One of the most challenging aspects of recovery is that it is a never-ending process because you will always be in recovery. When someone addicted to drugs stops using and embraces recovery, the real journey begins. Recovering addicts have triggers that could potentially harm their sobriety.
Remaining completely sober is never a straightforward path. It is instead a path with many peaks and valleys where some may relapse, some may fall on hard times, and some may be partaking in high-risk activities. If you or someone you love is a recovering addict, contact us at 866.931.9312 to learn more about our Evoke Wellness sober support groups for recovery.
High-Risk Activities for Recovering Addicts
Those in recovery call situations or events that can threaten someone’s sobriety a high-risk situation. High-risk activities in recovery can differ for everyone depending on their thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs. Because of this, each person must identify situations that can threaten their ongoing sobriety.
Most high-risk activities in recovery that a person can be in can be put into one of the below categories:
Negative Emotional States
Anger, stress, sadness, anxiety, and boredom are all common emotions that someone in recovery will face. All these feelings can be caused by a person’s perception of a specific situation. If it is not managed correctly, it can lead to a relapse for recovering addicts. Unfortunately, it is common to feel one or more of these emotions in early recovery, but learning what positive outlets for these emotions work best for you is crucial.
Interpersonal Conflict
An argument with a spouse, family member, or friend could result in negative emotions for anyone but can especially be dangerous for those recovering from addiction. Learning how to communicate with those around you is something you must re-learn when you get sober. Inactive addiction, many people learn how to thrive in isolation and lose the skills to be around others effectively.
Many people completely lose their relationships with friends and family when they are in active addiction because of the pain their addiction causes their loved ones. It can be difficult and uncomfortable to rebuild those relationships and resolve conflict. Still, learning how to communicate effectively and find healthy coping mechanisms to deal with conflict is vital.
Social Pressure
Many social situations involve either direct or indirect pressure that can test your self-control. For example, going to a work party or a friend’s barbecue where alcohol or drugs are present or being offered a drink at the event can be considered a high-risk situation if you are not equipped to handle the situation and are recovering from addiction.
Positive Emotional States
Just like negative emotions can put someone’s recovery and sobriety at risk, positive emotions can invoke the same problems. Celebrating a birthday and feeling confident about work or other success can cause a person to let their guard down. You don’t have to be in a sad place in life to want to feel like relapsing. A joyous occasion can make someone want to give themself a pass too.
Whether you’re experiencing these situations in early recovery or your own set of unique circumstances, there are many helpful programs and resources out there to help.
Resources for Recovering Addicts
Since it is 100% likely that you will experience one or more of these situations or emotions, practicing mindfulness in everyday situations is a great way to prepare yourself for any unanticipated circumstances and prevent you from relapsing. Having the right mindset is a great thing to have.
If you expect your recovery to be nothing but happiness and rainbows, you will be very disappointed and not prepared when real life comes back into play. When you acknowledge that challenges will happen and learn how to cope with them, you will be ready to face anything that comes your way.
Some other resources that can help recovering addicts include:
- 12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Sober support groups like those offered through Evoke Wellness
- Having a sponsor or sober support mentor
- Aftercare programs through a reputable addiction recovery treatment center
Whether you choose these resources or others, help is out there.
Help for Recovering Addicts with Evoke Wellness at Miramar
Contact us today at 866.931.9312 to learn more about our programs for achieving lasting recovery.
