Relapse Risks: Know What To Avoid

Overcoming a substance addiction is perhaps one of the most difficult things a person can do. The battle to maintain sobriety and healthy life habits is often a constant battle. As with any long-term challenge, some days are inevitably better than others, but many triggers and dangers exist that can potentially end your “win-streak”. Knowing which triggers to avoid is half the battle.

Familiarity

The areas you used to hang out at and the individuals you were surrounded by while you were using should be avoided. Placing yourself around these factors will only build a desire to relapse. Humans enjoy familiarity and comfort. If you choose to be around those influences, it will seem off without the usual cocktail or substance. Peer pressure is yet another factor to consider when choosing activities and social outings.

Stress

Unfortunately for most of us, stress is an inevitable part of life. The connection between stress and addiction is extremely strong. As such, it’s not uncommon for recovering addicts to feel challenged in their recovery during difficult periods. Drugs and alcohol often offer a perceived safe haven from emotion and turmoil while adding to the issue at hand. In order to properly counter stress levels, they must be address head-on in a positive and healthy manner. Indulge in a hobby, take in a movie, go for a jog. Give yourself something to do that will put your mind at ease will moving away from desperate measures.

Irresponsibility and Isolation

Removing yourself from friends, family and the world at large will do little to aid your recovery progress. Seek out new acquaintances and call up old friends who are supportive of your sober lifestyle. The more positive influence you have in your life, the less likely you’ll succumb to boredom or depression – both common triggers. The best advice to the recovering addict is always “stay busy”!

Need Help?

If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, Above It All treatment center is the place to call. Pick up the phone today and let our team of addiction specialists help you back on track towards the healthy, happy life you deserve.

5 Rehab Myths

When it comes to drug and alcohol rehab, there are a number of myths to weed through. In this entry, we will outline some of the most common rehab and addiction myths to help shed some light on the recovery process.

1 – An addict must hit their “bottom” in order to receive help.

Fact: Most facilities, experts and counselors agree that a user, addict or abuser is not required to hit rock bottom in order to rehabilitation to be effective. In truth, the sooner an individual seeks treatment for their addictions, the better the response will be.

2 – Addicts must attend rehab on a voluntary basis to achieve a successful outcome.

Fact: A number of addicts are forced into rehabilitation programs through court order. Does this mean the treatment will not be as effective? Certainly not. When an addict is admitted to rehab, either by choice or force, it is the job of the facility to help ensure a positive outcome through counseling, therapy and combative means in addressing the addiction.

3 – Rehab is expensive

Fact: It doesn’t have to be. If you are unsure whether you will be able to afford the costs of treatment, a little research can go a long way. If you have health insurance, it pays to search for an addiction treatment that accepts Blue Cross, Aetna, or Value Options. If you lack insurance, you may consider financing options. In addition, there are a variety of government sponsored treatment programs available to those who seek them. Where there is a will, there is a way.

4 – There Is Only One Way To Address Addiction

Fact: For every different type of person, experience and drug, there is a different road to recovery. As such, it’s important to locate a facility that is experienced and able to properly address the addiction at hand. Find yourself a reputable facility and seek out admissions information for rehab treatment. There, you will be able to assess whether or not the philosophies, activities and methods used by the facility and staff meet your individual needs and goals.

5 – Relapse = Restart

Fact:  When a recovering addict goes through a relapse situation, they will often feel depressed and discouraged. These feelings are often compounded in cases where addicts have worked to maintain their sobriety for an extended period of time. While many addicts may feel they must begin their recovery from square one, the truth couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, studies show that the more an addict attempts to remain sober, even in cases of relapse, the better their chances of remaining sober long-term.