The number of relapses after treatment is high. That is just one indication of how hard it is to maintain sobriety for patients who go back to the real world after spending weeks or months in a recovery facility. Inside the facility, they feel safe and secure. They aren’t judged or made to feel less than who they are for the choices they made. The supportive environment is also a huge factor, encouraging residents and motivating them to work harder. But once they’re back in the real world, many patients find themselves struggling with the same things that put them in a downward spiral with alcohol addiction in the first place. Don’t let that happen to you. If you are leaving treatment soon, developing the following behaviors can help ensure a successful recovery.
Avoid Triggers
One way to maintain your alcohol sobriety is to avoid triggers. Stop going to restaurants where you used to drink all the time. You’ll want to limit the time you spend with friends who insist on drinking around you, too, especially if you still have a hard time controlling yourself once there’s alcohol around. You won’t be able to avoid triggers forever. But if you’ve just come out of treatment, this is a good preventive measure. It won't work for all situations, though, but it helps eliminate sources of stress, or anything that could trigger an emotional reaction.
Find a Healthy Way to Cope
Avoiding places or people are easier than avoiding triggered emotions. One minute you’re doing well, and in the next, you’re hearing a song that makes you remember someone or something. That could trigger negative emotions. It might even be one of the reasons why your drinking went out of control. Using a journal, exercising, or focusing on nutrition and diet can help you cope better with any of your triggered emotions.
Focus on Your Mental Health
You already know alcohol addiction takes a toll on your health. But it also compromises your mental condition. Keep your mind and body healthy by introducing positive changes into your life. Focus on your overall health, so you won’t have time to dwell on drinking.
Get the Right Treatment
Many people with alcohol addiction also struggle with mental problems. Some have co-occurring disorders. If that happens to you, make sure you pick a rehab facility that offers integrated recovery programs. If they provide a dual diagnosis treatment, that gives you a better chance at a full recovery. Addressing your mental disorder helps ensure that it won’t spiral out of control while they’re they treat your addiction.
Ask for Help
Know that it’s all right to ask for help. Reach out to family and friends. Let them know what you’re struggling with. Some of them can help you determine which addiction recovery program and facility is right for you. They can also make it easier for you to get to and from the facility. They can go with you to some of the counseling sessions, too.