It is estimated that approximately 40 to 60 percent of patients treated for addiction to alcohol will experience a relapse within the first twelve months of using alcohol abuse services. Worse, 90 percent of those treated are expected to relapse within the four years following treatment. If you are worried about that as the temperatures tick up, you are not alone. Here are some ways to avoid an alcohol relapse this summer.
Relapse Can Happen
Even though we work very hard to make sure that relapse doesn’t happen, we know that it can and will. Science is still a work in progress on this one. There have been many promising leaps in relapse prevention, but with alcohol use, there isn’t one treatment plan that can prevent a relapse completely. It’s a constant choice for you, and you are not alone. Stay busy, and lean on the love around you to stay healthy this summer.
Avoid Triggers
It might not be the hot day that sends your thoughts towards a cold beer, it might be the stress around that day. Those stress triggers will be your biggest enemy this summer. You can’t avoid stress, but you can avoid cold beer. When stress arrives, remove yourself from the situation and do something that calms you down.
There may be people around you trying to trigger you. Separate from them, and go towards the people that love you. Make a phone call, get engaged in a funny text marathon with someone that makes you laugh, or take a long walk far away from the beer store. Do something that gives you a new perspective from that moment.
Boredom is a trigger for anyone in the summer months. After the pandemic, alcohol, and drug use rates skyrocketed because of that reason alone. Stay busy, keep planning your day.
If you don’t have anything to do yet, try a few of these things:
- Renovate something
- Pick up a hobby or join a new club
- Plan a vacation with sober friends
- Volunteer your time to charity
Summer Parties With Drinks Present
It’s your niece’s graduation, your best friend from college’s wedding, or your neighbor’s cookout, and you aren’t going to say no just because drinks will be there. Bring someone with you that can help love you through the day if you think it’s going to be a problem.
Another thing to do is plan a full day before and after the event. If you aren’t expected to be there the entire time, just come and go when your pleasantries are over. You won’t be the first one to leave when people get too drunk, and you might be considered the smartest one there for doing just that.
Choose Healthy, We Can Help
Know that if you are worried about this, you are already headed in the right direction. You already know you want to make healthier choices. If you need help, give us a call, and we’ll help make sure you have an awesome summer.
