How To Stay on Track During Addiction Recovery?

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Navigating addiction recovery is incredibly challenging. Many people in recovery find some days harder than others, and the most unsuspecting triggers can create a relapse risk.

Having a crisis plan and support system in place can help mitigate relapse risks. Additionally, prioritizing self-care and creating routines will help those facing addiction navigate their daily lives. 

In this article, we’ll explore these frameworks and how to lean on them to stay on track during recovery. 

Create a Crisis Plan

Developing a crisis plan or relapse prevention plan is essential for successfully navigating challenging times as someone in recovery. While staying focused and keeping a positive mindset is essential, it’s also important to have a plan in place for when stressful situations or triggers inevitably arise. In other words, expect the best, but plan for the worst.

Take some time to identify triggers and implement coping strategies to help manage them. It’s also important to outline the signs of an impending relapse and have contact information readily available for professional support, such as a therapist or crisis intervention team.

Ensure your support system (family, friends, etc.) knows who to call if a serious problem arises. According to the experts at Anchor Addiction and Wellness Center, crisis intervention services are a valuable resource when someone facing addiction needs immediate help. Keep these numbers posted and ensure your support people know the warning signs. 

Develop a Support System

Developing a support system goes hand in hand with creating a crisis plan. A strong support system can help guide you through recovery, providing a platform to share your feelings and receive love and understanding in return.

Support systems should include close friends, family, and addiction professionals. Finding a sponsor or group meeting can also provide peer support.

Stick to a Routine

Humans are creatures of habit, and addiction is, in simplest terms, a complex habit with psychological and physical implications. 

Creating and establishing a routine that circumvents behaviors surrounding your addiction will help you stay the course during recovery. Create a daily routine with self-care activities and healthy habits as a part of the foundation. If you know your routine will be disrupted, ensure you know which coping skills you’ll use to destress and reframe your experience. 

Focus on Self-care

Focusing on recovery is about more than staying sober or clean; it’s about giving your body and mind what it needs to move away from the reliance on substances.

Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and relaxation. It’s about eating well, staying hydrated, getting sleep, and practicing stress management techniques.

Set small daily goals to help you care for your body and mind. You can also set longer-term goals as a motivator. For example, running a race or achieving 300 minutes of meditation next month (10 minutes daily).

By prioritizing self-care and your routine, building a support system, and having a crisis plan, you can improve your ability to stay on track during recovery. Focus on the road ahead, one step at a time. You may stumble, but with this structure in place, you’ll catch yourself before you fall.