1. Be aware of triggers

Taking the time to find what triggers you can be time well spent. I am not saying to go and expose yourself to a bunch of sketchy situations but take the time to think and be mindful of your past. Once you know what triggers you and what doesn’t, it can become easier to avoid them. This sounds easy and simple, but at some point, you may find yourself being triggered by something that you were unaware was triggering to you.  

2. Support Network

One of the most important tools to have in your toolbelt is a sober support network. Being able to have someone to call whenever you need to talk to somebody can be the difference between relapsing or staying sober for another day. However, it is important that you don’t hesitate to call these people once you have their numbers. The network won’t do you any good if you don’t utilize them. Once you have a support network, be sure to give back when you can. If someone needs your help, being there for them is another way of keeping yourself sober and helping others.

3. Healthy Hobbies

Finding healthy hobbies to help occupy your free time can help distract from the thoughts of wanting to relapse. These hobbies can be utilized any time you find yourself feeling bored. As addicts, we tend to do things like getting high or drinking when we get bored and feel like there is nothing to do.  Having hobbies can not only save us from falling victim to boredom but give us a sense of purpose and self-esteem in the process.

4. Play the tape through

Previously mentioned in the “Tackling Cravings” article, is playing the tape through. Playing the tape through is a method of thinking where you play out in your head what would happen if you were to drink or use drugs. Usually, when using, the first few days might be okay, and nothing has gone horribly wrong. As addicts, we tell ourselves that we can handle it at that point and our brain tricks us. Unfortunately, nothing goes wrong until something goes wrong. More than likely over a period, we will slowly start to lose things such as relationships, jobs, money, freedom, or sanity. When we can think about what might happen when we start using, we can hopefully realize that we will more than likely lose the things we love. As addicts, it is easy to remember the good times and not the bad. When cravings arise, use the method of playing the tape through to really remember what has happened in the past before getting sober and what could happen this time. With any luck, it will be enough motivation to let the desire of being sober overcome the craving to use.

5. Self-Care

Self-care is a major part of maintaining happiness while in recovery. This means that it can be useful as a method to help avoid relapse. Self-care is mindfully and intentionally doing something for yourself. This could include going to the gym, getting a massage, or participating in a hobby that you really enjoy. What defines self-care is up to the individual but finding something to do just to make yourself happy while sober should be incorporated into a regular routine.

6. Develop a plan

A time will come at some point when you find yourself thinking of relapsing, it happens to everyone. The best thing you can do before that time comes is to develop a plan. This could mean mapping out three different people that you could call from your sober support network or knowing which location holds meetings every day of the week. This may sound like a bit much, but most things go smoother when a plan is in place and when we are talking about life or death, a plan is important.

7. Celebrate the small victories

Large accomplishments aren’t the only thing that deserves celebration. Sometimes little victories need to be celebrated. Getting a good grade in school, completing step work, or finishing a large to-do list are accomplishments that probably weren’t possible while using. Take the time to celebrate these things and treat yourself. Not only does it feel nice to treat yourself, but it may create motivation for your next task in life.

Here at Sanctuary Recovery Centers, we are familiar with the harm that can be caused to loved ones and families who suffer from an addiction. Knowing how difficult it may be to overcome, we’re committed to sharing information and guidance to help struggling people find their way to healing. The more we know about the signs, the presentations, and the effects; the better equipped we are to assist in recovery. We’re here for you. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact us.  480-309-9945