Tips for Avoiding Alcohol Abuse Post-Rehab
Even after receiving the treatment you require for alcohol abuse, it can be hard to avoid relapse, or a return to that substance abuse. Below are several tips that can help you stay sober post-rehab, but remember, it is extremely important to attend a professional rehab program if you haven’t already. Call 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) now to find treatment centers where you can receive the help you need to recover.
Avoid Temptation
One of the most common therapeutic treatments available for alcohol abuse rehab is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the act of “identify[ing] situations that might put one at risk for use” is one of the main focuses of the treatment option.
By attending rehab and participating in CBT, you can learn not only what your triggers for relapse are but also how to avoid them. Then, it is merely a matter of putting this into practice after rehab has ended.
Build a Support Network
Especially if you attended an inpatient rehab center, a strong support network of doctors, nurses, counselors, and other patients will often be very helpful to your during treatment. However, after your program is over, you will need to ensure that you still have a strong social network of individuals who support your decision to quit drinking.
- Think about those people in your life who will provide you support and those who will not. Spend more time with the former group.
- Ask your friends and family members if you can meet in places other than bars or other locations that might trigger your cravings for alcohol.
- Also ask your loved ones to look for any signs that you may be close to a relapse.
When you have a strong, social network that supports your recovery, you will be much safer and more likely to stay on track (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
Take Care of Yourself
Living a healthier life can help you avoid relapse and be much more successful in your overall recovery. Even the smallest changes to your daily routine that promote healthy living will help you avoid relapse and the other dangerous possibilities associated with alcohol abuse and recovery. For example:
- Be consistent with your sleep schedule and make sure you get enough sleep.
- Eat healthy and try to avoid greasy and fatty foods.
- Exercise regularly, even if you just take a walk around the block once a day.
- Practice meditation to become more in control of your thoughts and actions through mindfulness.
Remember: Relapse is Common
It is extremely common for an individual to experience relapse, and doing so does not mean your treatment was a failure. However, it is still important to always do everything you can to avoid relapse, as this is a dangerous issue.
Attending professional addiction rehab for alcohol abuse is always the first step to creating a strong recovery and to avoiding relapse as much as possible. Call 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) now to find rehab centers where you can recover from alcohol abuse and addiction.