Tips to Stay Sober

Posted by Kristen White
8
Jul 28, 2020
220 Views
If you are recovering from a substance abuse problem, then you already know the work it took to reach there. This is also the most vulnerable stage where you have to do everything possible to avoid a relapse. While you may be confident in your efforts and feel that a relapse is the last thing that can happen to you, but the truth is it happens more often to people new to recovery than you would like to admit.

According to Top Recovery Homes, as many as 80% of those who find long-term sobriety had at least once fallen into the pit of relapse. Some had to deal with many more before they find recovery. Your intention may be good but not everyone has the willpower to avoid having a relapse. 

If you want to avoid being that situation and stay true to your mission, then you need to use the following tips to stay sober and avoid going down that rabbit hole.

Identify your triggers

One of the best ways to prevent relapse is to recognize external triggers such as places, people, and situations that can lead to cravings associated with the substance use. You should also identify internal triggers such as thoughts, feelings, and emotions that may cause you to relapse. Once you have identified these triggers, you must do everything you can to avoid them till you are stronger. 

Acknowledge the warning signs

A relapse can happen when you ignore the warning signs. When you notice that you are thinking less rationally or engaging in self-defeating behaviors, then it is a tell-tale sign of a relapse waiting to happen. If you find yourself headed towards self-deprecation, then you can either talk to someone you trust or enter a rehab.

Be prepared for post withdrawal syndrome


Depending on the type of dependency, your post withdrawal syndrome can last from 6 months to 2 years. Be prepared to deal with symptoms like irritability, sleep issues, intermittent anxiety, depression etc. Not preparing yourself for these symptoms can plunge you back into darkness of addiction. In addition to recognizing these symptoms, you must also know when to seek help. You can easily Find Recovery Houses In San Francisco who will gladly help you overcome your addiction and prevent relapses.

Avoid falling back into old routines


If you somehow manage to quit your addiction but continue to live the same life of hanging around the same places and people and not making necessary changes to your routine, then it is only a matter of time when you fall back into your old habits. For starters, stop hanging out with the people who helped you obtain drugs. You may also start making small changes to your lifestyle so that you completely replace it with a healthy one.

These are just some of the many tips that will help you get started on the long road to recovery.
1 people like it
avatar
Comments
avatar
Please sign in to add comment.