Admission for treatment for alcohol addiction is at 21% in drug treatment centers in the United States. To recover well from your addiction, you must take into consideration all the valuable knowledge you learned while in rehab.
Of course, once you leave your program the real challenge occurs when you step back into the real world. There are healthy coping skills to maintain to keep yourself in check.
Read these three important and healthy coping skills which will help you develop the tools you need to continue living a sober life.
1. Find New Hobbies
One of the first healthy coping skills you should develop includes finding new hobbies to enjoy.
Once you leave your program, you have plenty of time to explore new hobbies to put all your energy into. Keep your mind busy with new hobbies, such as taking up painting or practicing yoga, which will prevent you from relapsing.
Getting involved with a hobby can also introduce you to new friends. Establishing new healthy relationships can be another great aspect of exploring new hobbies.
Feeling bored can trigger your body to relapse, so you need to find ways to spend your free time so you don’t threaten your sobriety.
2. Set Recovery Goals
Another idea to live a sober life is to set recovery goals. These goals can range from taking a few steps in the right direction with your health and your weight, to long-term goals such as establishing financial security.
Set yourself up for success with recovery goals. You should discuss these goals in your recovery group session or with your doctors, too.
Take everything one step at a time. Strategize what you hope to gain from your goals, but understand it won’t be a quick journey. Don’t think you need to rush into achieving your goals in a matter of weeks, either.
It will often take recovering addicts years to achieve their long-term goals. Set yourself up to achieve small victories with monthly goals, such as getting coffee with new friends and attending sessions with your sponsor.
3. Having Healthy Coping Skills Means You Avoid High-Risk Situations
One final tip to getting yourself on track to recovery is to avoid high-risk situations.
Take better care of yourself to avoid these high-risk situations. Of course, you won’t always be able to get yourself out of certain situations so you’ll need to focus on what to do if you end up in one.
For example, you should avoid drinking with your friends at the bar to prevent little cravings from turning into urges. It’s also important to get rid of all the alcohol in your home to prevent these urges.
Make a list of the top high-risk situations you might encounter. Keep this list handy so you can remind yourself to get out as soon as possible.
Need More Treatment From Addiction?
These healthy coping skills may not be enough if you haven’t already gone through treatment. Taylor Recovery is a luxury sober community where we specialize in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all.
Contact us today if you have any questions about recovering from alcohol and drug addiction from one of our professionals.