Drug detoxification is often mistakenly considered a cure-all for addiction. However, it’s important for those living with addiction – and their families – to understand that detox is not a fail-safe solution. The good news is that once you successfully detoxify, you’ll have an easier time getting the “real you” back.
Detoxification is the first (and arguably most important) step to overcoming an addiction. Once the toxic substances have been removed from your body, you can start the rewarding road to full recovery. Unfortunately, detox alone is never sufficient to keep a person from relapsing after treatment, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. To give yourself the best chance of success, here are five things you can do to prevent relapse after detox:
1. Take Your Medication
If you’re given an FDA-approved medication to help you avoid relapse, take it. The medication can make withdrawal symptoms less severe, so you’re less likely to rely on addictive substances to relieve your symptoms.
2. Rely On Your Support Network
Your support network is there for a reason: to help you avoid relapse after detox and get your life back. Don’t pull away from them, even when things get hard. Family members and friends can offer support when you need it the most. Attending regular group meetings can also provide you with the feedback, advice and support you need to avoid relapse.
3. Keep Yourself Busy
When you’re productive and industrious, you don’t have a lot of time to think about substances. Doing positive things with your life can also help you feel more confident and fulfilled, so you’re less likely to feel the need for addictive substances.
4. Get a Fresh Start
When pieces of your old life surround you and constantly remind you of your addiction, relapse is likely. Give yourself the best chance of success with a fresh start. Clean out all paraphernalia from your home and purge your telephone contacts of dealers and other users. You may even need to change your telephone number or move to a new location so you can leave old, unhealthy relationships and surroundings behind you for good. A fresh start is essential for avoiding relapse after detox.
5. Avoid Triggers
Different people have different triggers that can cause them to relapse. However, the following emotional and environmental triggers are commonly known to start the relapse process in many people:
- Anxiety
- Frustration
- Depression
- Stress
- Places and people that remind you of using substances
- Parties and other atmospheres where people use substances
Whenever possible, avoid these types of triggering situations. You can’t always avoid emotions like stress and depression, but if you have a good support network and learn how to distract yourself in productive ways, you’ll have a greater likelihood of working through your emotions without relapsing.
Take Your Life Back Today
Ready to take your life back and put addictive behaviors behind you? You don’t have to do it alone. To get confidential help for substance abuse, call High Focus Centers at 877-700-4943 or fill out our online form.
