The road to recovery from substance abuse is not an easy one. There many obstacles to avoid from relapsing. You will commit several mistakes that may knock you back down, but it is up to you to stay strong and keep your head to relapse.

I, myself, have struggled for years of reaching sobriety and then relapsing. With my years I have learned to manage my triggers so they don’t affect my new positive state of mind, my relationships or my career. As a result, my life is just a little bit easier.

Every human being is a different world, we all learn differently. What worked for me might not work for everyone. However, here are 3 ways I learned to prevent an addiction relapse from happening again, which today, I wish someone had told me when I first started my journey towards sobriety:

Temptations

Temptation does not care if you are new to substance recovery or if you are 10 years sober, you will always come across temptation. Learn how to manage these situations head on. This will test your inner strength determination. Avoid outings with friends or other social events that may tempt you to relapse.

Try to avoid people that may cause emotional triggers. These triggers can often times lead to relapse. Think about the people who are around you and if need be, cut the toxic people out for a better change in your life.

Keep up your therapy programs

Life is rough for the most part; we deal with many responsibilities such as work, school, finances, and relationships. To add the battle of addiction, only makes it harder. Remember, that after your medical detox treatment program, you learn new coping techniques to resolve these issues.

Remain in touch with your program manager by setting up weekly meeting and continue attending group meetings as well. A solid and regular support group can help your recovery tremendously.

Find a positive support circle

Part of the reason that we get sucked into the life of addictions is because of our social circle. My friends were also using and drinking with me, that I used to think that things were going smooth, when in reality they weren’t.

After rehab, I realized that needed and wanted to change my lifestyle. My friends, who I considered my best friends, thought I was silly and did not support me to where they completely cut communication with me. This was hard at first, to see my friendships disappear.

They always say blood is thicker than water, and I couldn’t believe it took rehab for me to understand that. Family is the best support group you can have during these times. Also, once you begin your meetings, you will meet new friends that share the same goal as you. This type of encouragement will help you achieve your substance free life.

I have been 10 years sober and I still put these tips in affect. Of course there are other techniques that will work for you, but these one tips have been the most effective for me and others that I have met. If there’s a tip that you feel helped you that wasn’t mentioned here, please leave us a comment below.