Substance abuse programs are not the end of the road for your recovery process. Keep up your recovery long after your substance abuse programs come to an end with these five tips for staying sober.

Tip 1: Utilize the Aftercare Resources of Substance Abuse Programs.

The best substance abuse programs offer aftercare resources to continue to give you support long after you’ve completed your program. Aftercare activities vary from rehabilitation center to rehabilitation center but may include such offerings as alumni support group meetings, alumni trips and more.

Activities that involve the alumni of substance abuse programs are wonderful for clients because of the special bonds and connections you’ve made together in your time in treatment. It’s a special opportunity to work on recovery together once again after you’ve all returned to leading your everyday lives and put what you’ve learned into action.

Tip 2: Attend Support Group Meetings Regularly.

Regularly attending and participating in support group meetings can be very effective for strengthening your recovery. You’re able to give and receive valuable support while surrounded by your recovery peers. This is the venue to discuss your hopes, fears, experiences and more.

Tip 3: Design Your Life to Be Conducive to Recovered Living.

Substance abuse programs emphasize the importance of managing stress and avoiding boredom – two major triggers for substance use. Lead a healthy lifestyle filled with activities that interest you and take good care of yourself. Live in a manner that shows you care about yourself and you can then create an environment that is not comfortable for addiction.

Tip 4: Take Things Day By Day.

Worry lies in the future. Don’t overwhelm yourself with unnecessary thoughts regarding the possibility of remaining in recovery until next month, next year or forever. Living day by day allows you to have a more successful and stable recovery and you can realize as the time passes that your lasting recovery is most certainly possible!

Tip 5: Use Your Relapse Prevention Strategies.

Substance abuse programs help clients create relapse prevention strategies for usage in the programs as well as long after for the duration of the recovery process. Relapse prevention strategies keep you aware of what your triggers are on a general level as well as what your personal, specific triggers are. You’re able to reference your plans of action to avoid these triggers daily and modify your relapse prevention strategies as needed. The goal of these strategies is to develop accurate and effective ways to avoid relapse.

If you or someone you love is suffering from the effects of alcohol abuse, substance addiction or any other type of addiction, please call us today.  Our addiction treatment counselors can help you deal with physical, emotional and psychological consequences of drug and alcohol abuse.  A substance abuse treatment program is effective, safe and has helped many men reclaim their lives. Destination Hope is a full service drug, alcohol and dual diagnosis treatment facility in Florida for men suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues.