The Role of Addiction Treatment Center in Montana in Preventing Relapse — Strategies for Long-Term Sobriety

Relapses are common problems for people who are in recovery from a substance use disorder. Although you may expect to relapse at some point, it doesn’t mean the experience won’t be distressing. At our addiction treatment center in Montana, we know how discouraging it can be to fall back on drug and alcohol misuse. You could struggle to find your motivation again, which can set your recovery back.

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Because of the risks associated with a relapse, including the danger of overdosing, it’s vital that you have relapse prevention strategies in place to help you. Let’s look at some of the things you can do to help avoid these detours in your journey to long-term recovery.

Understand Your Triggers

As part of your treatment for substance abuse, you’ll have learned what your triggers are. A trigger is anything that brings back thoughts, memories, or feelings related to substance misuse. It can be external or internal.¹

When you begin your recovery, triggers can be dangerous because you might not yet have the skills to cope with the cravings they can elicit. This means that a vital part of addiction treatment depends on identifying what those triggers are. Once you do, you can take steps to avoid them as much as possible until you have a firmer grasp on sobriety.

Learn How to Build and Maintain a Strong Support System with An Addiction Treatment Center in Montana

Going through recovery alone will always be more difficult, so you need to have a support system in place to help you if you’re struggling. When you’re at a treatment center, it can be easier to talk to others because you know they’re dealing with similar issues. Once you leave the center, however, isolation can slowly creep in.

You may not feel comfortable speaking with loved ones about your struggles or might not have anyone locally you can depend on. If that’s the case, you still have excellent ways of getting help. Attend 12-step meetings or other similar support groups in your area. There, you can meet people who are also in recovery and who are probably looking for connection, too.

If you can, get a sponsor. Sponsors are people who have spent time in recovery and can offer coping strategies. Online groups also exist for those who live in more isolated areas or where local support may not be available.

Vitally, if you feel you’re struggling, you need to contact your support system. Don’t try to go through the process alone.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness refers to the psychological strategy of grounding yourself in the present moment. It can help you avoid automatic and destructive behaviors that you may turn to when you’re under stress. Mindfulness can help improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns that could increase your risk of relapsing.²

Meditation and deep breathing exercises are excellent options. Body scanning is another tool for focusing on and relaxing tension in various parts of the body.

Focus on Self-Care

Your self-care plays a significant role in your chances of maintaining your sobriety. If you’re not eating correctly, getting enough sleep, or giving yourself time to recharge when needed, you put yourself at risk. Your stress levels will rise, which can trigger the kinds of thoughts and moods that could lead to a relapse.

Help yourself by eating balanced meals and sticking to a regular sleeping schedule. Don’t overwork yourself, and spend time with loved ones. If you need time alone, take it. Try to do something you enjoy every day. It could be as simple as listening to a favorite song.

Form a Relapse Prevention Plan with Your Addiction Treatment Center in Montana

Most treatment programs will encourage you to put together a relapse prevention plan. These plans detail who you can call when you find yourself battling cravings and what steps you need to take to avoid relapsing. The more detailed this plan is, the better.

Include contact information for crucial people in your support system and immediate things you can do to help yourself. For some people, going outside might be the first step, while others prefer to grab their journal and start writing. The actions you take will depend on what helps to ground you.

Avoid High-Risk Situations

Do everything you can to avoid putting yourself in high-risk situations. Don’t spend time with people who have active addictions or those who encourage you to fall back into old habits. It can be more challenging to do if you have an alcohol use disorder because alcohol is present in many social situations, but try to steer clear of instances when you might feel left out if you don’t partake.

As time passes and you become more confident in your sobriety, you may be able to manage these situations without trouble. At the start, however, be cautious and selective of who you spend time with.

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Gratitude journals can help you cope with stress and improve your mental health. By jotting down everything you’re thankful for, you can start seeing your life in a more positive light.³ That leads to better moods. At first, you may struggle to name things you’re grateful for, but the more you engage with this practice, the more you’ll start noticing the small things in life that truly matter.

Maintain Your Recovery at Our Addiction Treatment Center in Montana

Long-term sobriety is a goal worth pursuing. By understanding the challenges you face and seeking out help when you need it, you can achieve it. At Bear Creek Wellness, we offer treatment options to guide you through recovery. We rely on evidence-based therapies and offer care at treatment facilities immersed in a serene environment. Contact us to speak with an admissions team member.

Sources:

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7186308/

[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178119317482

[3] https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/gratitude-mental-health-game-changer