If you are in recovery from an addiction, you know getting sober is just the beginning. While you may have attended rehab to learn how to get sober, the next thing you need to learn is how to stay sober.
While addiction is a treatable problem, many people will relapse at least once during their recovery. Getting out of rehab can be an exciting process, one that can quickly become overwhelming as you are faced with the world without the crutch of your addiction.
If you are an addict who is in recovery and want to avoid relapsing, here are several strategies you can use to stay sober.
- Join a Support Group
If you attended a drug rehab center to get sober, you had a lot of support along the way. Getting support is essential and can be the determining factor between staying sober or relapsing. Join a support group so you can have people to lean on after leaving rehab.
- Learn Healthy Coping Mechanisms
One of the best tips for staying sober is to learn healthy coping mechanisms. For many, abusing a substance is the way they used to cope with negative feelings and experiences. If you learn to cope in a healthy way, you can reduce your risk of a relapse.
- Get Active
Exercise is great for you in many ways, one of which is helping you maintain your sobriety. Exercise increases your levels of serotonin, which helps you manage the stress that can cause you to use. Exercise also keeps you active and keeps your mind off of drugs or alcohol.
- Start a New Routine
After leaving rehab, it’s best to start a new routine, in a new place, if possible. Your old routine can be filled with triggers that will give you the urge to use. Create your new routine and focus on staying healthy and productive.
- Identify Your Triggers
An ideal tip for how to beat addiction is to identify and avoid your triggers. A trigger is something that makes you feel like you want to use. This can be a person, a place, a behaviour, or more.
- Build Healthy Relationships
Maintaining your sobriety is best done when you have a strong support system of healthy people who want you to succeed. On the other hand, being around the wrong people can result in a relapse. Build healthy relationships and let go of the ones that no longer serve you.
Use These Tips to Stay Sober and a Healthy Life
By using these methods, you can stay sober and live a happy and healthy life.
Start by joining a support group and learning healthy coping mechanisms. You should also get active, start a new routine, and learn to identify your triggers. Building healthy relationships and managing your stress are also key to avoiding a relapse.
Follow these tips to maintain your sobriety.
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