Overcoming Addiction for Good
Addiction does not have to be a lifelong battle. The beginning of the end can start when the person makes a decision that they will not be defined by their addiction and has the willingness to change followed by effective steps to make that change.
Long term sobriety takes effort to achieve. Most cannot do this on their own. That’s why many have found that a holistic program at a long term drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility is their best chance to make it. There you will have the help and support to not only get clean, but also restore your health, learn about addiction and get to the root of why you started using drugs or alcohol in the first place. A good treatment center is structured with trained staff to ensure your safety and comfort while dealing with the various stages of recovery. This is widely regarded as the most effective recovery method.
This being said, what comes after treatment and how does one maintain sobriety?
Here are 3 tips to help with long term sobriety:
Tip # 1: Change of environment
There are many things that need to be taken into account in an individual’s path to full recovery from addiction. One important factor is the environment to which the individual returns.
During treatment at Narconon Ojai, our students learn about people they need to stay away from that are negative and create stressful situations. When an individual is surrounded by “friends” and connections with access to drugs, the likelihood of relapse is great.
Finding sober friends is vital to recovery.
It’s important for an individual when they leave rehab to go back to or find an environment that is conducive for long term sobriety.
For some people in recovery, the old neighborhood is full of reminders of their past addiction.
They may be walking by or living next to their former drug dealer every day. Street corners, nightclubs, bars might remind them of their times of getting wasted or high. Things like the above can lead right back to the path of addiction.
Others might find them returning home is a reminder of their past addiction or worse—a home full of drugs or other family members that are using. If this is the case relapse is bound to occur again. Changing your environment and moving to a new neighborhood gives you a better chance of long term sobriety.
Before leaving treatment, you ned to have a plan and work out where you will return to and do everything possible to ensure that this environment is one that will be conducive to your long term recovery.
Tip # 2: Physical self-care
Physical self-care involves caring for your body through things like proper sleep, nutrition and exercise.
Examples of good physical self-care could be as simple as keeping a regular sleep schedule, taking a 20-minute walk every day, avoiding junk food, or ensuring that you have 3 square meals a day.
At Narconon Ojai, we introduce individuals to positive habits like the above.
Tip # 3: Continued education & self improvement:
We all know the saying knowledge is power. Education, however, is more than just acquiring knowledge. Education empowers a person to continue to develop personally. Learning more about the world can improve one’s quality of life in it.
Rehab is a time for self-reflection and self-learning and taking an honest look at your addiction and the role it has played in your life.
Education can help you learn more about yourself and your choices and once you are sober and are firmly in recovery, education can help you stay that way.
One of the greatest fears of those in recovery and families helping those in recovery is relapse. After all the hard work, effort and financial commitment one goes through to become sober, no one wants a relapse.
That is why picking the right treatment center with the correct methodology and philosophy is key to long term sobriety. Narconon Ojai is the world’s most exclusive Narconon center. We are dedicated to one thing: helping you or your loved one your overcome addiction for good.
If you or a loved one need help with addiction please contact us.
