The Truth is: You aren’t the first person to relapse, and you won’t be the last. Relapse is incredibly common in the recovery process, but it’s not the end of the path. You took a step in the wrong direction, but AION Recovery has some tips that can help you get back on track and back into a life of sobriety.
You already chose to quit. You did all the demanding work needed to recover. You were on the right route … and then wham– you relapsed.
Tip # 1 Battle Prep
Think about the changes you might need to make to safeguard yourself from another relapse. What triggered this relapse? Are there causes you should be more aware of? Make a list of things that are likely to trigger a relapse, then focus on developing a plan that helps you avoid the top two or three. Prepare yourself for the emotional stressors, relationship tensions, and financial difficulties that often accompany a relapse. Here at AION Recovery we believe you should learn to lean on your support system while putting systems in place to handle these issues in the future.
Tip # 2 Meetings, Meetings, and More Meetings
Get back to it. Gravitate toward others who are on the right path. You’ve found out a hundred times by now that recovery is not a solo sport. If you weren’t attending meetings before, now’s the time to start. If you were, now’s not the time to stop. Break any vicious cycles that lead you down the wrong path.
Tip # 3 Focus on Forgiveness, Not Failure
Don’t relate relapse with failure. You reverted to your old habits briefly, but that doesn’t mean you must give up on your recovery. Withstand any urge to dip your toe in the pools of disappointment, self-loathing, or self-pity– they won’t help you achieve your goals. Forgive yourself for being imperfect and refocus your attempts on recovery.
Tip # 4 Lean on Your Support Framework
Don’t stop with a weekly meeting or two. If you don’t have a sponsor, find one. Reach out for help from your group, your sponsor, family, friends, and other trusted sources. The level and quality of help you receive can make an enormous impact on your results after a relapse. It’s key that you develop a strong network of support. And don’t put it off– start reaching out right away.
Tip # 5 New Goals
It’s important to set meaningful goals that you’re constantly working toward. Consider what you want your life to look like five years from now, one year from now, weeks from now, tomorrow. Make plans to recognize that vision. And start taking steps forward today.
Tip # 6 Learn from Your Past
What steps did you take to enter recovery in the first place? Pull out that strategy and review it. Get back to the basics you began with. For example, your recovery program probably included things like healthy eating, adequate rest, stress reduction, exercise, and new hobbies. They were good concepts then, and they’re clever ideas now. Here at the AION Recovery, we believe in the full follow through. Our programs aren’t meant for just the recovery process, but they are here for you to use through the duration of your life, to help you occupy your time.
If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, contact Aion recovery at 888-811-2879. Our addiction specialists are standing by.
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