First Steps to Become Sober

Tackling addiction is a hard battle, and it can be hard to know exactly where to start. If you are recovering from a substance abuse disorder, you already know how difficult it can be to drop the habit. If you are struggling with staying sober, this article will cover a few tips that will help you avoid relapse on your journey to sobriety.

Identify triggers

One of the biggest things that can help prevent relapse is knowing yourself. Having a grasp on what thoughts or actions that you have associated with substance abuse can be a big help when it comes to staying clean. Once a trigger has been identified, you can create a plan for avoiding triggers and preparing for what you will do if you encounter one. A few common triggers include financial issues, stress, environmental cues, and how the people around you act.

Recognize signs of relapse

If you aren’t familiar with the warning signs of relapse, it can sneak up on you before you know it. Relapse is a process that starts before you pick up a drink. There is an emotional, mental and physical relapse, and it is important to recognize what is going on as soon as possible.

Prepare for withdrawals

Arguably the most difficult part of putting an end to substance abuse is going through what is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome. These symptoms occur when a substance that the body is used to receiving is cut off all of a sudden, such as opioids or alcohol. Symptoms of post-acute withdrawal include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep issues. If you are not ready for the symptoms of withdrawing, it can be very difficult to achieve sobriety without a relapse or two along the way. If symptoms are severe enough, it is advisable to seek medical counsel as some of these symptoms can have serious lasting effects on both the mind and body.

Avoid old habits

Over time, abusing alcohol or prescription medication can become part of a routine. If you notice that some of your old habits like the places you frequent and the people you hang around are leading you back towards substance abuse, it is important that you find new habits to replace the old ones.

Get alcohol and opioid addiction support in Newark, DE and Havertown, PA

Getting clean and staying clean is hard to do, but you don’t have to do it alone, the topic has become a major topic in Havertown news. Here at American Treatment Network, we specialize in providing an addiction network to our patients with  integrated health care for the physical and behavioral needs. If someone you know is facing the battle against addiction, or you want to learn more contact us today. Making the decision to get help and seek out an addiction center can be difficult, but we are here to make the process easy. 

LET AMERICAN TREATMENT NETWORK HELP YOU TODAY

Schedule Now