When overcoming a drug addiction, there is never a precise road map to recovery. Like any trip, the typical journey comes with its own set of detours – including relapses. The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIH) states that between 40 and 60 percent of people that receive drug treatment experience a relapse. Here are a few tips to avoid this roadblock.
Maintain an Active Exercise Schedule
Decreasing your activity level is one of the worst things you can do. While an inactive lifestyle is better than an active drug addiction, physical inactivity can increase the risk of relapse. Exercising engages the same neurochemical systems in the brain reached by drugs. Studies show that regular exercise improves your mood, self-confidence and health while also reducing your addictive cravings.
Stay Away from Your Triggers
Avoiding triggers may seem easier said than done, but you can do it. Do not hang out with the same people you did drugs with before your drug treatment program regardless your past relationship. Find healthy ways to deal with the stressors and anxieties of life that may have driven you toward drugs to avoid backpedaling when those triggers reemerge. It may seem like an inconvenience to make these changes, but every sacrifice that helps you avoid relapse is worthwhile.
Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help
There is no predetermined timeline for your recovery process. Even after completing your treatment program, you still have a long journey ahead. Never hesitate to reach out to your support system or a professional expert for guidance. You can reach out to The Drug and Alcohol Detox Clinic at (601) 261-9101 to learn about the resources they have available. Remember, it is better to willingly ask for help now than to relapse and require help later. Doing so will help you to avoid the “detour” of relapse and continue your safe journey away from drug addiction.
