If you have completed a drug treatment program, congratulations! You have worked hard to address and overcome your addiction and are ready to hit the ground running in your recovery. While completing treatment is a major milestone, the real work in recovery begins after treatment. Temptations and triggers await around every corner, and it can be easy to slip. It is estimated that 90 percent of those in recovery will experience at least one relapse in the first four years of recovery.
To minimize the risk of relapse, you will need to learn how to stay focused on your recovery. This article will outline the reason why people relapse, and you will learn effective ways how to stay focused on your recovery in the long run. If you have just completed a drug treatment program and need extra support, Sequoia Recovery Centers features aftercare programs that give you the additional tools and support you need to stay sober. Our Washington medical detox and treatment programs are evidence-based, extensively tested, and proven to work for you.
Sequoia Recovery Centers is a Spokane drug and alcohol detox center. Call Sequoia Recovery Centers today and begin your journey toward recovery.
Why Do People Relapse in Recovery?
With the relapse rate so high, the question many ask is why people relapse in recovery. The first and most obvious reason for relapse is that people fail to eliminate the stress cues in their daily lives. These include the people, places, things, and moods that trigger substance use. Another reason why people are vulnerable to relapse is they fail to implement healthy coping skills when confronted with a trigger or stressors in their daily life.
Another reason for relapse in recovery is complacency. When people finish a treatment program, they look better, feel better, and feel as if they “beat” addiction. This is dangerous because addiction is a lifelong battle, and at any time, the perfect storm of stress and life events can lead people back to substance use. Additionally, people may have unresolved mental health issues. If these issues were not addressed in treatment (or if someone didn’t receive dual diagnosis treatment), they are at a loss on how to cope with their feelings. As a result, they will turn to drugs as their coping mechanism.
How To Stay Focused on Your Recovery
When you have just completed treatment, learning how to stay focused on your recovery isn’t always a top priority. While starting a new chapter in your life is exciting, you must always be mindful that triggers and stressors are always in your environment. During a moment of weakness, you can relapse and erase all the hard work you put into getting sober. The following are a few simple yet effective ways you can stay focused on your recovery:
Go to an Aftercare Program
Aftercare programs are vital to recovery, yet they can be ignored when people complete treatment. If you are looking to protect the investment that is your sobriety, going to some form of aftercare program will give you the additional tools and confidence you need to stay the course. Aftercare programs include outpatient treatment, alumni programs, and sober living.
Implement Positive Lifestyle Changes
Another significant way to learn to stay focused on your recovery is to implement positive lifestyle changes supporting your sobriety. This can include the following:
- Implementing a daily exercise regimen
- Adopt good nutrition habits
- Start journaling to aid your emotional health
- Exploring new hobbies or trying out new hobbies
Living a healthier life allows you to start a new chapter in your life.
Have a Strong Support System
It takes a village to help you achieve long-term recovery. Having a solid support network of people who support your recovery gives you both confidence and accountability. This support network can include family, friends, recovering peers, counselors, and others. Your support system not only celebrates the small victories but will also remind you of your commitment to recovery if you fall short.
Pick Yourself Up If You Relapse
While staying sober is your top goal, there is always the possibility that you may relapse. If relapse occurs, don’t dwell on your mistakes. While it is heartbreaking, remind yourself that relapse is a normal part of recovery, learn from your mistakes, and refocus your efforts.
Stay the Course With Help From Sequoia Recovery Centers
Staying sober can be more difficult than getting sober. To minimize the risk of relapse, you need the tools and support that empower you to stay the course. Sequoia Recovery Centers can help you achieve your recovery goals with our evidence-based aftercare programs. Our experienced treatment team will design a personalized program that focuses on your recovery goals and gives you the confidence to step fearlessly into recovery. Call Sequoia Recovery Centers today and live your best life.
