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Dos and Don’ts for Recovering Drug Addicts

three people are sitting at a table and talking to each other about the dos and don'ts for recovery

Addiction recovery is a complex process that takes time. There may be several hurdles during your suboxone treatment or in the path of recovery post-rehab. These obstacles may include negative emotions, bad behavior, existential crisis, and even relapse. Understanding the dos and don’ts for recovery can help you focus on your treatment plan and long-term goals.

At MD M.A.T.T., we offer addiction treatment services that can help guide you through the recovery process. We have doctors, counselors, and psychiatrists at each Maryland Suboxone clinic location. Call us at 410.816.9457 to learn more about how our services can help you through recovery.

What Is Relapse?

When an individual resumes using alcohol, drugs, or any other substance after abstinence, it is called a relapse. A person can begin misusing drugs they previously used or even switch to another substance after the rehab or addiction treatment. This is due to them facing similar patterns of addiction and triggers that initiated the substance use in the first place.

These triggers may range from sociocultural factors to depression and anxiety. This is why Suboxone doctors, therapists, and treatment professionals suggest some healthy activities for people in recovery so they may avoid indulging in the same old patterns of addiction.

The Dos of Post-Rehab Life

Embarking on a new journey post-rehab requires the adoption of healthy habits and practices that support your recovery path. Here are some crucial “dos” to consider for a successful transition towards a substance-free life.

Do Identify the Triggers

Every person with an addiction has a trigger that initiates the thought and craving patterns. These triggers may be rooted in certain people, a particular location, or an event. These triggering factors can harm a person and their journey toward sobriety.

There are several internal factors, including the feelings and emotions that lead to using substances. The thoughts about personal life and self-esteem also play a crucial part in triggering an individual’s need to use substances.

Do Stay Active

By staying active, you’ll be diverting the stress on your mind to your body. This bodily stress is good for your physical development and mental state. It helps keep your mind sharp and active. Also, the use of drugs takes a heavy toll on your physical self. So, adopting healthy sports and activities can help you with improving your fitness, which is crucial for lifting your self-esteem.

Do Make Better Friends

This fresh start is the right time to make better friends and enjoy good company. Make friends that bring out the best in you and help you look at the brighter side of life.

Don’ts of Post-Rehab Life

As you continue your journey to sobriety, steering clear of certain behaviors is just as important as adopting beneficial ones. Here are some crucial “don’ts” to avoid for a successful and sustained recovery.

Don’t Keep Your Thoughts in

You must be more vocal about your thoughts and feelings in your post-rehab life. Letting your thoughts out can be challenging. This is why mutual support groups and meetings help people see that they’re not alone in their fight.

Don’t Go to Places or Meet People Where Drugs Are Used

Staying away from places and people where drugs are used is essential for recovery. Even if these people were your friends before rehab, you must avoid them in the post-rehab journey as they can be very harmful and trigger relapse.

Don’t Lose Hope

At times, it can feel like the road to recovery is never-ending. But you must stay strong and remember why you decided to improve your life. Holding on to hope and staying positive can help get you through tough situations and make sure that you don’t relapse into addictive behavior.

Don’t Rush Recovery

The time it takes to recover from addiction varies for each person. Rushing through the recovery process can put undue pressure on you and might lead to relapse or poor coping skills. Take your time, focus on improving yourself daily, and don’t rush into anything that may be detrimental to your recovery.

Why Is It Important to Recognize the Dos and Don’ts for Recovery?

Recognizing the dos and don’ts for your recovery is critical because it provides a roadmap to navigate the challenging path of sobriety. Understanding these guidelines can help individuals in recovery to:

  • Maintain focus – Sticking to the dos and avoiding the don’ts helps keep the focus on recovery, reducing the chances of relapse.
  • Develop resilience – Adhering to these guidelines can build resilience, enabling individuals to cope with potential triggers and stressors without resorting to substance use.
  • Foster positive relationships – Recognizing the importance of positive social connections in the dos can aid in establishing supportive, healthy relationships.
  • Promote overall well-being – The dos and don’ts advocate for physical activity, mindfulness, and self-care—essential components of overall health and well-being.
  • Boost self-confidence – Successfully following these dos and don’ts fosters a sense of accomplishment and enhances self-esteem, which is vital for recovery.

By recognizing and understanding these factors, individuals can better equip themselves to face the challenges of recovery head-on and progress toward a healthier and happier life.

Call MD M.A.T.T. for Help with Your Recovery Journey

At MD M.A.T.T., we understand the difficulties of going through recovery and are committed to providing a supportive environment for individuals in their journey toward sobriety. Our team is here to help you navigate your treatment plan to achieve lasting results if you’re looking for guidance on the dos and don’ts of recovery.

If you’re looking for a path to recovery, consider our services at MD M.A.T.T. We’re a Suboxone clinic in Maryland with a team of qualified, compassionate, and experienced Suboxone doctors in Frederick, MD. We offer support meetings and medication-assisted treatment to help you fight relapse and come back toward healthy and happy living.

Call us at 410.816.9457 or message us on our online form to learn more about our services and how to access Medicaid for affordable treatments.