The process for substance abuse recovery involves a never-ending journey. Even when you wish to remain sober, lingering aspects of physical and psychological dependency remain. People in recovery find themselves at risk of relapsing. Some people do relapse while others find themselves able to stay clean. Without professional substance abuse treatment, avoiding relapse becomes difficult. At some point, you have to leave rehab. Effective tips for relapse prevention could help you stay on a better path to recovery. Contact the Willows at Red Oak Recovery today for treatment.

Tips for Relapse Prevention: Avoid People Prone to Using or Creating Stress

It is challenging to remain sober when surrounded by people abusing drugs or alcohol. These people are bad influences, and it is not helpful to be around anyone using drugs. Even smoking marijuana where it is legal or drinking “one beer” can make you relapse. You do not want to be around people who use drugs. Stay away from them and, for that matter, places serving alcohol.

People who cause drama and stress are not helpful to those in recovery, either. Mental health issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety can lead you to relapse. It is important to avoid people who cause drama or other troubles.

Know What Triggers Your Desire to Use Alcohol or Drugs

“Triggers” refer to mental stimuli that lead you to want to drink or use drugs. If you have a difficult home life, you probably want to avoid going to a movie featuring a dysfunctional family. That is one example of a possible trigger. Triggers can come from many different sources. That is why it is important to work with a professional counselor to identify triggers. Once you recognize them, you can work on avoiding them.

Find a Stress-Free, Enjoyable Hobby or Other Activity

Working to strengthen the mind and body is among the top tips for relapse prevention. Staying mentally and physically occupied with joyful pursuits can help with this cause. Signing up for yoga lessons or taking up painting are two examples of things to do. Maybe you could invest time helping out a local charity. Find an uplifting activity to participate in, and you might find your body and spirit feeling uplifted. These pursuits could keep you on a path of relapse prevention.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Poor health habits will not be beneficial to you if you are looking to stay free of drugs and alcohol. Starting a healthier diet and a decent exercise program could help you make your mind and body stronger. Harmful habits, such as smoking or eating unhealthy food, can undermine progress. Living a healthier life might make you feel a lot better overall. Remember, poor lifestyle choices can lead to medical issues, and illnesses can prevent recovery.

Find a Support Group

Surrounding yourself with positive people who want you to recover could be beneficial. Finding a reputable support group in your area might be worth the effort. If things work out at the meetings, going regularly might be something you want to do.

There are also unofficial support groups. These are friends and family who make you feel good and help lift you up. You may find yourself appreciating them and needing their support quite often.

Keep a Number of Helpful People on Hand

Make a contact list of people who can help out when you feel down as there may be days when you feel depressed. Rather than feel depressed or miserable, call someone who can perk you up. Friends, family, and support group members can often help you out during these trying times. Also, make sure you have a therapist’s or counselor’s number available. Sometimes, you might need a professional counselor to help you get through your troubles.

In addition, knowing there are supportive people out there can improve your mood. Even looking at the names on the contact list can be a positive step.

Are you struggling with substance abuse issues? At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery, we are redefining the clinical experience, and we can assist by guiding you on a path toward recovery. Contact us at 855.773.0614 today to ask for assistance.