Legacy Healing Center Blog

Develop relapse prevention techniques to stay clean after drug rehab with the help of Legacy Healing Center.

Transitioning from addiction to sobriety is a process that takes time, and requires that the recovering person has a good understanding of addiction and relapse prevention techniques. These tools are necessary to sustain a healthy, sober life after drug rehab. At Legacy Healing Center, you will learn how addiction works and what you can do to protect yourself from the dangers that can cause a relapse.

Life After Addiction

One of the most important things a person in recovery can do after drug rehab to stay clean is to attend an aftercare recovery program to get the support needed. Addiction is a complex brain disorder that affects the reward center of the brain, altering pathways that lead to physical and emotional dependency. The new pathways that led to addiction must be torn down and replaced by healthy ones in order to stay clean.

Until the negative pathways are completely destroyed, they can be triggered by internal and external influences. Once the pathway is triggered, it will tempt the recovering person into following the path that leads to drug use. By understanding how the mind works, and how it is affected by drugs, can help the recovering person resist the temptation to use drugs again.

Evidence-based treatment programs are designed to help find the psychological balance that supports sobriety. Aftercare recovery programs, and individual counseling, can assist by removing obstacles and providing the tools necessary to remain sober.

If you or someone you love needs help with addiction, call (888) 534-2295 today to speak with a treatment specialist.

Tips to Stay Clean and Sober

Anyone seeking drug or alcohol addiction help will learn many things during his stay in the rehab facility. Some of the programs that support sobriety include learning relapse prevention techniques, what things to avoid, and what to be aware of. Here is a list of helpful advice for living life after drug rehab:

1. Avoid places where you used to go to get drugs or get high, such as drug hangouts, raves, and other clubs.
2. Also, avoid former drug-using friends. You will need to develop new friendships with sober people who support your recovery.
3. Remove all drug paraphernalia from your home and anything else that reminds you of your former drug life.
4. Remember the acronym HALT = hungry, angry, lonely and tired. These are states of being that can trigger drug use, and must be avoided.
5. Make sure that you get enough rest, and are eating a sufficient amount of nutritious food each day. Establish set times for 3 meals per day, and snacks, to keep your blood sugar level balanced. Also, drink enough water to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeine and energy drinks if you are feeling anxious, stressed, or other negative feelings.
6. You should also begin an exercise routine like walking, cycling, yoga, dancing, gym work-outs, sports, etc. You can start out slow and build yourself up into a good routine.
7. Learn how to express your emotions in a healthy way. Speak with a counselor about things that you are concerned about. When you start to have negative feelings, you must physically act. Get up and take a long walk, start cleaning your house, re-arrange furniture, go shopping, etc. You can also call a friend who is a good listener, or release your feelings by writing in a journal.
8. Become self-aware by practicing mindfulness. This will help you process your emotions without allowing them to control you. Focus on your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment, and learn to release the negativity.
9. Make safe boundaries for yourself that support your sobriety, and keep anything or anyone away that poses a threat to your well-being.
10. Develop new healthy friendships with people who support your sobriety. Loneliness and isolation can lead to a relapse, so it is important to socialize with family and friends on a regular basis.
11. Have fun and enjoy life. Take a vacation, attend a concert, have dinner and a movie with a friend, play with children or pets, join a club or sports team, etc.

You can have a great life after drug rehab by following the right advice and setting practical goals for yourself. If you are currently struggling with addiction, do not give up. Entering into the right detox and/or rehab program for your needs can radically change your life and give you the tools you need to progress forward. Contact Legacy Healing Center today at (888) 534-2295. Legacy Healing Center Pompano Beach is also here to help.