The successful completion of a stay in a drug rehabilitation center demonstrates a great degree of commitment and struggle on the part of the recovering addict. That commitment doesn't end once rehab is over. It takes constant vigilance to prevent backsliding into old habits that perpetuated the addiction. Those recovering from addiction must maintain a staunch dedication to learning new ways of dealing with the boredom, stress and frustrations they face while living life lucidly after rehab.
Changing People, Places and Things
It is important for the recovering addict to distance herself from the influences that tempt a return to drug use. HelpGuide advises the avoidance of people, places and situations associated with past habits.
Replacing the company of drug buddies with that of sober, supportive friends and family is crucial to recovery. A recovering addict or alcoholic has no business hanging out in drinking establishments, and should seek alternate forms of recreation. Situations that are especially stressful should be avoided, or approached with full awareness of their impact and a strategy for dealing with negative feelings when they hit.
Twelve Step Groups
Many recovering addicts and alcoholics find solace and companionship amongst like-minded souls in 12 step groups such as Narcotics Anonymous. These fellowships emphasize a lifetime plan for recovery guided by 12 steps.
The program begins with the simple acknowledgment by the addict that they are powerless over their addiction, and continues by affording them the tools and social support system to maintain sobriety regardless of the incurable nature of their disease. Twelve step groups advise members to take on a mentor, known as a sponsor, who has long-term experience in drug abstinence and a working knowledge of the 12 steps.
Urge Surfing
Regardless of a person's dedication to recovery, the very nature of addiction guarantees that powerful drug cravings will occasionally return. The instinctive way of dealing with such urges is to suppress them, but Alan Marlatt, director of the Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the University of Washington, says that a better method may be to fully acknowledge and accept such cravings.
This technique, called "urge surfing," helps patients realize that urges are not permanently escalating, but will subside, if not conceded to. While urge surfing, the addict pays close attention to the sensations involved when an urge hits and practices conscious breathing while reminding themselves of the negative repercussions that will follow caving into temptation. They then proceed by reminding themselves that they have a choice not to continue their addiction, and maintaining this mindfulness until the temptation passes.
