How to resist temptation and make healthy choices when you’re recovering

Recovering from addiction is a journey full of transformation. However, you’re bound to run into temptation along the path occasionally. Resisting temptation is necessary to prevent relapse. These tips and tricks can go a long way to help you stay sober.

Avoidance

Avoiding triggers is essential, especially during the early days of recovery. This may mean taking a new way home from work so you don’t pass the bar and adopting new habits to ensure that you’re not reminded of drugs. Letting go of old friends who encourage substance abuse is common to avoid temptation. An addiction recovery service can help you identify possible triggers.

Prescriptions

Many people are addicted to prescription medication. In 2015, 20.5 Americans at least age 12, had a substance abuse problem, according to a study. Only 591,000 had a disorder that involved heroin, while 2 million had one that involved prescription pain relievers. If you were addicted to prescriptions, you must speak with your doctor about your substance abuse to ensure they don’t prescribe you pain medicine you can get addicted to again.

Routines

First, establish things that help you relax and be mindful, such as exercise or meditation. Then, make a daily routine. Invest in an hourly planner and try to fill your day with positive activities encouraging sobriety. This eliminates boredom and the wondering thoughts that come with it. When your mind starts to wander, it can be easy to be tempted to abuse substances again.

Strategies

It’s important to realize you will be tempted to relapse. Something will remind you of using drugs or drinking, and your brain will instantly want to do that same thing again. Work with a professional addiction recovery service to develop a plan you will follow when tempted. Having a plan can help prevent relapse because you will be less likely to give in to your impulsive feelings.

Embrace Mindful Practices

Mindfulness has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy for uncovering subtle temptations as well as preventing relapse. It involves heightened awareness of your emotions and behaviors and understanding their interplay. When the craving arises, pause to reflect on the reasons behind it. Remind yourself that succumbing to the urge is not inevitable; you have a choice. For a deeper dive into mindfulness, consider seeking guidance from a therapist or joining a mindfulness learning group to acquire and refine this impactful strategy.

Identify Emotional Triggers

This is essential in understanding the factors that contribute to relapses during recovery. These triggers tend to emerge during high-stress situations or moments of reflection on past substance abuse. Emotional triggers can vary widely from person to person, but some common ones include negative emotions (feelings of sadness, anger, frustration, or loneliness), positive memories (such as euphoric experiences), celebrations where substance use was a part of the tradition, boredom or lack of purposeful activities, and struggles in personal relationships.

While it may not be possible to completely avoid all triggers, it is important to identify the main ones and develop strategies for managing them effectively. The key lies in pinpointing primary triggers and actively working towards confronting and overcoming them. Over time and with consistent effort, individuals can develop the resilience needed to face and manage these emotional triggers, reducing the risk of relapse.

Open Communication

Navigating through emotions, thoughts, and feelings is a common aspect of life. However, for those going through recovery, it’s crucial to actively express emotions and address any concerns or discomfort during the process. Engaging in conversations with others about your feelings, particularly within a supportive therapy group, can prove immensely beneficial. Hearing diverse perspectives allows you to acknowledge and accept your triggers, comprehend cravings, and gradually develop the skills to overcome them.

Celebrate Progress

It’s essential to recognize and celebrate every step forward in your journey, regardless of its size. Acknowledging your achievements, no matter how small, serves as powerful positive reinforcement. By celebrating progress, you cultivate a sense of accomplishment and motivation that propels you to sustain healthy choices. This practice not only boosts your self-esteem but also reinforces the belief that your efforts contribute to a positive and transformative path.

Seek Professional Help

When facing challenges, it’s crucial to reach out for professional support. Seeking help from a therapist, counselor, or healthcare professional can make a significant difference. These professionals offer valuable guidance, coping strategies, and tailored resources to address your specific situation. Their expertise provides a supportive framework to navigate difficulties, promoting emotional well-being and facilitating a more effective approach to overcoming obstacles.

Ultimately, the path to recovery is not without its trials, but by incorporating these tips and strategies, individuals can build the resilience needed to resist temptation and make enduring, positive choices on their transformative journey to lasting sobriety. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help! Working with an addiction recovery service can help you develop the critical skills you need today to minimize the risk of relapse tomorrow. We can help you identify triggers, determine what changes you need to make, and develop the coping skills necessary. Contact us for more information on our services today. We can’t wait to guide you on the path to recovery.