Are you in recovery from alcoholism or drug abuse? If your answer is yes, you already know how much hard work it involves. Some may say that staying sober is quite simple. You just need to fight your urge to take drinks and avoid sitting among friends who often drink.

Well, if this advice works for you, you should go for it. But for many people, the journey to sobriety isn’t that easy. There are triggers, stress, and many emotional situations when you can’t help but drink.

While going to an alcohol detox rehab is the best thing to do in such cases, below are the seven tips that can help you-

Discover Your Triggers

The first tip to prevent relapse is identifying the triggers. It can be external triggers, like things, places, or situations that create alcohol cravings. Or, it can be internal triggers, like thoughts and emotions related to substance use.

The most common triggers are relationship troubles, stress, financial problems, friend circle using drugs or alcohol, etc. Once you find your triggers, it becomes easy to create a plan to avoid them.

Figure Out Relapse Warning Signs

When you are struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, the potential relapse signs are always there. However, by knowing the warning signs that could cause relapse, you can avoid it.

A relapse involves three phases, i.e., emotional, physical, and mental, and starts long before you pick up alcohol or drugs. Some of the common warning signs of relapse include-

  • Engaging in compulsive behavior
  • Thinking or behaving less responsibly
  • Returning to addictive patterns again and again
  • Experiencing a situation when alcohol or drugs seems to be an escape from the pain.

Build A Support Network

Reach out to your friends or family for support, even if your relationships have been affected by alcohol addiction. Search for drug rehabs near me or medical detox near me. You can also go for counseling or family therapy to deal with personal issues associated with alcohol or drug abuse.

Have some sober friends who you can invite to an event, like a birthday party or get together. Stay in touch with your therapist and call him/her whenever you feel uncomfortable.

Embrace Healthy Living

Misusing drugs and alcohol can take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Now that you are on the journey to sobriety, you should prioritize self-care and make sure that you are embracing a sober life. The following tips can help you stay healthy-

  • Eat a balanced diet.
  • Practice mind-body relaxation techniques, like yoga and meditation.
  • Get sufficient sleep.
  • Make time for hobbies and recreational activities.

Try To Manage Your Urges

Though urges last not more than 15 to 30 minutes, fighting them off can be hard. Remember that you are stronger than the urges, and it will pass. You can try a substitute like chewing gum.

Another useful way to distract yourself is by staying busy or reading books, journals, etc. The best way is to write down the things that make you happy and read them during your tough times.

If you find that alcohol is ruling your life, or you can’t resist the urge to take alcohol, it’s time to go to a professional rehab center like alcohol rehab Kentucky. They provide you with a treatment tailored to your individual needs and accompany you throughout your journey.

Deal With Your Past Wisely

Many people, on their way to recovery, have faced a lot of pain and suffering. Feeling shameful for a past action is quite natural. You may feel negative beliefs about yourself or doubt your self-worth.

Besides, people feel shame simply because they became addicted to alcohol. However, if these feelings of regret, guilt, or shame become excessive, they can hold you back from recovery.

In order to avoid relapse, take steps to learn from your past mistakes rather than keep regretting the same. You can seek more guidance from the professional therapists at drug rehab Kentucky. 

Rejoice Your Milestones

If you are undergoing a drug or alcohol treatment, you already know the value of milestones. In these treatments, every patient is rewarded as he/she progresses in recovery. And, celebrating the hard work on your journey to sobriety keeps you motivated.

It reminds you why you took a step towards sobriety in the first place. However, make sure that the rewards don’t include alcohol or drugs.