It's not easy to overcome an addiction. Although many addiction specialists acknowledge that relapses are part of the recovery process, most recovering addicts would like to avoid relapses entirely. Learn things that can be done to strengthen sobriety and make preventing relapses possible.
Get Support
Having a strong support system can help prevent relapses. Although being able to talk to family and friends is important and useful, professional counseling is also a good idea. Individual counseling may be an effective way to analyze the mental conditions or circumstances that contributed to the addiction, but joining a support group can help a recovering addict feel understood and less alone. If it is not possible to meet in person for a support group, online support groups may be a viable alternative, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Change Environments
A recovering addict should avoid the people and circumstances that enabled their addiction, if at all possible. It may be incredibly difficult for recovering addicts to avoid loved ones who are still addicts, but it may be necessary to do so to avoid relapse. If the addiction took place in a certain venue, avoid that place and find somewhere else to hang out.
Start Something New
People who find a meaningful hobby or interest to replace their addiction may have an easier time avoiding relapses than those that do not, suggests the mental health website HelpGuide. Volunteering, joining a church, starting a book club, learning to paint and even adopting a pet are just a few ideas of things may provide the necessary distraction and meaning to help keep the cravings away.
Learn to Manage Stress
When people are stressed, it can be easy to turn to things, such as drugs or alcohol, that have an immediate effect in relieving those negative feelings. Those who have a difficult time managing stress should perform stress-relieving exercises or activities so the temptation to use is not as intense. Deep breathing exercises, visualization, meditation or physical exercises are examples of things that may be useful at reducing or eliminating stress.
Don't Tempt Fate
Alcohol can lower inhibitions and cloud judgment, so even those who were addicted to something besides alcohol would be wise to avoid drinking to minimize the chances of slipping up and returning to their own addiction. Prescription drugs should also be avoided or used with caution, especially those that are habit-forming or addicting. Keep in mind that many addicts replace one addiction for another, so avoid replacing one bad habit for another.
Don't Give Up
Although it is admirable to try to do everything possible to avoid relapses, it is important for a recovering addict not to be too hard on himself if a relapse does occur. All relapses can be seen as learning opportunities, suggests the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Consider the factors that lead to the relapse and make the conscious decision to avoid those circumstances in the future. Just do not give up on the intention of living a sober, addiction-free life.
