Recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) is certainly a challenge, but the real test begins after you complete an addiction treatment program. Although you have successfully refrained from using substances during your program, the risk of relapse remains a concern. The good news is that there are steps you can take to maintain your sobriety and avoid falling back into harmful habits.
If you need help avoiding relapse after treatment, you may benefit from an addiction relapse program at one of BrightView’s 50+ locations throughout the US. Contact us today at 888.501.9865 to find out which of our treatment centers is most convenient for you.
Tips to Avoid Relapse After Treatment
Recovery is not often a linear journey. Relapses can happen, and many people experience multiple relapses before they achieve the lifelong sobriety they seek. However, these tips to avoid relapse can minimize the risk of getting off track:
Build a Strong Support Network
Trying to navigate recovery on your own can make the journey much more rocky. Having support from others is one of the most impactful ways to adjust to life without drugs or alcohol. Support networks often consist of friends and family members, but your care team and peers in recovery can also be part of your support system. You can lean on your network during times when you feel vulnerable or need someone to talk to about how to avoid relapse triggers and cravings without judgment or criticism.
Attend Therapy Sessions
Counseling does not need to end just because you have finished addiction treatment. Continuing to receive therapy can help you address underlying issues and triggers that may lead to relapse. Your therapist can provide you with better ways to cope with stressors and triggers so you can navigate difficult situations without turning to substances.
Practice Self-Care
When you stop using substances to self-medicate and numb uncomfortable emotions, intense thoughts and feelings can arise. Taking good care of your emotional needs can help alleviate the urge to use drugs or alcohol. Be sure to make time for hobbies and activities that truly make you happy while also nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Learn How to Manage Triggers
Triggers are people, places, or situations that make you feel like using substances. In your therapy sessions, you will learn what your specific triggers are and create a plan for how to handle them without sliding back into substance misuse. This could involve learning stress reduction techniques, making lifestyle changes, and setting healthy boundaries.
Find Sober Activities You Enjoy
When you are in recovery, you might need to make some tough decisions about who you hang out with and where you spend your time. If your previous social circle and activities are not conducive to a sober lifestyle, you will likely need to put some distance between them and yourself. Instead, fill your time with sober activities that are fun and fulfilling. You can take up a new hobby, look for volunteer opportunities in your community, or find a local social club specifically for people in recovery.
Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional distress can make it harder to abstain from substance misuse. Exploring alternative ways to manage negative emotions—like meditation, journaling, or talking with a trusted friend—can help prevent a downward spiral that leads to relapse.
Call BrightView to Get Help Avoiding Relapse After Treatment
Recovering from a substance use disorder is a lifelong process that requires perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to prioritize one’s well-being. You also need the support of a relapse prevention program. Call BrightView at 888.501.9865 to learn more about how our outpatient treatment programs can help you avoid relapse. You can also fill out our online form, and one of our friendly staff members will contact you.
