Overcoming a substance use disorder is no easy task. When a person abuses alcohol or drugs for a prolonged period of time, it changes the way their brain works. The detox process can be unpleasant, if not painful, and life-threatening. And even after detox is completed, the road to full recovery is only just beginning. With the temptation of falling back into old habits looming large, it is best to include relapse prevention therapy in addiction treatment to help a person prepare for the challenges of their newfound sobriety.
At Promont Wellness, we believe in a holistic approach when caring for our clients. Our addiction treatment programs include a wide variety of treatments in order to not just address the root cause of addiction but to ensure long-term sobriety through relapse prevention. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, contact us at 866.545.9552 to learn more about how we can help you on the path to sobriety.
What Are the 3 Most Common Challenges of Sobriety?
Once someone starts on the road to a sober lifestyle, there are many challenges that they will face, especially once they have completed their detox and tried to resume their everyday life. Here are 3 of the most common challenges of sobriety:
1. Side Effects of Withdrawal and Physical Cravings
The physical impact of withdrawal is unpleasant at best and life-threatening at worst. This makes giving up through relapsing an attractive option for some.
2. Stress and Heightened Emotions
Since the abuse of drugs alters the way the brain’s reward centers work, people who have recently undergone detox are more susceptible to stress and heightened emotions. Their brain has not yet accustomed themselves to natural highs, so normal sources of pleasure may not work for these clients. Because of this, the temptation to use is heightened.
3. Boredom and Loneliness Caused by a Change in Lifestyle
Oftentimes, when someone has a substance use disorder, a huge chunk of their time and attention is devoted to their addiction. The friends they may have had might be friends that would threaten their newfound sobriety. Post-detox, these clients may feel lost in the absence of this driving force. When they find themselves idle, they may start reminiscing about when they drank alcohol or used drugs.
Despite the challenges, there are still many things you can do for yourself to help you manage your triggers and cope healthily with your cravings.
How To Overcome the Challenges of Living Sober
While the challenges of living a sober lifestyle may seem daunting, it is possible for anyone to recover, given the right support. There are various therapy options available to assist clients through their abstinence journey. Through these treatments, clients will be taught methods to overcome these challenges. Here are a few:
- Learn new coping strategies. Through therapy, a client’s triggers are identified, and ways to avoid or resolve these triggers are planned.
- Explore new hobbies. Avoid being idle by trying new, healthier ways to pass the time. It is also possible to meet a sober social circle through these new hobbies.
- Avoid situations where it is easy to use. This can be as obvious as avoiding places where one can drink or abuse substances to avoiding people who would enable it.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. A client’s therapist, therapy group, or loved ones are often more than willing to lend their support in times of need.
- Make recovery a priority. While the demands of regular life may be pressing, it is important to devote time and attention to recovery.
- Create a relapse prevention plan. Trying to be prepared for possible triggers may go a long way toward being able to react to them more constructively.
Many aftercare, relapse prevention, and peer support programs exist to help you maintain your sobriety and reach your long-term goals; it is important to utilize these programs.
Promont Wellness Offers Relapse Prevention Therapy in Pennsylvania
Promont Wellness in Southampton, Pennsylvania, provides a safe, judgment-free environment for clients to recover. Our experienced, friendly staff is ready to help you face the challenges of maintaining sobriety. Contact us at 866.545.9552 or via our online form today to learn more about what we can offer.
