Shaking hands with sobriety is a commendable victory that often presents the opportunity to start a new life. However, for some people, this pivotal moment only brings about the worry of relapse.
Relapse is a scary circumstance that most addicts are all too familiar with. It creates debilitating fear and discourages many users from getting clean. But as frightening as relapse is, not everyone will be burdened by its possibility. In fact, there are distinct characteristics that make some people more likely to succumb to addiction. Keep reading to find out if you happen to be at risk for relapse and how to prevent yourself from getting there.
Those Without a Strong Support System
Our inner circle can either make or break our pact with sobriety as they have a strong influence on many of our actions. This means that those who are surrounded by others who use drugs or encourage risky lifestyles are more likely to have trouble staying clean.
To stay on track, it is important to align with those who have the same vision as you. Chosen friends and family members should keep you accountable and correct you if you go astray. On the flip side, anyone who brings about temptation is a threat to your future and should be removed from your life immediately. If this leaves you with no one to confide in, try your luck with post-recovery support groups and online forums. These areas are loaded with people in search of like-minded companionship as well.
Those Living In an Unstable Environment
One’s living environment makes all of the difference when it to comes avoiding relapse. And unfortunately, those who have housemates that either struggle with addiction or use cocaine on a recreational basis are more likely to find themselves in the same boat.
Remaining sober involves altering your outside environment to support your new lifestyle. If you live in close proximity to cocaine addicts or dealers, it is best to relocate to a more suitable neighborhood. And while financial barriers might make it difficult to make any sudden moves, it is in your best interest to keep a safe distance from any triggers and to set your personal space up in a way that encourages a drug-free lifestyle.
Those Who Lack Healthy Lifestyle Habits
It is easy to fall back into old ways of being if new habits aren’t developed. This is why those who attempt to start fresh while still holding on to negative relationships and destructive routines will probably fail at sobriety. Relapse due to poor lifestyle habits can be super frustrating because you may not even realize that the daily habits that you have grown so accustomed to are what keep you from living the life that you desire.
Fortunately, those who suffer from this deficiency can make a quick turn around as long as their mindset allows. Think of this as if you are playing a game that prompts you to choose “this” or “that”. Decide whether it is best to visit the local bar on a Saturday night where everyone is drinking and smoking until the policemen arrive or if a night in with a few trustworthy friends will end on a better note. Stay in this mode until you have analyzed every lifestyle habit and are sure that they all work to your benefit. It is also wise to delve into sports, crafts, and other hobbies that will keep you busy as you build a more pleasurable, satisfying lifestyle that is not threatened by the possibility of relapse.
Those Who Aren’t At Peace With Life
Lastly, a person with a doomed mindset probably won’t make it long before relapsing. This heightened level of self-sabotage can stem from various things, such as chronic stress, depression, unaddressed trauma, and lack of faith in one’s self. The best way forward is to work on making yourself happy in ways that work in favor of a better tomorrow. Seeing a therapist can also prove to be beneficial when it comes to unpacking repressed emotions, dealing with fear, and learning coping mechanisms that will prevent you from getting sucked back into substance abuse.
The fear of relapse can torment some people for their entire lives. However, no one has to live with this type of paranoia. We are here to help and to offer solutions to help our patients during and after their recovery. Give us a call today at 833-846-5669, and allow us to give you the tools and support to break free from addiction for good.