The initial three months after alcohol de-addiction treatment can be quite difficult and challenging. The alcoholic at this point is highly vulnerable as he or she tries to rebuild life while facing life with renewed fears and hopes. It is during the first 90 days that the recovered individuals are most prone to relapse.
Therefore, this is the period that they need maximum support from friends and family. The early days of recovery from alcohol addiction rehabilitation center are overwhelming, especially when an individual leaves the safe and structured environment of an alcohol rehabilitation center. Get more information about alcohol abuse recovery at Abbey Care Foundation.
Many addicts think that after spending time in an alcohol de-addiction center, they would easily be able to remain sober. However, that might not always be the case. In this article, we have listed some tips for remaining sober after alcohol addiction treatment.
Tips for Staying Sober After Alcohol Addiction Recovery
A relapse to drinking can be easily avoided by following some simple guidelines. Some effective tips are as follows:
1. Structure your daily schedule
While undergoing treatment in a rehabilitation center for alcohol or Texas Drug Rehab Centers, an individual is made to follow a structured routine that includes exercising, yoga, sleeping, attending sessions, waking up on time as well as eating healthy and regular meals. This routine should also be continued after discharge to ensure that there is no relapse into an unhealthy lifestyle. You should know some of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms and how long does alcohol withdrawal last because this could be the reason for relapse.
The daily routine should be kept simple and stress-free as stress can be one of the major triggers for relapse. One can keep a list of to-do things for maintaining the correct body and mind balance.
2. Build a support network and attend meetings
It is a good idea to get in touch with a group and start attending meetings. A positive and supportive recovery community is important for remaining sober in addiction recovery. De-addiction centers recommend that an alcoholic or an addict should attend a meeting daily in the first 90 days.
Mostly, an addict cannot get sober without proper support and the best support comes from people who are recovering just like you. One should also avoid old buddies as they may tempt you to return to your old habits of drinking.
3. Take care of yourself
An alcohol bottle or the drug is the top priority of the addict. He or she begins to ignore himself and avoids taking care of his health and hygiene. A rehabilitation center for alcoholics urges the addict to take care of his health and hygiene through daily bathing, clean dressing and maintaining good hygienic habits. Yoga and daily exercising also help in restoring the health of the individual.
Taking care also includes spiritual restoration. A habit of meditating helps in rebuilding confidence, positivity as well as self-awareness. One should also take regular and timely meals. Talk to a counselor if you feel stressed or frustrated.
4. Set realistic and measurable goals
Most of the addicts are advised to take life ‘one day at a time’ as it is beneficial to set both short-term and long-term goals. Setting goals creates a direction and hope. Besides staying sober, an addict or an alcoholic also needs to set broader goals. One can discuss his or her personal goals with a counselor at the alcohol de-addiction center who can help you in achieving the goals.
At the same time, it is important to know that setbacks can happen in any plan. You should be prepared to take feedback and support from other recovering people. Also, the goals should be measurable and realistic and should not be set on the basis of past regrets.
5. Practice gratitude
Gratitude is an important trait that one should have. Ensure to make a gratitude list about what all you are grateful for. This is one exercise that is practiced during the treatment at a rehabilitation center. It can be practiced whenever you are feeling low.
Research indicates that grateful people are healthier and happier. This helps during addiction recovery and contributes to a positive and wonderful way of life.
Conclusion
After leaving an alcohol or drug rehabilitation center, one can apply the above strategies for coping up with life during the first 3 months of addiction recovery. In case you relapse, you should immediately get in touch with an addiction counselor or the de-addiction center.
One needs to remember that although addiction is highly prone to relapse, it is not the end of the road. Many treatment centers have an effective Relapse Program for getting the addicts back on track.