Addiction is a powerful disease, but people who have taken steps to combat its detrimental role in their lives know that it can be conquered with the right mindset and approach. Participation in drug and alcohol rehab programs is a positive step forward for those struggling through addiction or actively working to preventing relapse.
Addiction Recovery and Preventing Relapse
While it can be satisfying and encouraging to complete an addiction treatment program, it’s vital to acknowledge that addiction recovery is a choice that a person must make every day. The community atmosphere of a recovery program is specifically designed to be supportive. Keeping that environment intact outside of the program takes concentrated effort and commitment.
Connection to others is a key to addiction recovery. Within the parameters of COVID-19 health protocols, isolation is more prevalent than ever, and preventing relapse requires an action plan. The following list provides just a few tips to keep on track with your recovery, even during the isolation of the pandemic.
How Can Addicts Prevent Relapse?
1. Set a Mental Tone for the Day
Loneliness and isolation can make it easy to forget your goals if you don’t make reaffirmation a priority. It’s important to begin each day with a reminder of why you are sticking to your recovery plan and acknowledging how this proactive approach will help you reach your goals in the future.
Consider beginning each morning with a meditation session or yoga to set an optimistic and focused goal for the day. Both of these practices are great ways to help in the reduction of anxiety and to put a focus on breath and calm over other urges that may lead to relapse if left unchecked.
Continued after video:
2. Connect Digitally with Family and Friends Daily
Physical isolation during the pandemic doesn’t have to eliminate all points of connection. Preventing relapse means making it a point to set up regular digital meetings with loved ones within your support system.
While one-off calls will be beneficial when you need to talk through immediate struggles, having a long-term plan is always a better route. Schedule Zoom calls or FaceTime calls with family members and friends that are purposefully scattered throughout the day and use them as check-in points.
You don’t have to go deep into issues for these daily conversations to be effective. Even a good laugh with a friend can keep you on track and in a positive and focused mindset.
3. Preventing Relapse Means Having a Plan That Combats Rumination
Addiction is a multi-faceted disease that plays on both a physical reaction to a substance or activity and a mental connection to the emotions surrounding that experience. Often, a relapse occurs when someone in recovery has too much time to ruminate on both aspects of their experience.
The best way to battle rumination in isolation is to have a plan of activities firmly in place for each day that will give you goals to work towards. Take time to physically write this plan down. And have it somewhere that it will be visible to keep you accountable for your actions.
People with extra time on their hands will find the pandemic to be the perfect opportunity to pick up a new hobby to master. Whether it’s crocheting, learning a language, or taking up an instrument—having something to focus on and practice daily creates a positive place to put your attention.
Recovery is Always Within Reach
Addiction may seem overwhelming. But with the right support team on your side, getting back on track doesn’t have to be. It’s vital to have a team of professionals on hand when you’re ready to take your life back. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you to replace addiction with a life you love and deserve.
About the author:
