For people who struggle with addiction and substance abuse issues, maintaining sobriety is a lifelong pursuit. While it can be challenging, especially during times of stress and emotional turmoil, it is possible to adhere to your sober living plan. Here are some steps to support you in your sobriety, both now and in the future.
Change Up Your Routine
Along with swearing off drugs and alcohol, people in recovery must also take steps to adopt new routines and habits. For example, if you frequently spend time around people who drink, your chance of relapsing will naturally become higher. In this case, look for new people to spend time with socially. You may also become interested in new hobbies and activities, preferably ones that have no association with drinking or drug use.
Prioritize Healthy Relationships
Unhealthy relationships can frequently trigger relapses. For instance, a stressful marriage may increase your urge to partake in your drug of choice. While it can be challenging, you must consider whether a relationship is in your best interest when it comes to sobriety. If it’s not, a significant change is needed to stick with your recovery plan.
Know the Signs of Relapse
Relapse is a normal part of the recovery process. In fact, most people in recovery will experience relapse at some point. You can work to avoid a relapse by knowing the signs and taking immediate action upon identifying the following:
- Surrounding yourself with people who use drugs and/or alcohol
- Being irresponsible about your obligations
- Indulging in problematic habits and behaviors
These occurrences don’t always mean that a relapse is imminent. However, they can signal unhappiness in your life, which may require professional treatment to stop the situation from getting worse.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Your physical health can impact your mental wellness, which is why healthy living is key for people in recovery. Try to exercise on a daily basis, as exercise can help alleviate stress. Focus on nutritional food to ensure you have sufficient energy. Also, do your best to avoid people and situations that worsen anxiety or make you feel unsure about your sobriety.
We Can Support Every Step of Your Recovery
In Albuquerque, Duke City Recovery Toolbox offers addiction recovery services to help you achieve – and maintain – sobriety. Our patients can also access counseling and peer support to remain steady in their recovery journey. Contact our clinic today for more information. You can also call (505) 224-9777 to schedule an intake appointment for yourself or a loved one.
