Around 80% of people that successfully beat addiction relapse at some point on their journey to sobriety.
All too often, people receive support getting clean, but that support tapers off once the initial habit is kicked. We do not talk enough about the complexities of recovery and staying sober long term.
When relapse does happen, it takes grit and determination to accept and learn from it. But don’t let the long journey put you off, if you’re clean you’ve already done the hard work. There are just a few things you need to do to ensure you remain sober, happy, and in control of your life.
Read on for our top 5 tips for staying in recovery.
1) Identify Your Triggers
There is always a trigger and identifying your own personal triggers means you won’t be taken by surprise by sudden, all-consuming cravings. Common triggers include:
- Boredom
- Stress
- Insecurity
- Social situations
- Emotional distress
Think about the times in your life you needed to use drugs or alcohol the most, what was happening in your life at those moments? If you seek help at a rehab center, counselors will help you identify the root cause of your triggers.
2) The Importance of Habits
Now you’ve identified your triggers, spend some time thinking of a positive habit to replace your previous behaviors. Do not think of it as a substitution for drugs or alcohol, realistically it won’t match up. Instead, try this:
“Whenever (trigger) happens, I will (replacement behavior)”
For example: “Whenever I am feeling stressed about money, I will go for a walk outside.”
By removing alcohol and drugs from the thought process, you will start rewiring unconscious nerve pathways, walking will become your new response to this trigger. Creating new habits is vital to staying in recovery.
3) Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People
In recovery treatment, one of the most important things is talking. You should be surrounded by like-minded and supportive people. You need a support network that knows about your struggles, is respectful of your boundaries, and cares about your wellbeing.
Try joining support groups and take up healthy hobbies; you’ll find yourself surrounded by healthy people that would support you in recovery.
4) Seek Professional Help
Don’t think that you need to do this alone. There a range of support available for recovering addicts. Initially, rehab recovery is recommended to break the cycle and ensure a safe detox.
After rehab, long-term support is just as important. Different things work for each person but you should consider individual and/or group therapy. At a minimum, make sure you have the numbers for crisis helplines saved in your phone for difficult days.
5) Celebrate Milestones
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your milestones and successes. If you’re in a 12-step program this is easy, it’s a key part of the program. But, if you aren’t in a program, make sure those in your life are aware of your key successes and milestones. You’re on an amazing journey and you deserve to be praised.
Live a Happy Life in Recovery
By following these 5 steps, you can help yourself be successful in your journey to recovery. Even the smallest, positive changes can have great effects on your happiness and quality of life.
If you think support would help you stay sober, make sure to contact us at Clear Day Treatment Centre for more information.
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