Seven Situations to Avoid after Drug Rehab

Staying in healthy environments and surrounding yourself with positive people can mean the difference between relapse and long-term sobriety after drug rehab. Unfortunately, negativity can be difficult to avoid in our fast-paced, high-stress society. People who complete addiction treatment face a wide array of challenges in their work lives, with their friends, and even at home. It is crucial that recovering addicts understand how to steer clear of the most compromising situations – and how to cope with cravings when they can’t.

1. Spots Where You Used to Get High

Addicts usually struggle with “triggers” – people, behaviors, and locations which remind them of drug use and compel them to get high. Some of the most powerful triggers for rehab patients are locations where they used to drink, smoke, or shoot up. These may be dealers’ houses, bars, or even parks. Staying away from these spots is crucial, and it is worth taking longer commutes and even moving to avoid them.

2. Parties Where People Use Drugs

Recovering addicts don’t have to forgo social life altogether, but they should be wary of house parties where hosts are willing to tolerate drug use. Even the most successfully-rehabilitated addicts find it difficult to avoid relapse when they see other people getting high. Certain parties may also make it all-too-easy to get drugs for free from other attendees.

3. Places That Encourage Drunkenness

Avoiding bars and clubs is necessary for most alcoholics, but there is a variety of other locations where heavy drinking is encouraged. Friendly outings, office parties, and even family gatherings may cause unavoidable temptations. Overall, avoiding alcohol-laden events may require some alcoholics to communicate frankly with their current friends – or find new ones altogether. Staying sober may also require understanding and compromise from family members who normally drink.

4. Stressful Workplace Meetings

Work-related stress is a common contributor to substance abuse problems, and avoiding unnecessary conflict and agitation should be a top priority for rehab patients who return to their former jobs. When this isn’t possible, addicts must employ the stress management techniques they learn during clinical treatment. Disagreements and confrontations in the office are the kinds of interactions which can easily threaten addicts’ recoveries, and managing stress levels is crucial for suppressing cravings.

5. Gatherings of Drug-using Friends

Friends who still use drugs are also powerful triggers. Even when they mean well, their influences can easily lead to relapse. As painful as it may be, most addicts will need to cease associations with these people altogether. In the long run, losing friends to rehab may actually cause those addicts to seek treatment of their own.

6. Negative Home Environments

Addicts’ home environments must be safe, positive, and conducive to their long-term sobriety. Conflicts with spouses, children, or other live-in family members can cause incredible stress – especially for people who spend a great deal of time in their houses or apartments. To address any serious home life concerns, addicts and their families can attend special group counseling sessions.

7. Harmful Thoughts

For some addicts, the most dangerous place is inside their own heads. Positive thinking is essential for rehab patients to maintain the self-confidence necessary to tackle their daily problems and manage their cravings. Many people take their thought patterns for granted, but recovering addicts cannot afford to wallow in negativity.

Staying clean is a lifelong battle, but the right treatments can help you achieve lasting sobriety. If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol, call the number above now to speak with one of our rehab specialists. We’ll set up a drug rehab program that meets your needs and allow you to live the full, rich life you truly desire.