Recovering from addiction can be complicated. Recent data shows as many as half of people who participate in an addiction recovery program end up relapsing. Georgia Addiction Treatment Center understands addiction treatment is a process. Developing a long-term plan for avoiding relapse can be key to achieving sobriety. This often involves engaging in aftercare, such as an addiction treatment alumni program.
If you or a loved one could benefit from learning more about avoiding relapse, contact us online or at [Direct] today.
Tips for Preventing Relapse
One of the goals of any addiction treatment program is preventing relapse. Due to how addiction affects people’s brains, achieving sobriety can be difficult. Nonetheless, there are a few key things you can do to support yourself or a loved one in avoiding relapse.
Avoid Triggers
One of the most important pieces in aiding recovery from addiction is avoiding triggers that place a person in danger of relapsing. For instance, for someone struggling with alcohol abuse, it may make sense to alter their commute so that they don’t drive past a bar they used to drink at. Another example might be adjusting your social circles so that you are not in compromising situations where peer pressure to abuse substances is present. The following ideas can be helpful to keep in mind regarding triggers and how you can best deal with their presence when cravings are involved:
- Recognize that experiencing cravings is a normal part of recovery
- Embrace that cravings do not indicate a personal weakness or that you are incapable of recovery
- Develop a personalized action plan to deal with your triggers and cravings that includes an accountability partner
Engage in Stress Management
Stress is often one of the biggest drivers of relapses. Knowing what your common stressors are and how to best manage them is critical to a successful recovery. Stress management with the goal of preventing relapse might involve adding a dedicated strategy such as meditation or breathing techniques. Related to the previous tip about avoiding triggers, managing your stress could also include altering your daily routine to reduce the kind of stressors you will encounter.
Engage in Positive Activities
Following addiction treatment, many people find themselves with increased free time as they are no longer using time and energy to upkeep their substance abuse. Replacing substance abuse with productive, positive activities makes a difference in preventing relapse. This could look like pursuing a new hobby, volunteering, creating an exercise regimen, or joining a sports league.
Join a Support Group
Societal pressures, stigma, and a host of other concerns make addiction recovery difficult. A support system that understands the experiences and challenges that come with addiction recovery can be vital to long-term sobriety. Support groups help in preventing relapse by providing resources, a source of accountability, and companionship in what can otherwise be a lonely journey.
Alumni Program at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center
One type of support group offered by Georgia Addiction Treatment Center is our alumni program. Our alumni program connects you with peers who know first-hand what it is like to experience addiction.
Peers in addiction recovery offer an insider perspective on the challenges and complications people face in avoiding relapse. They can act as accountability partners and resources throughout the healing process.
Georgia Addiction Treatment Center’s alumni program supports you by offering:
- Fellow alums’ contact information
- Regular check-ins and follow-up from Georgia Addiction Treatment Center staff
- Resources, including educational materials, to aid in preventing relapse
- Invitations to social events designed for alumni
- The chance to support your peers
Avoiding Relapse with Georgia Addiction Treatment Center
Georgia Addiction Treatment Center is here to support you or your loved one in avoiding a relapse. We understand everyone’s situation and journey are unique. We are here to be a resource and partner in getting you back to being your best.
To learn more, reach out to us online or at [Direct].
