3 Killers of Sobriety

Relapse

The most nerve racking step for every parent with a loved one in recovery is when they are discharged from addiction treatment. Old emotions and memories of the past come up, unsettling everyone involved. Therefore, we put together this list of the three biggest things that can present trouble for someone just starting in recovery.

Boredom

Believe it or not, this is one of the biggest obstacles former addicts face. The way they used to deal with being bored and having nothing to do was to get high. Therefore, it is vital your loved one jumps right into life when they get out of drug treatment. Make sure they get a job, or actively apply to jobs.

Ensure they have activities and fill their down time. You can make them go on errands with you or have them help around the house. I cannot stress enough that you should not allow them to just sit at home and do nothing. Put them to work. They may complain but at least they will be with you and sober.

Connections

Many times, I have stressed this point in several articles, but I am re-stating it in case you haven’t viewed those. People they used drugs with are a terrible idea as companions to hang out with, even if that old friend is now sober too.

This is one of the rare cases when two is not better than one. I have heard so many stories of two old friends new in recovery relapsing together. Do not get nostalgic or reasonable about this. You can help your loved one make a new community with new friends.

Stress

This may be a hard one to deal with because they have put you through more stress then you feel they will ever understand. But helping them deal with their stress and worries and avoid stressful situations can really help an addict avoid relapse. They will face stress no matter what you do. That is life, but you can make a huge difference by being there for them.

Use stress relieving techniques or take walks to address the stress. Do not encourage them to get onto anxiety medication as that often will lead back to their drug of choice or even worse, give them a different one. Persons who are drug-free should remain so.

I hope this list was helpful to you. If you need help with anything, do not hesitate to call us. We are available 24/7. If there is a time that is best for you to be reached, fill out the information below.

AUTHOR

Aaron

Aaron has been writing drug education articles and documenting the success of the Narconon program for over two years.

NARCONON NEW LIFE RETREAT

DRUG EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION