Recovery is a lifelong process and involves far more than abstaining from alcohol or drug use. It is also about being able to understand more about the patterns and behaviors that caused your substance abuse. It involves developing new behaviors and attitudes. Coping skills to prevent relapse, they’re steps that can be taken during the rehab in California process to lessen the possibility of relapse.
Develop a support network
It is important to be surrounded by people who support you and a substance-free lifestyle. While you are in recovery, it may be tempting to go back to old friends and surroundings. But this is often likely to lead to a relapse. It’s very difficult to go through recovery alone. Building relationships with those who have been through similar experiences to you can provide a deep level of understanding and support. Family, friends, counselors and support groups can form a whole network of support to help you cope.
Avoid temptation
You will know what friends and situations are better for you to avoid because you are likely to be tempted by the availability of your substance of choice. Close proximity to substances threatens your sobriety and increases chances of a relapse. 
Avoid complacency or testing your control
Some people try to prove a point by being in surroundings where substances are available and not using them. Testing your control in this way is not a good idea. It may lead to a relapse because you convince yourself that ‘just a little bit’ won’t matter. You can’t afford to become overconfident and let down your guard.
Plan how to deal with cravings
Planning ahead how to tackle cravings when they arise is important. Having a mentor you can reach out to can be very helpful initially when facing cravings. You will learn how to cope with cravings over time and they eventually lesson as you develop the mental focus you need to deal with them. Exercising, reading and other activities can help you to focus on something other than your cravings.
Create a healthy routine
If you spend your free time with healthy activities, you give yourself the best chance of staying sober. When you’re in treatment, your time is usually filled with activities and therapies that support recovery. Abandoning these when leaving treatment and having too much free time may lead to relapse. It’s essential to include new, healthy, fulfilling activities in your life after treatment to give you the best chance of staying sober. It’s also important to keep committed to practicing what you learned in treatment to cope with the stresses of daily life. Summit Estate can help you go through your rehab journey and make you defeat your addiction for good. Give us a call at (866) 569-9391 and clarify all your doubts and concerns today.
