Williams*, a 45-year-old middle-level manager had been addicted to alcohol for ten years. It had been a struggle to get clean. It is now three months ever since he stepped from the rehab. He is clean. What is his greatest fear? RELAPSE!!! He is fighting the demons of alcoholism and the need to remain clean forever. He is struggling secretly. He is engaging his mind and he does not want to fail his wife again. His wife promised a divorce should he slip into marriage.
How Do You Avoid Relapse?
- Avoid Triggers
Avoid social cues such as meetings in bars and with people who drink. Avoid being in an environment where alcohol is served. Keep a safe distance. It will not happen. Make the choice of sticking to your clean bill of health. Cut off your friends who are always drinking or offering you a glass of wine. Do not taste. Keep it simple and get new hobbies.
- Stress
High levels of stress degrade your coping skills. Do not turn to alcohol and relief. Seek help from your trusted friends. Marital and work-related stress contribute to relapse. Please go for counseling and avoid anything that aggravates your stress.
- Interpersonal Problems
Toxic family members, friends, and relationships should be cut off. It is either working for you or against you. Keep off people who bring negative energy to your life. While at it, keep your circle smaller.
- Peer Pressure
You already know those friends and family members who love the drink. Keep off their circle. Avoid the smell of alcohol. You already know that being around these people causes triggers, leave them out of your life.
- Positive Moods
Positive emotions brought by achievements such as promotions may trigger your alcohol use. You must learn how to work around your motions. Do not simply fall for alcohol.
- Low self-efficacy
Efficacy determines your ability to succeed in a specific area, especially sexual intimacy. Research has shown that people with low-self-efficacy have a high level of relapsing. They will often feel inadequate and run to alcohol. Work on your level of efficacy.
- Medical Subscriptions
If you get an injury or sickness, some drugs such as opioids may cause a temporal euphoric state. Please learn how to control their use or else you will develop a drug addiction.
Learn how to stay clean. Avoid the triggers by all means. You need to survive.