How to Avoid Relapsing in Rehab Programs

The journey from being an addict to becoming a healthy person again is difficult and filled with trials that will be unique to each person. The process of recovery once rehabilitation has begun can only be achieved by each individual. Therapy, rehab programs and support networks are all there to help. But it is up to the willpower and determination of recovering addicts to change their lives for good. Will Power It is an interesting word with so much meaning, but willpower is the fundamental way one breaks with addiction. For whatever reason, many addicts have incredibly low self-esteem, which in turn weakens or destroys their willpower, reinforcing the addiction. Therapy and Rehab programs are designed to restore that self-confidence and enable a person willpower to take over; No one wants to be an addict, showing people that they have the power to end their dependence is the only way to ensure a viable long-term recovery. Avoid/Deal with Trigger Triggers are situations or actions that can lead a recovering addict to crave there for dependence. These triggers are often related to people in the person’s life or in situations they may find themselves in. Lowering the number of potential triggers and dealing with the few that will inevitably surface is a key factor in avoiding a relapse. Support Networks No one person is an island and having people that either care for you (friends/family) or those who recognize your struggles (a support group) is a vital factor for avoiding a relapse. At this point a potential sore topic; cutting out ‘’toxic’’ relationships; For many recovering addicts, some friends or family will be a trigger for them, in these circumstances, often the only way to avoid relapsing is to remove these people from one’s life. This will often be an extremely painful process, these co-dependent relationships could be between lovers, or siblings, or parent/child and the severing of them will not be easy, but it may be necessary. In such circumstances, consulting with a therapist or other support networks may be key in facilitating this course of action. Keep active Physical health and Mental health are linked, both affect each other in a feedback loop. If one increases, so does the other, the same for decreases. This means that exercising regularly is key for all forms of health. Finding a form of a workout that suits each individual is key; for some, it may be running, for others cycling. Sex is also a great workout, whether it is with a partner or not, make sure to be safe! The Big Boogeyman Many recovering addicts view relapse as a sign of failure but it is not. Addiction is a disease that cannot be cured, it is managed. Once you’re an addict, you remain one for the rest of your life. These are hard words to hard but honesty is key to staying healthy. Many recovering addicts will relapse over the course of a lifetime; some will be lucky enough not to but they are in a minority. If a relapse does occur the key is to pick yourself up again and learn from ones’ mistakes. If you or a beloved one is in need of rehab programs, please call Summit Estate at 800.701.6997.