Everyone knows how much of a struggle it is to deal with substance addiction. And people who have conquered their vices know how challenging it is to remain sober. Overcoming substance addiction requires focus, drive, and all the strength and self-control you can find. After all, resisting the urges and ignoring the triggers are not easy feats. But you’ve made it through, and what’s ahead of you is a better and happier life.
However, living your life after your treatment and recovery doesn’t mean you won’t have any more struggles and temptations. It’s important to understand that this is a process, and you need to be careful to avoid a relapse.
The good news is you can do this. With the right strategies toward sobriety, you can enjoy your recovery both in the short and long term. One way to take care of your mind and body is to join an aftercare support group at an addiction treatment and recovery center. To find a well-established center, check out helpful sources, like https://www.jacksonhouserehab.com/.
Here’s how else you can make a fresh start after treatment and recovery.
- Create A Support Network
Support from close friends and family is essential, even if your relationship with them isn’t what it once was. Remember that they will always be the constants in your life since they love and cherish you more than anyone else. So, turn to close family members and friends who can help you with your recovery journey.
If you don’t entirely trust yourself being alone and exposed to different substances that are your weakness, surround yourself with a support network who will motivate and cheer you on to battle against temptations. When attending social events and gatherings, socialize with those you look up to and listen to their advice.
The people whom you can depend on are those that want nothing but the best for you.
- Battle Against Strong Urges
Everybody knows the dangerous effects of drugs and alcohol on the body. But despite that, many people still take drugs and abuse Alcohol Rehab Las Vegas because it helps them feel better, cope with emptiness in their lives, or forget their problems.
After your treatment and recovery, it will still be hard to battle against your strong urges, no matter how short they are. Even while you’re on recovery, you will experience snippets of temptations and weaknesses. The key is to be stronger than your urges. Live by a mantra that you’re stronger than your inhibitions and that you can do everything as long as you put your mind to it.
Aside from pep talks, find ways to distract yourself, like getting a new hobby, busying yourself with work, or doing other fun activities you enjoy. You can also write a diary and express your emotions whenever you feel the urge. Anything that can help you deal with your urges will be effective.
- Join A Community
Addiction can lead to feelings of isolation. Some people who experienced substance addiction can relate to this. In fact, substance abusers go through negative emotions, like anxiety, stress, self-hate, and embarrassment. As a result, they feel alone or isolated from former social circles. But once you’re on your way to recovery, you’ll be able to overcome negative emotions and be ready to interact with others.
Once you feel more confident and stronger, join a peer support community. This community is relatively different from the support network among close friends and family. They’re often a group of people who have gone through similar experiences and journeys toward recovery. They will help you find camaraderie among a team that knows and understands what you’ve been through. They will share their stories and accomplishments, which will inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
You’ll forge wonderful friendships and learn some strategies during group discussions. These strategies will help you cope with triggers and overcome obstacles.
It’s understandable to feel afraid that loved ones will see you differently or find themselves unable to accept you. However, a peer support community is a safe place where you can open up about things that you aren’t able to share with close friends and family members. Talking to like-minded individuals will give you the strength and courage to accept and love yourself.
- Establish Trust
Trust is one of the most vital things you need to maintain in a relationship. However, it can be difficult to rebuild when you or a loved one experiences substance abuse.
You can earn someone’s trust back, but this will involve both parties. Trust can’t be established by putting up with unwanted behaviors. Therefore, to gain the trust of your close friends or family, you need to earn your keep and stay committed to a healthy lifestyle.
- Identify Your Triggers And Prevent Them
A relapse can be prevented more effectively when you’re self-aware at all times. You need to know the triggers and find ways to avoid them. These triggers could be someone you know, a thing, a situation, a place, or a memory.
Steer clear of triggers by identifying them. Whether it’s stress, financial problems, relationship issues, peer influence, or self-doubts, you need to find strategies that will help you avoid them.
- Build Stronger Relationships
To build stronger relationships, don’t just focus on your current relationships but also on new friendships. If you want to have a fresh start, let go of relationships that were unhealthy and harmful to you. It could be a friend who influenced you to use substances. Or it could be the person who made you feel stressed and led you to substance abuse.
Surround yourself with people who can nourish your soul and inspire you to be a good person. Be with trustworthy people who cherish and love you, like friends, siblings, or parents who have always stood by your side. Having healthy relationships is crucial to avoid relapse and remain sober.
- Create A Healthy Routine
Prioritize self-care by getting rid of harmful and unhealthy habits and embracing new lifestyle changes. Some healthy routines you can follow are going for a walk, reading, eating regular and nutritious meals, and getting quality sleep. Engage in meditation, tai chi, or yoga or talk to a psychiatrist if you have internal thoughts or past traumas to deal with.
Live your life with these healthy routines, and you’ll see changes in your mood, body, and mindset. You’ll think and feel better. You’ll look better too.
Conclusion
Staying sober takes a lot of determination, hard work, and commitment. The tips mentioned above will help you live life to the fullest and become a happier version of yourself.