Resisting Temptation and Preventing Relapse in Recovery
Although getting sober and stopping substance abuse can happen overnight in theory, recovery is a lifelong commitment. Some days might be easier than others, but there are always new challenges to overcome. Sometimes it can feel like addiction triggers are around every corner. If you do not know how to handle temptation in recovery, it could threaten to stall your progress or derail it completely.
How to Fight Temptation in Recovery
After you leave a standard or luxury residential rehab, the transition back into your everyday life can be overwhelming. Addiction triggers may feel like they are everywhere, and temptation is an ongoing battle. Although it is easy to give in, doing so will put you back at square one. Instead, follow these tips on how to beat temptation in recovery, so that you can enjoy lasting sobriety.
Avoid Addiction Triggers
A big part of fight temptation in recovery is to put yourself in a good position to be successful. As difficult as it can be to let go of certain relationships, your sobriety is worth it. Anyone you have a relationship with should be supportive of your sobriety. It’s those who are closest to you who will have the biggest impact on your choices. If you have a friend or family member who engages in substance abuse, separate yourselves from them in the safest and best way possible. If you live with family or friends who fall into this category try to find a more supportive living situation with fewer triggers. Just like certain relationships are difficult to let go of, certain situations can be difficult to endure while battling temptation in recovery. Your favorite band might be having a concert soon or you might be invited to a party. These situations might sound fun, but if you know there will be drugs there or people who might encourage you to use, you are putting your sobriety at risk by going. Especially when you are still going through standard or luxury addiction treatment programs and your sobriety is new, you may have to turn down some of these invites.
Have a Support System
Sobriety is an ongoing journey, but it shouldn’t be a lonely one. Surrounding yourself with people who support and care for you can make a huge difference in how you fight temptation in recovery. Support can be found with friends, family, or people in recovery themselves. Members of support groups and recovery meetings can keep you accountable and give you people to lean on who are in similar situations.
Get Help
Whether you’ve been sober for a week or 10 years, seeking treatment is never wrong or weak. If fighting temptation in addiction recovery is getting harder instead of easier, get help. Join a standard or luxury outpatient program to help you learn how to better face triggers and manage cravings. Start attending more recovery meetings and find a mentor you can trust. If you have relapsed and fallen back into addiction, get help immediately. Sobriety is never finished but continuously strengthened over time. Fighting temptation in sobriety is not only about avoiding situations or people that could trigger cravings, but also about anticipating these changes and learning how to cope with them. As challenging as it can be, it’s important to remember that your sobriety is worth it. You’re not going to feel perfectly confident all the time, but don’t let these moments keep you from continuing your journey. Fighting temptation in recovery won’t always be easy, but it is possible, especially with the right help. At Seaside Palm Beach, we are here to guide you through recovery and prepare you for a life of sobriety. If you or a loved one has relapsed or is currently struggling with substance abuse, call us at 561-677-9374.
