Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that takes an immense amount of treatment, therapy, and aftercare to control. Staying sober can be difficult, especially for individuals within there first year of sobriety. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution or quick fix. Anyone struggling with addiction needs to learn it will be a lifelong battle, full of ups and downs. But the most important thing to know is that it’s doable with the right recovery plan.
Staying Sober by Recognizing and Avoiding Triggers
One key to staying sober and preventing relapse is to recognize and steer clear of triggers. Triggers can be people in your life, a place or a life event that signal the response to use. And although not everyone shares the same triggers, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers some that are common:
- The anniversary dates of losses or trauma
- Startling news events
- Too much to do; feeling overwhelmed
- Family friction
- Ending of a relationship
- Spending too much time alone
- Being judged, criticized, teased or put down
- Financial problems
- Physical illness
- Certain smells, tastes or noises that remind you of your drug of choice
Make a list of your potential triggers and develop a plan for avoiding them. Unfortunately, there’s a chance you may have to end friendships and replace old hobbies and activities. A person in early recovery is learning to live a new life. But keep in mind, these decisions are moving you forward.
Build a Sober Support System
Whether it’s a group of friends, family members, AA or NA groups, a sponsor, recovering addicts need a place to turn for support, love and encouragement. Find Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Panama City Beach.
Staying Busy
Make each day count by filling it with productive and positive activities. Evaluate your career options. Are you doing something that is fulfilling and bringing you joy every day? If not, implementing some strategies for reaching your long-term career goals is a great way to keep your mind focused.
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and make a positive impact on another’s life. It’s also a great way to meet people who have similar passions for specific causes. Volunteer Match is a way to find a nonprofit cause in your area that speaks to you.
Make Health and Wellness a Priority
The focus in recovery should be healing the mind, body, and spirit. A noticeable unbalance within this trio could lead a vulnerable person to turn to a substance for comfort. Getting 8 hours of sleep and implementing healthy nutrition and exercise plan will reduce the urge to use and help with depression and other mental health issues. Sites like Meetup offer ways for people to come together for group activities. Looking for outdoor adventures in Panama City Beach? Meetup has you covered.
Exercise, sleep, and nutrition – the three pillars of health – are incorporated to every treatment and continuing care plan at JourneyPure. Our patients receive one year of free recovery coaching using our JourneyPure Coaching™ app where total wellness is tracked and monitored.
https://www.addiction.com/in-recovery/relapse/recognizing-triggers/
