Addiction treatment programs are essential for getting sober and setting the stage for long-term recovery. However, by themselves, they can only take you so far. After you complete rehab, you will still need to navigate daily life without drinking or using drugs. Rehab experts commonly recommend that you do certain things to achieve this ongoing goal. In fact, there are several tips for a sustainable recovery that you should know.
Need advice on how to stay sober now and in the future? At Northpoint Colorado, we specialize in all forms of drug and alcohol recovery. With help from our tips for a sustainable recovery, you can devise effective ways to meet your short- and long-term goals. Call us today at 888.231.1281 for full access to our recovery resources.
Our Most Common Sustainable Recovery Tips
There are important sustainable recovery tips for every aspect of your daily life. The most common effective strategies include:
Creating a strong support network
Your friends and family can play a big part in helping you stay drug- and alcohol-free.
Joining a peer support group
You can also gain tremendous sobriety support in a peer-based group like Alcoholics Anonymous.
Avoiding risky situations
By staying away from situations that increase your drug or alcohol urges, you make it easier to remain relapse-free.
Finding ways to manage your urges
You might not be able to avoid all relapse risks. This means that it’s important to have go-to strategies for managing your substance urges.
Managing your stress levels
In any situation, stress has the potential to increase your desire to drink or use drugs. An effective stress management plan can help you stay on an even keel. Such a plan typically includes eating well and getting plenty of sleep. It also includes exercising regularly.
Knowing what an approaching relapse feels like
If you know what to look for, you can usually tell when you may be nearing a relapse. The long list of possible warning signs includes:
- Thinking about drinking or drug use in positive terms
- Isolating yourself from other people
- Not regularly attending your peer group meetings
- Letting your self-care routine lapse
- Actively planning to drink or use drugs
The sooner you catch these kinds of signs, the easier it is to maintain your sobriety.
Rely on Professional Resources
Completing rehab should not mean losing contact with rehab professionals. Make sure to check in regularly with your doctor or therapist. That’s important even when your recovery is going well. It’s even more important when you find it hard to stay sober. Rehab specialists can provide you with customized tips to help you stay sober. In addition, they can help you re-enter treatment when needed.
Additional Tips for a Sustainable Recovery
You can also do other things to promote a long-term recovery. Additional steps we recommend include:
- Filling your time with hobbies and activities that support your sense of wellness
- Creating a consistent, structured daily routine
- Maintaining a good balance between work and your life outside of work
- Taking time to celebrate your sobriety successes
There’s also another bit of crucial advice on how to have a sustainable recovery. Namely, you must remember that a relapse is always possible if you let your guard down. That’s true even when you have months or years of stable sobriety under your belt.
Get More Recovery Tips Today at Northpoint Colorado
Actionable tips for a sustainable recovery are important tools for long-term sobriety. They can help you maintain your momentum over the months and years ahead. They can also help you make it through any rough spots in your ongoing recovery efforts.
Want more information on how to have a sustainable recovery? Northpoint Colorado is your source of vital tips for all phases of your post-rehab life. You can also turn to us for both outpatient and residential recovery support. To get the help you need, just call us today at 888.231.1281. You can also use our online contact form.