Detoxing and completing an addiction treatment program doesn’t cure addiction. Every person with a substance use disorder should understand that recovery from addiction needs consistent effort, which requires constant support.
Some addiction treatment facilities offer alumni programs to provide this support and prevent relapse. Looking for a detox center in Ohio with an alumni program? Contact Midwest Detox Center by calling 833.647.0392 or reaching out to our team online.
What Is an Alumni Program?
In addiction treatment, an alumni program is a service offered by facilities that focus on clients with substance use disorders. An offer to join programs like this is often the central part of addiction aftercare plans given to clients who complete their addiction treatment program.
People recovering from addiction can participate in alumni programs to learn accountability while gaining and giving support to their peers. They can also count on this support system to help them when they need it the most. Being part of this community also helps people in recovery participate in social events without worrying about their addiction; they can make friends and develop healthy relationships with their peers in an alumni program.
Apart from being a form of social support, alumni programs typically provide helpful services such as reminders for follow-up appointments, opportunities to volunteer, maintaining 24-hour helplines, and invitations to other aftercare activities.
3 Tips to Avoid Addiction Relapse
1. Stay Active in Your Alumni Program and Other Support Groups
Among the many tips to avoid addiction relapse, this is likely the most important to follow. It can be challenging to go through addiction recovery alone. Make things easier for you by sharing your journey with others and cheering others on when they find it challenging to stay sober.
Go to alumni events, attend support group meetings, and remain sociable — even when you don’t feel like it. Relapse prevention becomes easier when you’re sharing the burden with people that are aware they’re supporting you.
2. Be Aware of What Triggers You
Addiction affects each person differently, which extends to triggers that may make someone more likely to relapse. What triggers a relapse in a person in recovery may not even elicit any response in another one.
Consider how you usually feel–emotionally and physically–when you use addictive substances, what setting you’re usually in, and what else you’re usually doing at the time. You may have already done this mental exercise when you were at an addiction treatment program and may already have learned new skills or developed capabilities to deal with triggers. Here are some of the most common triggers:
- Being in a situation similar to when addictive substance use typically happened
- Being near where the addictive substance of choice is being sold or used
- Boredom
- Fatigue
- Feeling guilty
- Feeling unappreciated
- Major life changes, such as a new job or a new home
- Peer pressure
- Sights, sounds, or smells that remind you of your addictive substance of choice
- Stress
3. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Many of the triggers above are related to negative behaviors and emotions, which can be fueled by fatigue, general weakness, and poor diet. Strengthening your physical health is easier to do than taking care of your mental health as the latter may require going to therapy sessions you need to schedule. Excellent physical health can also improve your mental state, on top of being one of the best ways to reinforce your resolve to maintain sobriety.
Start by ensuring you get a healthy 7–9 hours of sleep every night. Take regular stretching and leisure breaks, and take at least one full day a week off from work. Develop a daily exercise routine. Make nutritious meals for yourself, and don’t rush through eating them. Take time to eat slower and savor every bite — this also prevents obesity by making it easier for you to realize when you’re full.
Find Out More About Midwest Detox Center’s Alumni Program
If you’re looking for a detox center in Ohio with an alumni program, contact Midwest Detox Center. Call 833.647.0392 or reach out to our team online.
