When it comes to addiction, relapse is when a person returns to drugs or alcohol after having been in recovery or having been sober. Although relapse is not inevitable, it is common for people in the early stages of addiction recovery. It can occur for a variety of reasons, and when it does, it can make the individual feel as if they’ve failed. But this isn’t the case at all. Relapse does not mean failure, it simply means you have to make some changes. Our drug and alcohol treatment center in Palm Beach is sharing some tips for staying motivated after relapse.
Helpful Tips for Staying Motivated After Relapse
Staying motivated in recovery from addiction can be tough. Lacking this drive to progress can cause problems for anyone trying to stay sober. Staying motivated in sobriety can be even more difficult when you relapse. This is a momentary dip back into old and dangerous habits. Not only can this be physically harmful, but it can also disrupt all the progress you made. However, relapse doesn’t mean you can’t be sober again. Even if you have to go back to rehab for more drug or alcohol addiction treatment, this is merely a different route in a long journey. Below are a few tips that can help you stay motivated in recovery as you work on regaining your sobriety.
Read books about addiction recovery
While there’s an abundance of online resources and mobile apps to aid in your recovery, nothing beats a good ole book. There are plenty of books about motivation and relapse prevention that can help you stay on track while recovering from a relapse. Don’t like to read? Listen to audiobooks. Some of the best books for people in addiction recovery who’ve relapsed include:
- 12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery: Avoiding Relapse Through Self-Awareness and Right Action
- Natural Rest for Addiction: A Radical Approach to Recovery Through Mindfulness and Awareness
- Alcohol: Top Ten Cravings Busters
- Rewired: A Bold New Approach to Addiction and Recovery
- Staying Sober: A Guide for Relapse Prevention- Based Upon the CENAPS Model of Treatment
At BHOPB, we offer relapse prevention support to patients who need the extra boost of support after completing addiction treatment.
Set realistic goals
You may have a set of goals in mind that you want to accomplish. Maybe it’s finding a new job or being able to complete certain tasks on your own. Whatever the task may be, write down realistic goals that you want to accomplish in the next year of your recovery. Break these goals down however you like, but make sure to write them down and keep track of them. Be sure to offer yourself some fun rewards. For example, you found a new job? Host a dinner to celebrate with friends and family. Setting recovery goals for the future puts you in the mindset that you will still be in recovery in the future.
Keep a journal
You may have heard this countless times before, but journaling helps. It’s easy to forget past achievements as time passes. Putting your greatest struggles and achievements in recovery and after relapse can remind you of your progress. Reading back on the struggles you were going through before your relapse can also help you realize any preventative measures you may have to set in place.
Make life easy for your future self
Chaos can be overwhelming and stress-inducing. Stress is one of the most common relapse triggers for people in addiction recovery. Avoid unnecessary stress by making some changes. For example, lay out your clothes for work or school the night before, this takes away from the stress of having to pick out something to wear in a rush. Avoid procrastinating with schoolwork or tasks at your job, your future self will thank you. These small preparations can make a huge difference. There’s nothing more “unmotivating” than stress.
Practice self-care
Self-love refers to caring about your well-being and happiness. It’s about holding yourself in high esteem and making the effort to take care of yourself. There’s no better fuel for motivation after addiction relapse than self-love. A great way to put this into practice is by creating a self-care routine. Enjoy some bubble baths, go out for a daily walk, get your nails done or your haircut, incorporate small things into your daily routine that give you the time to relax and decompress from life’s challenges.
Get help if you’re struggling
Learning how to stay motivated after relapse is a process. If you’re still struggling to stay sober after a relapse, do not try to get through it on your own. Our rehab center offers an alumni program that provides continuous support for patients who have completed treatment at our facility. This, along with 12-step, AA, and NA programs are all available to individuals in addiction recovery. Take advantage of these resources and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you’re suffering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol, call us now at 561-220-3981 for more information about our addiction treatment in Lake Worth.
