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