It’s 2016, a new year and a new start! If you’ve finished rehab for drug or alcohol use, you may be wondering how to avoid a relapse. Read these tips to help you stay on track in 2016.
New Year, New You
Instead of making resolutions for the new year, what would you like to do that you’ve never done before? Travel? Try a new language? Learn how to cook gluten-free? Whatever it is, it’s something positive to focus on. Spending your time and energy focusing on what you can do is much more enjoyable than focusing on what you can’t do.
Have a Plan
Create an aftercare plan with the help of your counselor. How will you avoid turning to drugs or alcohol during stressful times now that you’ve finished your program? What will you do if you feel yourself slipping? Who will you call for help? Establishing a plan and support system lets you know you’re not alone.
Hang Out With the Right Crowd
Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who want to see you stay straight. Let them know you don’t want to be around drugs or alcohol. Connect with others who’ve conquered addiction. They understand what you’ve been through and are sure to give you advice if you ask! Go to support meetings to learn how others are coping with similar situations.
Lend a Hand
Want to feel great? Help others! It’s that simple. Match your skills and passions with volunteer opportunities. Do you like to cook? Help out at a soup kitchen or make meals for an elderly neighbor. Contact a local church or community center for volunteer ideas. You may discover that while you’re helping others, they’re helping you, too, by giving you a chance to give back.
Stay Healthy
You’ve chosen to be healthy by beating your addiction. Focusing on your physical health is a great way to keep on track. Exercise helps with anxiety and depression. If you need help putting together an exercise program, visit gyms to find a fit that’s right for you. Don’t have time or money to go to a gym? No problem. Whether it’s yoga, cardio, or kick-boxing, there’s a video for that! There are plenty of exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home. Pencil exercising into your schedule just like you would a conference or appointment.
Free Your Mind
Want to get rid of those negative thoughts, anxiety and stress? Meditation works. Really! Its calming effect follows you through your day and has long-lasting results. Try a class, CD, or video to get started. You only need a few minutes once or twice a day. When you see what a difference it makes, you may want to devote more of your time to meditating. A healthy state of mind puts you in a place to make good choices.
Join the Club
There’s a club for almost every interest, whether it’s a book group at your library, an art class, or an adult coloring club (who doesn’t feel like a kid when they pick up a crayon and start scribbling away?). Try a library or local college for educational classes that peak your interest. Meeting like-minded people is fun and helps you expand your circle of friends.
It isn’t easy going through a program to conquer your addiction. But you did it! Staying sober is challenging, too. Remember, there are others out there in the same situation looking for support just like you. At Rehab After Work, we offer support groups for adults maintaining their sobriety. Contact us to see how we can help keep you on the right track in 2016!
