Congratulations! You’ve recently completed the treatment process for alcohol abuse! You have found freedom from alcohol abuse and you couldn’t be happier. This is a wonderful accomplishment that deserves to be celebrated!
In many cases of addiction, people feel that they can’t become free. Many people who are suffering from alcoholism are tricked into believing that sobriety will always be out of reach. Some even feel that they don’t deserve to be free; guilt and shame plague their minds and keep them from moving forward.
But you didn’t let shame stop you. You didn’t allow guilt to hold you back. You did one of the hardest things people with addictions could ever do — you asked for help. It wasn’t easy but it was the best choice you could have made!
Now, you’re living a life that is free from alcohol addiction. At this point in your life, it’s important to remember that your recovery journey is still unfolding. Although treatment may be coming to an end for you, there is more to your story.
As you work to continue to live in your newfound freedom, it’s best to keep in mind your recovery is a lifelong journey. So, it’s important to gain and use the skills you need in order to prevent alcoholism relapse in your life.
Many times, people feel that the effort they used during their treatment process will no longer be needed after the program is over. But, this isn’t the case. You have worked extremely hard to overcome addiction. Now, it’s time to keep up the good work and continue winning over alcoholism!
The good news is that you don’t have to fight on your own. There are many South Florida resources to help you maintain your sobriety!
The Importance of Relapse Prevention Skills
During the treatment process, you attended addiction therapy sessions. Through therapy, you were able to learn how to best deal with triggers, things that might lead to relapse.
Some common triggers include stress, fear, anxiety, conflict (arguments and disagreements with others), anger, sadness, depression, guilt, and self-doubt.
Sometimes, when people feel guilty or begin to doubt themselves, they become vulnerable. Unfortunately, it’s in moments like this when people find themselves emotionally, mentally, and physically relapsing.
Depression, anxiety, and stress often cause people to return to substance use. Conflict with other people can also cause people to think about drinking again. Many individuals struggle to deal with these things in a healthy way.
And, in an attempt to at least temporarily feel better, people may entertain the thought of drinking. Sadly, in many cases, that thought turns into action and individuals end up physically relapsing.
Thankfully, addiction therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, help individuals to learn ways to address those difficult moments in a healthy and helpful way. These coping methods don’t involve alcohol or drug use. Instead, they involve mindfulness and self-control.
These relapse prevention skills are more than rules and regulations. They’re more than optional guidelines to follow. These skills give people the ability to regain the control they had over their lives that went away when addiction entered the scene.
Learning to use these skills gives you the opportunity to take your life back into your own hands and conquer addiction once and for all!
It’s important to remember, however, that recovery is not always going to be easy. Difficult moments will come. You may sometimes struggle with harmful thoughts and negative emotions. But, if you keep your eyes on the goal of sobriety, you will be able to stay on the right track!
Celebrate Your Success by Working to Remain Sober!
You’ve worked hard to become sober. It’s been a long journey but you should celebrate every single moment!
Now, as your journey continues, remember that you don’t have to fight addiction alone. There are many resources here in South Florida, each offering help and hope to people in every stage of their recovery.
Whether you have just begun your road to recovery or you have successfully completed alcohol addiction treatment, there are resources that can help you continue to overcome alcoholism.
It’s not always easy to stay on track. In all honesty, there may be times when you feel as though you can’t keep going. But, you can do it! Here are a few things you can do in order to stay on the right path:
- Be patient with yourself. Don’t expect to be perfect and always remember how far you’ve already come.
- Relax. Allow yourself to breathe. Go for walks and engage in fun, alcohol-free activities. You’re free and you deserve to enjoy this freedom!
- Avoid spending time with people who drink excessively. They may encourage you to relapse.
- Hang out with positive people! The way other people treat you and interact with you has a big impact on your life. So, be sure to surround yourself with people who have your well-being in mind and will speak positively to you.
- Continue attending therapy. Even though your treatment program is nearly or completely over, you can continue to get therapy and counseling. Believe it or not, this is one of the most helpful things you can do after treatment is done.
- Take care of your body. Rest well and be sure to get enough sleep at night. Exercise and keep in shape. Eat foods that are good for you. Ride your bike, go hiking, take a swim here and there!
- Look after yourself emotionally. Work to build yourself up by saying positive affirmations every day. Again, spend time with other positive people to help improve your emotional health. Avoid spending time feeling guilty or ashamed of your past.
Finding Helpful South Florida Resources for Your Recovery
At 1st Step Behavioral Health, our goal is to help our clients become and remain free from addiction. So, if you are ready to take another step in your journey to recovery from alcoholism and you’re looking for helpful resources in South Florida, look no further!
Whether you’ve already begun your journey to freedom or you want to start now, we can help you! Just Contact us today by calling or texting or texting (855) 425-4846!
