How Lifestyle Choices Prevent Relapses
Recovering from an addiction is no easy feat. Whether you immersed yourself in a rehab facility or took part in an outpatient program, you’ve put in a lot of time, effort, and emotion to get where you are today. Unfortunately, quite a few people who have recovered from an addiction experience at least one relapse in their lifetime.
Many factors can play into relapsing, but your lifestyle choices can make a big difference.
Sometimes, the changes that will help to keep you clean and sober can feel overwhelming. You might need to adopt a completely different lifestyle from the one you were living before. But once you get used to some of those changes, you’ll quickly see how much better you feel, and how much easier it is to avoid the temptations associated with using drugs or alcohol again.
So, how exactly do lifestyle choices prevent relapses, and how can you make the healthiest choices to stay sober?
Reduce Your Stress, Reduce Your Risk
Many people start using drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with stress. While stress is unavoidable in life, there are ways you can reduce it and manage it more effectively. Being able to do so is crucial to your long-term recovery and can help to prevent a relapse.
One key to combatting stress is to practice self-care. Do something every day that is specifically dedicated to your well-being. That might include meditation, taking a hot bath, or journaling.
You should also consider things like cooking a healthy meal or exercising. Not only are they excellent forms of self-care, but making physical health a priority is another great way to prevent relapse. Eating right can help repair your body, and exercising will give you a “natural high” that can help you feel better than any drug or drink ever could.
Knowing Your Social Circle
People in your life can either encourage and enable your addiction or help you fight back against it. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people to become addicted to drugs or alcohol because of their social circle.
Maybe you started out as a “casual drinker,” or it was just something you did whenever your friends got together. Maybe you didn’t want to feel left out. Whatever the case, it could be time to remove yourself from those circles.
Instead, help yourself by spending time with people who will support you. Find sober friends that are willing to do things with you that don’t involve drugs or alcohol. Those friends can offer their guidance, but they will also take the pressure off of you. They won’t trigger you in the same way your old social circles did.
Managing Your Triggers
It’s not just people who can trigger a relapse. Maybe it’s a certain location or even specific events. Managing your triggers daily is extremely important. They will tempt you every single time, and it’s not always easy to walk away.
By understanding your triggers and ignoring them or avoiding them, you’re less likely to give in to temptation.
Eventually, you’ll become stronger in your permanent recovery. Some triggers that get to you today might not in a few years. For now, though, don’t put yourself in situations that could compromise your sobriety. Steer clear of triggers, even if it means changing certain aspects of your lifestyle.
From taking care of your mental and physical health to spending time with the right people, lifestyle choices matter. Keep these in mind as you work toward long-term recovery, and you’ll have an easier time preventing relapses. If you need support, contact our office today.