If you are recovering from an alcohol addiction, you are already aware how much work it took to getting here. Therefore, you would want to do everything possible to avoid a relapse. Even though it seems as if it cannot happen to you, the truth is that relapse is very common amongst people who are new to recovery. So, how do you stay sober? There are several tips that can prove to be helpful in this regard and these are outlined as follows:
Identify personal triggers
When you want to prevent a relapse, you need to understand your external triggers, such as places, people, situations and things that elicit cravings or thoughts. Likewise, you also need to consider internal triggers, such as feelings, emotions and thoughts that are associated with alcohol. Once you have identified the biggest risks, you can come up with a plan to avoid them. Some common triggers include relationship troubles, stress, financial problems, or emotional distress.
Avoid old routine and habits
It is a given that if you quit drinking alcohol, but continue with the same routine and hang around the same places and people, you can easily slip back into old habits and behaviors. You have to make immediate changes to your circumstances and they should be obvious, such as not hanging around the people you drank with. You may also have to change your route to home, or work, for avoiding any triggers, or people and places that make you want to drink again.
Build healthy relationships
Once you are sober, you may realize that your past relationships were not just unhealthy, but actually toxic. It is not just your drinking buddies who can get you in trouble; sometimes those you are closest to can also lead to a relapse. For instance, you may have a co-dependent relationship, or a family member or friend may have been enabling you without realizing it. Maintaining such relationships can increase your chances of relapse. Therefore, your priority should be to develop healthy relationships and you can even join a support group.
Follow a structured schedule
Having a disorganized and chaotic lifestyle can also hinder your recovery. You have to have a structured weekly and daily schedule and follow it. This will be helpful in achieving other goals in your life. Moreover, when you develop and pursue other goals, it can also help you in maintaining your sobriety in the long run.
Practice healthy living
Your emotional and physically health suffers when due to chronic misuse of alcohol. When you are in the recovery phase, you should prioritize self-care and ensure that you have the fortitude for maintaining sobriety. This means you should exercise regularly, get quality and ample sleep, eat well-balanced and regular meals, make time for recreational hobbies and activities and practice relaxation strategies, such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness. You can also take advantage of technological and advanced solutions such as Soberlink, which can help you in remote alcohol monitoring.
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Focus on your finances
People who are recovering from alcohol addiction frequently have problems in maintaining employment, meeting work-related responsibilities, and managing money. This leads to financial troubles and you should start getting your finances in order because these problems can result in a relapse. The most important thing to remember is that your finances will not improve overnight, so you should create a budget and take proper steps to safeguard yourself because work stress can result in a relapse.
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Follow these tips and you will be able to ensure long-term recovery from alcohol addiction and avoid a relapse.