Relapse Avoidance with a Game Plan

If you have worked through an addiction recovery program and are now working to maintain a healthier lifestyle, then you are likely knowledgeable about the threat of things like the chance of relapse. In order to keep yourself from the lure and risk of indulging in old habits, read on about some strategies that can help you to develop stronger self-control.

Prevent Relapse with Strong Self-Control

Though you may have the best intentions, it can be too easy for a person to slip up once, twice… or more. With each instance, you are more and more in danger of engaging completely in the addictive practices that you once worked through. After all of your efforts within a recovery program, you don’t deserve to have to struggle with the danger of relapse. If, however, you are able to develop a stricter self-control, then things may seem less daunting after all.

“Evidence shows that people function better and are more able to deal with stress when they feel that they are in control.” That is, if you know that you have previously cultivated a strong sense of self-control, then you will be better-suited to avoid triggers and to combat cravings. If you’ve had difficulty with this, though, it may be time to reassess your habits of indulgence. They say that creating a very specific goal in your mind can help you to stick to it, rather than aiming for vague, future ideals, so this is a good place for you to begin.

Another step in making sure that your self-control can stand against relapse triggers is to “self-monitor.” That means being conscious of what you do and think, keeping track of your daily activities, asking yourself why you feel the way that you do. It’s easier to just react, to act without thought, but this is often how people get into trouble. If you can be cognizant of which behaviors are good and which are bad, then you can more easily adjust your habits and schedule.

How badly do you want to stay sober, to keep your new lifestyle, and to avoid the draw of drugs and/or alcohol? “There will be no motivation to the goal pursuit if the value of the goal is zero, no matter how high is the likelihood of success.” That is, even if you have all the chances in the world to succeed, you will only fail if you aren’t motivated enough. Your drive to be successful is an enormous factor in your ability to reach that finish line. If, after your recovery program, you find yourself unmotivated, then you should find a way to keep yourself focused and caring about the end result.

Not only do you have to have a goal in mind, and not only do you have to want to reach that goal, but you also have to believe that the goal is within your reach. “In the face of difficulties, people with weak self-confidence beliefs easily develop doubts about their ability to accomplish the task at hand, whereas those with strong beliefs are more likely to continue their efforts to master a task when difficulties arise.” Aim to become a person with strong self-confidence so that your goals seem more concrete and your concerns seem less likely than ever.

If you are out of rehabilitation and are trying to avoid triggers, cravings, and the possibility of relapse, then contact The Bergand Group. We offer a recovery program that will work for yourself or for others or are seeking education materials about addictions. The Bergand Group is Maryland’s leading addiction recovery center and offers support for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues, including direction for those who may be denying an addiction.  We can help you to work through your addiction in a safe and healthy environment where everyone is committed to your care.

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