Learning To Embrace Sobriety And Overcome Addiction In California

Stress is the most common reason for relapse. Furthermore, many individuals who are struggling with addiction resort to their drug of choice or their favorite hobby as a maladaptive method of dealing with their problems. In reality, research suggests that people who use drugs, drink alcohol, or engage in addictive behavior under stressful circumstances have greater “wanting” for those substances or activities—particularly if the drug or activity was indeed the person’s major coping mechanism.

Learning Coping Skills Is The First Priority

One method of preparing with this trigger would be to assess the level of stress you are now feeling. You will never be able to completely remove everybody and everything from your life, but there are circumstances you can avoid that cause you great stress. A list of all the persons, places, and activities that are causing you undue stress may be beneficial as a consequence.

For example, are you involved in a mentally poisonous relationship or are you dealing with a money situation that is causing you stress?

You may be able to lessen the quantity of stressful circumstances in your life by altering your way of living, your relationships, and your priorities. You will also be decreasing the risk that stress will lead to a relapse by taking these steps.

Also vital is the development of constructive coping mechanisms for dealing with stress in the best possible manner. You may be able to lessen or reduce your stress by doing the following:

• Practicing mindfulness and participating in relaxation training are two ways to improve your health.

• Improve your time management skills in order to prevent working in crisis mode.

• Increasing healthy habits by adding moderate exercise and nutritious eating into daily routines

• Reduce the risk that stress may cause a relapse by discovering healthy methods to cope with stress, as well as being able to detect if you’re in a tense environment and taking steps to relieve it, among other things.

• When you work with a therapist or counselor at rehab centers like Chapters Capistrano, they may teach you how to listen to your body and mind in order to recognize when you are stressed, as well as how to establish good coping skills.

Sometimes, You Have To Find New Friends

People who were involved in your addictive activity are possible factors for one relapse, irrespective of whether or not you are now drinking, smoking, or taking drugs themselves. In the same way, some locations that reminded you of previous addiction might be stressful for you. Even the family members may act as a trigger, particularly if they cause you to feel more vulnerable and childlike.

In the event that you are reminded of the addiction, it is critical that you have good coping mechanisms in place. You could find it useful to prepare certain responses in the event that you are an alcoholic and are approached by your drinking companions to go out, or if you observe coworkers going to happy hour.

A healthy hobby that you may do instead, such as going for a run or watching a movie or having dinner with your sponsor or reading a nice book, may also be beneficial to you. If you don’t plan ahead of time for these circumstances, you put yourself at risk of relapsing. Try planning or collaborating with a therapist or counselor to develop a strategy.

You Will Be Reminded Nearly Daily Of Your Addiction

Reminders from your addiction might set off a relapse while you are in treatment. While trying to stop smoking, the smell of tobacco smoking, watching people sipping cocktails on the patio of a pub or bar, or witnessing a couple wrapped in an amorous embrace are all memories that really are all over the early stages of the process.

It is natural to feel the desire to return to your addiction. After all, this is a location you’re acquainted with. Recovery, on the other hand, is not simply about “quitting” and “abstaining,” but rather about creating a new lifestyle in which this is easier—and more desirable—to refrain from using.

• Concentrate mostly on the new life you’re creating and the transformations you’re bringing about. 
• Consider the negative repercussions that you encountered as a result of your addictive behaviors (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addictive_behavior#:.), people you damaged and the connections you lost as a result of your participation. 
• When you encounter these memories of your previous life, you may believe that you miss it, but in truth, it only caused you misery and struggle.
• Accept the notion that you are transforming yourself into a fresh, healthier version of oneself that has no space for the issues of the past.

The ability to replace behaviors, such as going to yoga class or relaxing with a lengthy bath, might be beneficial when you’re feeling prompted in this way. Additionally, chanting happy mantras or engaging in relaxation exercises may assist you in overcoming your cravings. Consult with your therapist or counselor for further suggestions on how to cope with these reminders in a productive manner.

How Do You Celebrate And Enjoy Things Sober?

Positive events, such as holidays and birthdays, may serve as triggers as well as negative ones. You may be happy, in command, and secure in your ability to manage one drink, one cigarette, or one event of minor flirting with the gorgeous stranger who walks by you on the street. But, more importantly, can you actually keep it all under control?

People who are battling addiction typically lose their ability to recognize when it is time to quit. As a result, a single drink might grow into a binge session. Alternatively, indulging oneself to a single, pointless pair of sandals might result in a shopping binge.

When you are in danger of relapsing, having a support system may be quite beneficial. For more information on setting up a support system for recovery, click here. Find someone you can rely on and respect to gently but firmly encourage you to quit why you’re doing it if you find yourself slipping back into old habits. 

Whenever possible, avoid entering into circumstances where you would be at significant risk of relapsing. If you go to a party, you may be astonished at how fast your determination and good intentions go away once the festivities begin.

Create a strategy with your therapist or counselor on how to deal with the distractions that come with pleasurable events such as celebrations, weddings, holidays, and other celebrations, among other things. Inadequate preparation increases the likelihood of relapsing in stressful situations.