Staying sober when you’re in alcohol addiction recovery is tough and it can be discouraging to know that a potential relapse could be waiting around every corner. Don’t worry, though, with the right tools and a solid plan you can learn how to see a relapse from a mile away and how you can prevent it.
How to Prevent a Relapse in Alcohol Addiction Recovery
You may be surprised, but there are many warning signs leading up to a relapse – they don’t just come out of nowhere. They might include avoiding meetings, reconnecting with friends who you know still use, and believing you can still drink without any problems. This is why, after you go through an alcohol addiction treatment program at The Discovery House, you will be given a comprehensive relapse prevention plan, which your therapist can walk you through in detail. Residents are also always invited to participate in our alumni program – an effective aftercare program that provides ongoing support to help prevent relapse.
In addition, you can also adhere to the following:
Attend Regular Meetings for Addiction Support
Meet With Your Therapist
During your therapy for substance abuse, you consistently meet with your counselor for one-on-one or group therapy sessions and for some, it is wise to continue doing so even after you’ve completed alcohol addiction rehab.
Go to Alcohol Support Groups
It is reassuring to know that there are thousands of people out there who may be struggling like you are (or how you once did), and making strong and healthy connections with people like this can be instrumental in your alcohol or drug addiction recovery. There are hundreds of AA support groups in Los Angeles County alone, so really it’s all about finding one that you like best.
Make Time for Self-Reflection
Don’t underestimate the power of a little self-reflection. An awesome way to do this is to make time every day to be in the moment with yourself to either keep a journal, meditate or anything that helps you center yourself and stay grounded in your sobriety. It doesn’t even have to be very long – just 15 minutes a day can work wonders on your body, mind, and soul.
Don’t Get Bored in Alcohol Addiction Recovery
Create Structure in Your Day to Day
During your stay in alcohol addiction treatment, you likely adhered to a pretty strict schedule. You had group meetings, and sessions with your counselor, as well as blocked out free time. This is something you should try emulate in your recovery as it always gives you something to do and it helps to create much-needed structure.
The Role of Boredom in Alcohol Addiction Recovery
When you’re recovering from alcoholism, you enter dangerous territory when you allow yourself to become bored. Maintaining structure is a great way to steer clear of boredom in alcohol addiction recovery but you can also take this time to try new things and meet new people.
Finding a Hobby When Recovering from Alcohol Abuse
Before you quit drinking, there was probably not much you did that didn’t involve alcohol in some way. Drinking was your thing, you were good at it and it was fun… until it wasn’t. Now is a great time to try and find something healthy that will positively contribute to your recovery and to your life. Never tried surfing? Did you always want to try sewing or playing guitar? Now is your time.
Create a Life Free from Alcohol Abuse and Addiction
Don’t Hang With Old Crowds
One of the best ways to steer clear of the temptation to drink is not to allow yourself the opportunity to become tempted. There are many reasons that you should try not to hang out with old friends that you know still use or drink. They may not understand your choices and coerce you to drink with them or simply being around other people who are drinking could end up being a trigger for you.
Steer Clear of Bars/Clubs
Like we emphasized above, being in a place or around other people where you know alcohol will be present may only work against you and your recovery. There very well may come a day where you can be around alcohol and it won’t pose a threat to your sobriety. There may not. In the meantime, keep your best interests in mind before deciding to hang out at a bar or club.
Create a Healthy Social Circle
Creating and maintaining a strong support system during your alcohol addiction recovery is one of the most important aspects of relapse prevention. Surround yourself with clean and sober people who not only value their own sobriety but yours, too.
Remember, getting sober was hard but staying sober can be more difficult. We hope that this helped you and if you or a loved one needs help for alcohol problems, reach out to The Discovery House today.