How to Prevent an Addiction Relapse

Addiction is a horrible shadow that can hang over you for a long period, but with hard work and determination, you can break free and start living a sober life. While this is liberating and allows you to find your solid footing again, there are slippery slopes that you sometimes pass, and they can trip you up and slide you back into the chains of addiction again.

Are you free from your dependency but afraid of it getting hold of you once more? This is scary, but fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to avoid it. Discover how to prevent an addiction relapse.

Avoid Triggers

What originally led you into addiction are the gateways to relapse, so you need to avoid these at all costs. This may be people you used to hang out with, a favourite bar or a place of employment. Any emotional situation that could be tempting for you is a trigger to avoid.

Identifying these situations can bring back negative memories, but remembering is essential so you know what to avoid. Even boredom can be triggering, so you must replace these old habits and situations with something new and positive. 

Start by changing your daily routine and avoiding places familiar to your old life. You can also work on techniques to cope with your triggers so that when the thoughts rush in, you can practice things like meditation or mindfulness, staying in the present moment instead of the bad memories of the past.

Addiction Treatment Centre

You may be familiar with an addiction treatment centre because that is where you get help to kick the addiction in the first place. While it may hold unpleasant memories, it is also where you find yourself again.

If you are concerned about a relapse, contact them to see if they have any outpatient treatments or counselling for relapsing. They know what you are going through and should be able to get you the support and treatment you need without the stigma of your past addiction.

Daily Exercise

Exercise is good for everyone, but especially for you, a recovering addict. Part of relapsing is craving familiar sensations and their associated emotional release, so you must replace those negative chemicals with healthier ones like dopamine and serotonin.

Exercise can do this because you get a rush out of physical activity. A sport is great for working towards achievement and improvement, and even a simple walk or hike can be uplifting. Consider going to the gym regularly or finding an exercise buddy to go swimming or play tennis with.

Fill Your Other Needs

You want to avoid relapse in your addiction recovery. Please pay close attention to your body and don’t let it be lacking. Use the acronym HALT to help prevent relapse: Hunger, Anger, Lonely, and Tired. 

Experiencing these feelings can make you miserable, so find outlets to fill them. When hungry or thirsty, eat and drink good food that fuels your body. If you feel angry, do some deep breathing and clear your head. Loneliness can be solved by contacting family and friends for companionship, and sleep is very important for your overall well-being.

Stay Away From the News

It seems like there is nothing positive about what’s happening in the world. All the negative press around local and international events can bring you down and weigh heavy on you. This may lead to a craving for a pick-me-up, and then you are back to your addiction.

Try to take a vacation from the news and concentrate on your life. Listen to music and watch your favourite movies to get balance as you continue your recovery. This break is freeing, and you may not need to be updated on every event moving forward.

Commit to Your Sobriety

You have worked hard to overcome your addiction and are a success. It is time to celebrate that and commit to staying that way. Family, friends, and anyone you see, such as a counsellor or doctor, should witness your commitment. The more people who know, the more accountable you are, and you will want to keep that promise, if not for yourself, for those who support you.

This commitment also includes treatment plans you are taking, such as group therapy, one-on-one counselling, and sobriety meetings, because this is also a great support network. If you need reassurance that you are on the right track, ask those closest to you to help you commit.

This is how to prevent an addiction relapse. Your trip out of addiction is over, but the real journey is the rest of your life, so take these steps to heart and stay on the course of a successful life.

Photo by Mitchell Orr on Unsplash