A substance use disorder is a chronic condition that can impact your life, but it is also treatable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that three out of four people who suffer from addiction recover. If you have completed a treatment program, there are tips you can follow to maintain sobriety. Learn more about our aftercare program at Insight Recovery Center by calling 828.826.1376 today.
Tips for Maintaining Sobriety
Recognize Your Triggers
During your recovery, you will have learned what triggers your need to drink or use drugs. Stay mindful of the situations that can put you at risk, and prioritize your self-care. Common triggers can include:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Boredom
For some people, there can be situational triggers, like being with a certain group of people or in a specific location. Although it is not always possible to avoid triggers, preparing for them can make them easier to handle.
During social situations where there are triggers, prepare an exit strategy. Let people know that you may need to leave early, drive your car to the location or have numbers for taxis or rideshares on hand, and be ready to say “no.”
Maintain a Support System
Most people struggle with anxiety and stress in their lives, so it’s not always possible to avoid encountering difficult situations. By having a support system ready to help you through these tough times, you can have a better chance of maintaining sobriety.
Practice Gratitude
If you had a stressful day, try to put it into perspective. Write out a list of everything you are grateful for in your life.
Enter an Aftercare Program
For living sober after rehab, one of the best ways to continue getting support is to participate in an aftercare program. Most rehab centers offer an aftercare program to make the transition from treatment to everyday life easier.
These programs can offer group therapy, case management, and much more, letting you remain active in your recovery.
Learn to Relax
After a day of work or after facing a stressful situation, you want to find a way to unwind that is healthy and does not put you at risk of relapsing. Some options to try include:
- Yoga
- A bath
- Meditation
- A nature walk
- Reading
Breathing exercises can also help you relax. They can be a good tool to use throughout the day as you work or deal with social situations.
Keep a Dry House
After a treatment program, it can feel like there is alcohol and other substances everywhere. By keeping substances out of your home, you can have a safe space to retreat to if you become overwhelmed.
Find a Hobby
Find an activity that is meaningful for you. Engaging with hobbies can release endorphins and lead to pleasure, while also helping you build new friendships with people who have similar interests.
Create New Traditions
It can be easy to fall back into old patterns during the holidays. By creating new traditions to get you through these, you can learn to enjoy yourself while maintaining sobriety.
Turn to Insight Recovery Center for Help Living Sober After Rehab
Maintaining your sobriety takes conscious effort. But by following these tips, you can continue to build on the work you completed in treatment and enjoy a sober life. And if you find that you are not ready to transition to regular life after completing treatment, aftercare programs can help.
At Insight Recovery Center, we automatically offer aftercare programs to those who complete our intensive outpatient program in North Carolina. With professionals ready to help you and access to guidance that includes building life skills like learning stress management, we can offer you the chance to achieve long-term sobriety.
Continue your recovery journey today by calling Insight Recovery Center at 828.826.1376 or contacting us online.