So you did it. You have made the sacrifices, gone through the therapy sessions, and opened your heart to professionals and loved ones, all in order to overcome the addiction that has been chaining you down for so long. You feel a new chance at life is open for you and you could spread your wings for miles. The sky is the limit.

But, chances are high that, despite your recovery, you still find yourself struggling. You worry about going out for a fun drink at the bar with your friends because you could relapse. Some people still hurt from the effects of your addiction. Your actions left a clear impact.

Relapse rates in America range from 40% to 60%, meaning it’s more than a legitimate concern. Yet many may not even seek help afterward. So what can you do to avoid digging yourself in another hole?


Decide if Drinking is Safe for You

There is a school of thought that drinking in moderation post-recovery is the best way to prevent relapse, but there is also the idea that complete abstinence is the only true way to prevent relapse. While total abstinence can avoid such relapses altogether, it may not be entirely necessary.

It is important to evaluate yourself and how much self-control you have. Some people may be able to continue drinking in moderation for the rest of their life without a single worry. Others could indeed relapse once they find themselves falling into a rhythm for drinking again.

Every person is different, and no single method of therapy or recovery resonates with everyone. If you are concerned about falling into relapse from drinking in moderation, consider full abstinence or asking someone close to keep you in check regarding your drinking habits.


Keep Yourself Busy

Many victims of addiction often start down the path of dependence because their life feels empty or unfulfilling. Without proper satisfaction and happiness in life, many turn to alcohol and other substances to numb their negative feelings. This is never the proper solution.

The best solution to an unfulfilling routine is to alter it to be more interesting and engaging. This can include joining different local communities as well as volunteer work, finding a new hobby, or setting new goals for yourself, your career, education or family.

By giving your life more purpose and keeping your mind stimulated, you will focus less on your addiction and fill the holes you might have felt before.


Have Realistic Expectations

Be honest with yourself: no one overcomes their problems overnight. No one finds their dream job, loses weight, or learns a new hobby in a single day without any bumps in the road. Likewise, you should not be expected to recover from your addiction perfectly without any struggle.

Some addicts may deal with relapse, while others may never have any issue with it. But falling into relapse does not make you a failure. Feeling urges return does not mean your therapy was in vain.

It may take weeks, months, or even years to truly overcome an addiction. What matters most is the dedication to maintain recovery and continue to follow through with it.

You Have Reached Recovery! Now What?

If you or a loved one are seeking recovery methods, consider seeking a local Tennessee Treatment & Rehab Program. You may also consider an extended recovery with Discovery Place’s Long Term Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Program in Burns, Tennessee, as well as our Continuing Care Program. Don’t delay, call us at 1-800-725-0922.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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