Five Tips to Help You Prevent Relapse: A Substance Abuse Treatment Plan from a Dekalb, IL Specialist

Five Tips to Help Prevent Relapse in Dekalb IL

Almost 20% of Americans have used illicit drugs at least once, and around 25% of those have a drug disorder. In addition to that, many struggle with alcohol abuse all over the country.

Taking the step to turn your life around and get sober is life-changing and brave. So, if you’ve done that, then congratulations, as this is no easy feat.

However, it can be hard to stay sober, especially if you regularly feel tempted by friends, family, and the environment around you in Dekalb.

Below, you’ll find five helpful tips from a substance abuse treatment plan to help you prevent relapse and stay on track with sobriety.

  1. Keep Busy

Often, when people have some downtime, their minds wander, and they start thinking about drugs and alcohol again. The best way to avoid this is to keep busy.

Did you always want to pick up a new hobby? Then it’s a great time to start it now. This new interest will occupy your thoughts and time, and you’ll be productive.

  1. Stay Active

Exercise is a great way to take care of yourself. Not only that, but you’ll release endorphins, which give you a natural high.

When you replace substances with this feel-good hormone, it’ll keep your cravings at bay. When you take good care of your body, it’ll make you think twice about reintroducing bad substances, even when you are tempting by things around you in Dekalb.

  1. Avoid Hanging Out with Bad Crowds

Your old social circle might love partying, and these people might know how to have fun, but going back to spend time with them isn’t good for recovery.

You’ll want to surround yourself with people who will encourage you to stay sober. It can be a good idea to reach out to those you’ve met in rehab so you can all focus on sober activities together.

  1. Join Support Groups

If you don’t have a good crowd to hang out with, find a support group close to you in Dekalb. Even if you do have good people around you, it’s still a good idea to join one, as it’ll be a safe space where you can discuss your struggles and triumphs.

You’ll be able to make new friends and you can support one another as you make the journey to sobriety together.

  1. Keep Going to Counseling

In addition to joining support groups, you should also keep going to substance abuse counseling. The fact is, addiction is a lifelong thing; you won’t be cured from it, so you’ll probably need professional help for years to come.

Not only can therapists help you navigate recovery, but they can also give you the right skills for a fighting chance in the real world.

Prevent Relapse in Dekalb and Get into Recovery

It can be tough to prevent relapse, but it can be done.

However, if you have a lapse of judgment, don’t beat yourself up. Studies show that on average, you need between 2 to 5 attempts at sobriety before you’re fully in recovery.

Based on these numbers, you shouldn’t feel terrible if you do relapse. What matters most is that you learn from it and continue on your journey in Dekalb to recovery.

If you’d like to get into drug and alcohol recovery, then contact us today. We’ll help you avoid a relapse situation with our extensive recovery network.