Addiction is a chronic disease that can take hold quickly or develop over an extensive period of time. Dependence on drugs or alcohol is characterized by compulsive or uncontrollable urges to use despite any harmful consequences. Although the effects can be long lasting, recovery is achievable with the proper treatment. The best way to recover from an addiction is to build a new lifestyle where it is easier not to use drugs or alcohol. Effective treatment includes several steps that help addicts stop using, stay drug and alcohol free, and be productive in life (NIDA 2016). The first major step in recovering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol is for an addict to acknowledge that there is a growing problem. This is the stage where feelings
…show more content…
Relapses can be prevented by keeping triggers under control, learning healthy ways to deal with stress, and avoiding high risk situations. High risk situations that should be kept away from include old friends with drinking and drug problems, clubs, bars, and negative emotions. The best way to stay away from these high risk situations is to talk to sober companions or to find new places to spend time. Being aware of unavoidable situations and learning to cope with them is also important (Smith, Blackwood, Segal 2016). Controlling triggers can be done by being completely honest and staying away from drugs and alcohol. When using prescription drugs, it is crucial to be honest with doctors about any previous history with drugs. Formers addicts should also be truthful to everyone in their lives about their addiction history. Avoidable triggers include drugs, alcohol, and stress. Another way to avoid relapsing is to find healthy outlets for stress. Developing regular sleeping patterns and eating healthy foods are highly recommended ways to ease life’s tensions. Exercising regularly and taking care of pets is also an effective stress reliever. Developing new hobbies, setting life goals, and rebuilding relationships may be helpful as well (Melemis …show more content…
At this stage, addicts with realize that hard work needs to be continued for the rest of their lives to gaurd against a relapse. Active monitoring of thoughts and behaviors, maintaining a support system, ongoing practice of new skills, and staying alert to triggers and temptations are vital at this point (CRC Health Group). If a recovering addict needs more support, there are post-rehab facilities that can help with ongoing struggles. A critical part of maintaining sobriety is getting involved in enjoyable activities that make recovering addicts feel valid and important, such as volunteering. It is also extremely important for former addicts to forgive themselves and to never lose hope. If a person relapses, it is only crucial to move on and make a plan to get back on track (Sober Media Group
Relapses can be prevented by keeping triggers under control, learning healthy ways to deal with stress, and avoiding high risk situations. High risk situations that should be kept away from include old friends with drinking and drug problems, clubs, bars, and negative emotions. The best way to stay away from these high risk situations is to talk to sober companions or to find new places to spend time. Being aware of unavoidable situations and learning to cope with them is also important (Smith, Blackwood, Segal 2016). Controlling triggers can be done by being completely honest and staying away from drugs and alcohol. When using prescription drugs, it is crucial to be honest with doctors about any previous history with drugs. Formers addicts should also be truthful to everyone in their lives about their addiction history. Avoidable triggers include drugs, alcohol, and stress. Another way to avoid relapsing is to find healthy outlets for stress. Developing regular sleeping patterns and eating healthy foods are highly recommended ways to ease life’s tensions. Exercising regularly and taking care of pets is also an effective stress reliever. Developing new hobbies, setting life goals, and rebuilding relationships may be helpful as well (Melemis …show more content…
At this stage, addicts with realize that hard work needs to be continued for the rest of their lives to gaurd against a relapse. Active monitoring of thoughts and behaviors, maintaining a support system, ongoing practice of new skills, and staying alert to triggers and temptations are vital at this point (CRC Health Group). If a recovering addict needs more support, there are post-rehab facilities that can help with ongoing struggles. A critical part of maintaining sobriety is getting involved in enjoyable activities that make recovering addicts feel valid and important, such as volunteering. It is also extremely important for former addicts to forgive themselves and to never lose hope. If a person relapses, it is only crucial to move on and make a plan to get back on track (Sober Media Group