Physical addiction is often the most intimidating aspect of drug and alcohol dependence to the patient who considers drug rehab. The withdrawal symptoms can be mentally and physically crushing and many fear the process of breaking their body’s need for a daily influx of their drug of choice. However, the toughest part for many people is avoiding the temptation to relapse – especially during the holiday season.
More than one relapse story begins with the sentence, “It was New Year’s Eve, and I thought, ‘Just one won’t hurt.’”
How can you get through the celebrations of the new year without taking a drink? First things first, make sure you have a strong foundation in recovery by taking advantage of all the therapeutic treatment options that will keep you sober.
There Is More to Treatment Than Detox
Once a person has made it through the challenge of detox, it can be all too easy to think that the “hard part is over” and that the person is “home free.” The truth is, however, that detox is just the first step in a comprehensive recovery program. Staying sober is a daily struggle, but it is one that can be made possible by successfully completing a rehabilitation program – one that addresses all aspects of the addiction, including both the physical dependence and the emotional reasons surrounding the origination of the addiction.
While recovery is rarely easy and the hard work will continue long after rehabilitation is complete, there are a few things that could help your loved one to reduce his or her chances of relapse. These include:
- Developing a good support system (friends, family, church, an NA group, etc.) and calling on that support system for help regularly
- Exercising
- Recognizing cravings and having a plan in place to fight them when they come
- Continuing outpatient treatment and/or counseling
- Striving to live a generally healthy lifestyle
- Entering treatment again if necessary and understanding that reentering treatment is not the same as failure
People who do these things are more likely to stay sober for life, no matter what temptations may come along.
Start Your New Year Right
Surround yourself with sober people and/or those who support you in recovery. Avoid going to bars or parties where you know alcohol is the focus. Always have a plan to back out of an awkward situation where someone who isn’t familiar with your sobriety tries to push a drink on you, and never be afraid to walk out rather than get high or take a drink.
If you would like to return to treatment to get some of what you missed the first time around or if you’ve never been to treatment before and are ready to change your life, there is no time like the present. Contact us at Axis right now to get started.
