If you're newly out of treatment, the task of drug addiction prevention may be difficult.It's possible that you feel too confident of your ability to stay drug-free at times and then feel helpless at other times.One way to prevent drug relapse is by having a plan and focusing on it.Making personal changes while participating in therapy can help.
Step 1: You should see a therapist frequently.
People with drug addictions are often treated with behavior therapy.Therapy for addiction prevention often involves identifying thoughts and behaviors that contribute to drug use and changing them to be more positive and productive.You can learn skills to cope with stress.You can find a therapist that you feel comfortable talking to.
Step 2: Don't use medication recklessly.
Some people have medication with their treatment.It is possible to use medication to treat withdrawal symptoms, stave off cravings, and treat other disorders.Take the medication as directed to help with treatment and prevention.Do not take more than you need to.Discuss your drug use history with your prescriber.Do not use prescription drugs if they can become addictive.Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about medication.
Step 3: Join a group.
A support group can help with recovery.Meeting other people who have had similar experiences can be helpful.People in the group can share their experiences and give guidance to those who are struggling.Secular Organizations for Sobriety and SMART Recovery are two groups that help people with recovery.
Step 4: A drug treatment program is a good place to start.
It is possible to attend a treatment program if you have experienced long-term drug use.These programs can help you deal with withdrawal symptoms.Aftertreatment is offered by many programs.Recovery services and support groups can be referred to.Once you are ready to leave, they should create a discharge plan for you.A program with licensed mental health professionals and addiction specialists is accredited by the state.
Step 5: Romanticizing past drug use is a bad idea.
You may think of the good ol' days when you used, had fun, and went to parties.You should remember why you got sober.There was a time when the use interfered with living a happy life.The problems you had were personal, financial, health, and professional.Remember how these things were damaged.Write down the things that make you happy.This list can be used to remind you of why you choose to be sober.
Step 6: Avoid tempting situations.
It is possible that you can be in situations without using.Maybe you want to go to an event or a party that you enjoy and have fun without the use of drugs.If you are out of recovery, this is dangerous.If you think you can be around drugs and not use, it is a dangerous trap.Drug use and past use should be avoided.Don't go to places you know will have drugs.Don't try to rationalize.It is best to avoid these situations because of the high risk of relapse.
Step 7: Stay away from friends who use drugs.
Caution is used in connecting with friends.New friends and avoiding tempting situations are part of prevention.Don't go to environments where there's known drug use if you want to continue using.You may have to end your friendship with these people.Remove them from your social media accounts.The people in your life may give you temptations.
Step 8: There are a lot of life stressors.
Major life stressors include personal injury, loss of a loved one, moving, and changes in employment or financial situation.If you feel bored in life, you may feel triggered.Get help if you are aware of any major life stressors.There are new ways to manage stress.Put on some calming music, go for a walk or jog, visualize a calm and peaceful place, or engage in meditation.
Step 9: An emergency relapse prevention plan is necessary.
If you are starting to slip back into using, you should have a plan in place.Creating a relapse plan is a way to safeguard your future.You can authorize people to take you to treatment, support group meetings, or be in contact with your therapist.Involve people in your plan that you can rely on and support your success in treating drug addiction.If there is a relapse, create a detailed plan of action.Who will be involved, what their involvement is, and what specific steps are being taken.
Step 10: There are healthy stress reduction techniques.
If stress gets out of control, it's likely to cause a relapse.It is possible to prevent a relapse during periods of high stress by developing healthy stress reduction techniques.If you want to reduce stress daily and during periods of high stress, you should learn at least one stress reduction technique.Deep breathing exercises are good stress reduction techniques.There is a progressive muscle relaxation.There is meditation.There is yoga.
Step 11: Health problems can be addressed.
Take care of your health.Drug use can be caused by health problems.Stay on top of regular medical appointments, be consistent with any prescribed medications, and live a healthy lifestyle.Take care of your body.Adopt healthy eating habits and get adequate sleep.You are less likely to use if you feel good.
Step 12: Good friends should be maintained.
You should surround yourself with friends who don't use.There are people who support you in your recovery.People can do activities that don't include substances.Pick up a new hobby and meet people who like the same things you do.A board game club, a hiking group, and a sports league are available.
Step 13: Take care of your painful emotions.
You should notice periods when you feel depressed, anxious, sad, or hurt.Drugs may have been used in the past to alleviate pain.Stay aware of these feelings and approach them differently.Understand the emotions you have and approach them in a different way.Substance use and pain are temporary.Your problems don't go away after the drugs wear off.Approach your emotions with curiosity, kindness, and acceptance.There is more information about how to do meditation.
Step 14: Relapse isn't complete failure.
It is not the end of the world if you relapse.You can do it again if you remember that you were able to stay sober before.Reach out for help, get back on track with treatment, and implement new strategies to keep yourself clean.Keep going!