After going through an alcohol rehab program, you are now ready to start a new life. Just trying to imagine how it is like outside makes you cringe. After all, you are well aware that you may fall into a relapse. Do not fret. Here are some useful tips for staying alcohol-free.
Stick to an Aftercare
Committing to an aftercare program helps you stay focused on remaining sober even after you’ve completed your Malibu alcohol rehab treatment. According to Recovery website, nearly 85 percent relapse rates are reported in the first year. People who receive effective aftercare treatment are less likely to have a relapse as opposed to people without aftercare.
Keep Yourself Busy
There were certain sacrifices you had to make the moment you decided to get help with your addiction, and perhaps these included avoiding the people you used to hang out with in the past. Call your support group or trusted friends when you feel like drinking out of loneliness or boredom. Make new friends. Setup a new hobby. Apply for a job. Do anything that keeps you busy and makes you feel fulfilled.
Have a Healthy Lifestyle
Taking care of yourself through proper diet, enough sleep, and exercise allows you to control your cravings to drink again.
Strengthen Your Refusal Skills
Learn how to cope with pressure and don’t punish yourself if you’re tempted to drink again. Practice saying “NO” even in situations you can’t avoid, such as a company event or a family gathering. It should always be your choice not to drink because you are in charge of how you want your life to be.
Open up to Your Family
Establishing an open and honest communication with your family helps you make wise decisions after rehab treatment. Share your thoughts and feelings regardless of whether they are positive or not.
Participate in a Support Group
Along with an aftercare program, you may also consider joining other programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Being part of a support group helps you deal better with drinking urges. You also get to have a different perspective on your situation and get inspired by other people’s stories of struggle and victory. You’ll realize that if they can do it, so can you.
Recovery from alcohol abuse indeed takes time, and these tips only serve as guidelines on how to continue getting better. At the end of the day, it is your willpower and sincere desire to change that determines how you fare in the long run.
With the support of your family and people who have been in the same situation as you, your transition to living a normal life again becomes easier. You can visit Seasons in Malibu to know more about overcoming addiction here.
