Addiction recovery takes time. It is therefore important to learn skills to prevent relapse during the healing period. No matter which stage of recovery you are in, there is a risk of relapsing. So, understand the triggers and avoid them.
Table of Contents
7 Ways To Avoid Addiction Relapse
Motivational Enhancement Therapy
MET aims at assisting recovering patients on ways to change bad thoughts related to addiction. This therapy is commonly applied to patients with re-curing conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar.
Play the Tape Through
At times, you may get the urge to take a drink or use drugs. This feeling may bring lots of confusion and questions about what to do. Try to play the tape through. Just imagine what will happen to you if you relapse into addiction. Were you happy during your addiction? You may likely never want to go back to addiction, and thus, you will make an informed decision.
Join Support Groups
After rehab, a patient needs to join a support group at https://www.theprocessrecoverycenter.com/. The groups comprise recovering patients, therapists, and counselors. Group members offer encouragement and support and thus reduce the chances of relapsing. Join a group that suits your needs and enjoy company with people with the same goal as yours.
Understand Your Triggers
The common triggers are stress, anger, people, places, anxiety, or low self–esteem. Once you know what pulls you to addiction, it is easier to avoid it and thus reduce the chances of relapse. Cut ties with drinking buddies and avoid places with drugs or alcohol.
Self-Care
According to the New York Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, insomnia and fatigue are the common triggers for relapse. So, by taking care of yourself through physical activities, eating healthy foods, and getting enough sleep, your body will relax and reduce the possibility of going back to addiction.
Make New Friends
It is important to make new friends who will walk with you till you recover completely. Take a hike or attend events with them to relieve stress and loneliness, which may trigger addiction.
HALT Method
HALT stands for hungry, angry, lonely, and tired. If you feel the urge to take substances, first check if you feel either of the HALT symptoms. Ensure you are not hungry or angry, look for a friend, and relax your body and mind to prevent relapse.
Get a New Hobby
Addicts spend most of their time taking substances or hanging with bad company. Patients are left with lots of idle time after removing substance abuse from their to-do list. Staying idle is not recommendable during early recovery since it can lead to relapse. Therefore, look for a new hobby such as gardening, cooking, or playing soccer. The aim is to utilize your free time and keep your mind off addiction.
Regular Exercises
Exercises help the body release endorphins that regulate your mood and raise your energy. Physical activities help clear depression and anxiety, which most patients struggle to fight during the early recovery days. Start with lighter exercises such as walking, jogging, running, yoga or biking.
Ask for Help
It’s best to avoid relapse at all costs. So, don’t feel ashamed to ask for help from your support group or therapists. It may not be easy, but it’s better to swallow your pride and live a sober life. Fighting addiction alone is hard, so nobody will blame you if you keep asking for assistance.
Fighting addiction is a challenging task. You will have to deal with relapse triggers all through the recovery period. The good news is that you can reach out to people and get help. Ensure to practice self-care, exercise, and taking on new hobbies that will help you maintain sobriety.
Also Read: How to Stay Sober After Drug and Alcohol Addiction
