Regardless of the first visit or not, completing a rehab program is a significant achievement that should be celebrated. After rehab, the journey of sustainable recovery continues through effort, commitment, and community. Ongoing treatment, such as support groups and outpatient counseling, correlates with higher long-term recovery success rates. Our team at Axiom Care has the experience and resources to help you avoid relapse and maintain sobriety.
1) Find Community
Addiction thrives in isolation. At Axiom Care, we believe that connection is the opposite of addiction. That’s why finding community is one of the most important components of recovery. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or SMART Recovery provide a sense of belonging and accountability. These groups offer a safe space to share experiences and gain support from others who understand the challenges of addiction. Building an encouraging support system can help sustain sobriety.
2) Stay Busy and Productive
Engaging in positive activities can reduce the risk of relapse. Find healthy and enjoyable hobbies, like volunteering or taking classes. Planning out the week, potentially in a similar way to a sober living schedule for familiarity and routine, offers something positive to look forward to each day. Staying busy and productive keeps your mind and body distracted from cravings and negative thoughts and provides motivation and a sense of purpose. Consider painting, hiking, reading, or learning a new skill to improve your well-being and reinforce your commitment to sobriety.
3) Avoid Triggers
Triggers for addictions can include places, people, or environments that have previously been associated with substance use. Stressful or emotional situations, like grief or celebration, can also be triggers. Learning to recognize individual triggers and taking proactive steps to avoid them can help prevent a situation that may result in relapse. At Axiom Care, our counselors can identify triggers and offer tools to avoid them that can be carried long-term into sobriety. They will help to minimize exposure to risky environments, stay on track with recovery goals, and create a plan to navigate potential triggers, such as:
- Making shifts in daily routine
- Finding new social circles or support groups
- Practicing stress reduction, like meditation
4) Practice Self Care
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a consistent sleep schedule can improve one’s ability to maintain sobriety. Without proper nutrition or sleep, their willpower and self-control are lowered, and they are less likely to avoid relapse. Similarly, regular exercise releases endorphins, which can minimize depression and anxiety that may have impacted prior substance use. Studies have shown that exercise in addiction recovery eases withdrawal, replaces triggers, and subsides cravings. Prioritizing self-care and committing to it in your schedule leads to energy, focus, mental clarity, and emotional stability.
5) Continue Seeking Help
Recovery is a lifelong journey, and support continues past rehab. Resources, including support groups, therapy, and Axiom Care, are always available. Regularly attend meetings or counseling sessions for a space to discuss challenges and celebrate milestones.
It’s important to remember that relapse does not mean failure. It’s a part of the recovery process for most, as 90% of people in recovery relapse at least once. If cravings, doubts, or relapse come up, call SAMHSA for 24/7 immediate help or contact Axiom Care for resources to rebuild a recovery plan. There is never a wrong time to reach out to available resources and maintain or get back to sobriety.
Need Tools & Support on Your Journey to Recovery?
Avoid relapse and maintain sobriety with the right tools and support available. We are committed to providing the resources to those in recovery at Axiom Care, whether through our detox treatment, residential treatment, or Arizona community. For more information on recovery resources, contact our team.