. Be sure to keep a close eye on the warning signs of a relapse and employ the right measures before things get out of hand.
Have a Support Team
In your quest to stay sober, you should try as much as possible to maintain close relations with people you can count on when in dire need of strength and encouragement. Even though you may not have the same relationships as before, it is always worth trying. After all, a little effort can never hurt you.
Aside from turning to family members and close friends for support, join local support groups as they can help you adjust to staying sober. By avoiding people in your life who are still into drug and alcohol abuse, you create the perfect environment for your recovery. Well, this is what you need to change your life for the better.
Find Substitutes for Old Habits
It’s no secret that every journey begins with a small step in the right direction. Of course, the first step was to visit an outpatient rehab Los Angeles facility and get help from professionals. However, you ought to keep the fire burning even after you complete the drug rehab center. To achieve this hassle-free, examine your old habits and make appropriate adjustments.
For you to break your old habits, find something else that makes you happy. Rather than taking alcohol with your friends after a stressful day at work, why not hit the gym or look for an enriching activity? The faster you break old habits and introduce a new healthy routine in your life, the easier it is to stay sober. Click here to get help from professionals and keep your drug or alcohol abuse problem in check.
Final Thoughts
Recovery is a lifelong process, and staying sober can be challenging. Either way, you can still achieve success and stay substance-free by making a few changes to your life. If you go through a relapse, do not shy away from seeking the help of your family, friends, and your health care team to get back on the right track.
