As anyone who is in recovery from substance abuse addiction can tell you, the treatment process is only half of the battle. The real struggle starts after you leave a treatment facility, such as Ember Lodge, and resume your normal life, especially the first few months. Relapses are common in the first stages of the transition from treatment to life.

Decades of scientific research and practical experience have made it possible to identify the specific psychological factors and social situations that lead to a relapse in most cases. Recognizing the common triggers of relapse, and learning how to avoid them, can help you to create a new lifestyle that cultivates sobriety and strengthens the recovery process.

Life Strategies For Avoiding Relapse

• Avoid risky situations and friends. Resuming old habits is the most common cause of relapse. Some people deliberately put themselves in high-risk situations just to prove to themselves and to others that they can resist the temptation. Staying away from these situations is the first step to avoiding a relapse.  

• Get involved with new activities and hobbies. New pursuits can take the place of the partying you used to spend time on. Healthy and sober activities are a great help in keeping your mind off of your former lifestyle and habits.

• Take advantage of your aftercare program. Your addiction outpatient service will undoubtedly offer a support group and put you in touch with individuals that are there to help you with your recovery, and you should make full use of these valuable resources. Family and friends who support your recovery are also an important part of your network, giving you the strength and love that are so vital to maintaining your new life of sobriety.

• Adopt healthy habits. You probably learned about the effects of nutrition on addiction while in treatment, and the importance of overall good health to recovery. A healthy diet and a regular exercise program will make you look and feel better, which helps to fight against temptation. Exercise also helps to rid yourself of the stress and feelings of frustration that led to your addiction in the first place.

• If you do relapse, don't give up. Relapses aren't inevitable, but they are common. It can almost be viewed as a normal part of the recovery process. It's important that you reflect on what caused it and learn from the experience. If you were sober for months before the relapse, you can do it again.