Addiction is an illness that could have serious, potentially fatal consequences. Therefore, those who complete treatment and conquer such dependencies have achieved a significant and commendable accomplishment.
That said, addiction recovery is usually a perpetual, ongoing process. Eventually, healing subjects will undergo challenges to their sobriety. Many will overcome such challenges. Unfortunately, however, others may relapse.
There is no doubt that staying sober following treatment can prove difficult. Our treatment facility, which is situated in southern Florida and has helped numerous patients across the north and southeastern United States overcome their chemical reliance, invites those who have or will soon complete treatment to read this blog discussing the challenges of remaining sober and the steps they can employ to win the battle against such obstacles.
The Challenges Sobriety Presents
Sobriety, particularly in its earliest stages often presents a number of potential trials such as:
Encountering New Experiences
Upon their return to civilian life, newly sober people often must face new experiences. Similar or former places, events, people, and environments likely contributed to their dependency. Therefore, they may be forced to:
- Surround themselves with personalities who are often far different from those they are accustomed to associating with
- Move to a different location
- Begin a new career
- Establish new routines
- Identify new leisure activities
Any of the preceding actions might require an adjustment period and could precipitate potentially detrimental occurrences like feelings of uncertainty and negative emotions such as fear and frustration.
Living Without Alcohol Or Drugs
Detoxifying one’s body of a particular substance is much easier than eliminating the temptation to use said chemical from a recovering addict’s mind. In many instances, the desire to use will always be strong.
For example, literally every aspect of the lives of certain alcoholics revolved around said substance. For such individuals, alcohol was in abundance and readily consumed at events like family gatherings, work meetings, and social outings. Changing one’s life and associations may eliminate the physical temptation but not necessarily the memories of times past.
Starting Over
Many addicts are forced to completely begin anew. Their addictions might have cost them everything they once had. However, and as previously stated, starting over might simply be a prerequisite to avoiding past habits. Regardless, starting a new life from scratch can be trying on one’s emotional, mental and financial health.
Meeting Outside Expectations
Oftentimes, individuals who have not experienced addiction fail to realize the challenges those who have regularly face. Even well-intentioned souls like close family members and friends may not understand that recovery is a lengthy process. Therefore, such persons might unknowingly place lofty expectations on their loved ones and unfairly believe their reemergence will be quick and easy. In reality, this behavior typically places undue stress on the healing individual.
Tips For Remaining Sober
Fortunately, a recovering addict might find the process of adjusting to and, above all, hanging on to their sobriety an easier undertaking should they adhere to the following tips:
Recalling Personal Triggers
Every addict experienced one or more trigger events or circumstances that drove them to engage in drug use. Common precipitators are:
- An overabundance of everyday stressors
- Peer pressure
- The influence of malfeasant or unscrupulous persons
- Physical, mental, emotional, or sexual abuse
Living or frequenting specific environments
By pinpointing specific triggers, recovering addicts can avoid encountering such events or conditions.
Establish Productive Relationships
One key to sobriety maintenance is forging productive relationships. Naturally, this means steering clear of subjects such as troubled former significant others, dealers, irresponsible friends, and any other individual who might force the healing soul to revisit troublesome pathways. That said, those in recovery are also cautioned to eliminate or distance themselves from good-intentioned subjects like family or friends who place excessive pressure or expectations on their shoulders.
In reality, relationships should be established with individuals who are encouraging, patient, and, most of all, have the addict’s ultimate recovery in mind. Furthermore, associations with responsible, tough-minded people who hold the improving subject accountable and set boundaries might also prove fruitful.
Practice A Healthy Lifestyle
Recovering addicts who commit themselves to living healthy lifestyles often enjoy a reduced relapse rate because they grow to realize that using violates those principles. Therefore, newly sober persons are encouraged to partake in actions such as:
- Consuming a nutritious diet
- Remaining well hydrated
- Obtaining anywhere from seven to nine hours of sleep per evening
- Exercising both the body and mind
- Engaging in relaxation techniques like yoga, tai chi, or breathing exercises
The preceding list are only several suggestions. Improving individuals should engage in as many productive activities as they see fit.
Keeping An Established Routine
Those in recovery should create a strict schedule and greatly attempt to stick to it. Few issues prove as challenging to sobriety as idle time, which could eventually lead to full-blown boredom.
Reaching Out To Us
We have proudly helped many former dependents kick their habit and return to healthy, fruitful existences. Those dreaming of ending their addictions and regaining control of their lives are strongly encouraged to contact us at 954-523-1167.