Recovery isn’t always easy, and unfortunately, depending on any number of circumstances, it’s possible to relapse. Relapse happens when you start using the drugs and/or alcohol that you previously were sober of. It can be disheartening, after all the time and energy you put into your recovery, but you are not alone. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40 and 60 percent of recovering addicts relapse. Whether you have relapsed or want to avoid relapsing, it’s important to understand why it happens and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the future.
Reasons relapse may occur
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Environment
The people and places you surround yourself with are crucial for addiction recovery. If one of your triggers is the house you grew up in and that’s where you go back to living after you complete treatment, it can derail all of the work you put into getting sober. To escape an unstable household or to experience something new to go along with your new, sober lifestyle, sober living might be right for you. It’s somewhere that you can be sure is going to be the safe, sober home that you need to come home to every night, And better yet? It has a built-in support system with groups and fellow housemates. Your living situation is just one piece of the sober puzzle.
If you go back to visiting bars, wineries, casinos, and parties, just as examples, you have easy access to all of the things that you want to be avoiding during recovery. If you are in an environment where you suddenly feel triggered, it’s important to take a step back and understand what it is about that place that is causing you to feel this way and then remove yourself from the situation. One of the absolute worst things you can do during recovery is going back to the same places that you typically used in the past. The future is bright, so keep moving forward.
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Relationships
The people you surround yourself with are just as important as where you rest your head at night. When you were using, you probably hung out with people who were also using. That isn’t going to work anymore because if you go back to hanging out with the same people in the same situations, you are destined to fall back into your old habits. When you are getting ready to leave treatment, you are going to want to take a minute to identify the friends and family members that will help you during your recovery, not hinder it. This doesn’t mean that you have to get a whole new group of friends, but be sure to surround yourself with the ones that are going to respect your new lifestyle and not test the boundaries. This goes for family too.
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Boredom
When you were addicted to drugs or alcohol, your life probably revolved around them. So, you might notice that outside of work, school, or other responsibilities, you might have some more time on your hands. To avoid using again out of sheer boredom, this is a great opportunity for you to try new things. Go for walks, visit different parks in your area, join a gym, learn how to craft or knit or play a musical instrument – the possibilities are endless! Any healthy activity that you’ve ever wanted to try – now is your chance.
4. Optimism
Maybe you’ve been sober for a couple months now and you’re feeling good. That’s great! But it’s very important to know that just because you are doing well now, doesn’t mean that you should discontinue any individual therapy, group therapy, 12-step program, etc. You may think you don’t need them anymore, but let’s be honest – everyone does. So enjoy the optimism, but keep doing your addiction recovery activities to make sure you stay on track.
Sober Living in South Jersey
Sober living homes are a great place to live after leaving your treatment facility. They are proven to prevent relapse and help aid in creating an addiction recovery plan that can last long after you leave. At Dignity Hall Sober Living Homes in South Jersey, we understand how important your recovery is to you, which is why we provide you with a clean, safe, and supportive environment to live. For information on our locations and services, contact us today at 855.347.2452.
