One of the things which worries people trying to get sober is a potential relapse. The fact is, most people will relapse during recovery. However, there are steps you can take towards relapse prevention. Sticking to your goals is not easy, especially when battling a disease. But, we’re here to help and offer support as you make your way towards an improved and healthier you.
Relapse Prevention: What To Try
Know the signs
When you’re working on relapse prevention, it helps to know what the potential signs look like. As part of the sobering up process, you’ll need to manage potential cravings, especially early on. These issues begin to really arise when you may feel like those cravings are getting out of control.
For many people, this is usually because of how they feel. If they get very uncomfortable or anxious, then they may be more tempted to relapse in an effort to feel relaxed again. Or, it could be that they’re stressed and uncertain about where their life is headed which makes it harder for them to stay clean.
Be mindful of your environment
One important factor for relapse prevention is the environment you’re in. You’ll want to make sure that you aren’t around anything which could tempt you to relapse. That means clearing out your house of whatever it is you’re trying to sober up from.
Also, be sure that your home is a welcoming and calming place. The last thing you want after a stressful day is to not be able to relax at home! Invest in some decorations, colors, and other accessories which can help you to de-stress and not relapse.
Have helpful support
It’s also key that you have others helping you as part of your relapse prevention efforts. Going through things alone can be especially though. Having outside support, though, can make the process a lot more manageable. In particular, you should look for social and professional support.
Your social support should be from your friends and support groups. They’ll encourage you to keep sober in your day-to-day life and help keep your mind away from your cravings. Meanwhile, professional help from a counselor can help you get to the root of what’s causing your stress, anxiety, and other issues, finding healthy ways to work through them.
