Relapsing is one of the greatest fears in substance abuse treatment. Will relapse trigger the addiction again? Can I still overcome addiction after relapse? These are just some of the many questions that may run through your mind. During your addiction recovery program, your therapist will teach you ways to avoid relapsing and bypass potential triggers in your life. The guide below provides some quick tips to get you started.
Stay away from Addiction Triggers
Over time, you will learn how to deal with addiction triggers as they arise. In the early parts of your substance abuse treatment, it is best to avoid these triggers altogether. Your personal triggers may be different from others’. In general, we recommend staying away from places where you once used drugs or drank alcohol, such as a bar or a certain friend’s house. You should also stay away from activities that make you want to use your drug of choice. If you used to go drinking after a night of billiards, avoid playing pool until you are further in your treatment. Your therapist will teach you how to control your temptations as time goes on.
Continue Working with Your Therapist
Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for alcoholism and drug addiction. Once you’re an addict, you will always have an addictive frame of mind. Therapy teaches you how to control that way of thinking so you do not fall into unhealthy habits. This is why it is important to continue your substance abuse treatment even after you have overcome addiction. You can talk to your counselor about new triggers or symptoms when they develop, or you can work on secondary conditions that come with addiction (depression, anxiety, etc.). The clients that have the most success in our substance abuse treatment programs in Memphis are the ones that maintain a long-term relationship with their therapists.
Surround Yourself with Positive Reinforcements
Positivity brings about more positivity. Having a strong support system will accelerate your substance abuse treatment. Stay close to the people who support your journey and encourage your self-improvement. This may include family, friends, your therapist, and other people in addiction recovery. Be a strong support for them, and push them to accomplish their goals. This path will seem much less daunting when you have other people cheering you on.
Eliminate Toxic People from Your Social Groups
It’s just as important to eliminate negative people from your life as it is to surround yourself with positivity. This doesn’t mean that everyone you distance yourself from is a bad person. They simply may not support your recovery the way you need them to. For example, if your father does not acknowledge the severity of your alcoholism, he may offer you a beer at family functions. No matter how much you say “no,” he insists on having a drink with you. This is toxic to your substance abuse treatment.
Remember That Recovery Is a Roller Coaster
Substance abuse treatment is not a linear process. There will be hard times, and there will be great times. You just have to hold on for the ride. Do what you can to avoid relapsing as much as possible. If a relapse does occur, contact your therapist and figure out what you could have done to prevent the situation. Relapse does not make you a failure. Use this as an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and strengthen your recovery as a whole. Your addiction counselor will be there to guide you every step of the way.
To learn more about substance abuse treatment and addiction recovery in Memphis, TN, contact Mental Health Resources today.