Relapse begins before the first drink or drug is ever picked up. Relapse begins with thoughts and entertaining reservations about recovery. Relapse begins with slowly starting to associate with the old crowd and frequenting old places.

As you journey through recovery, you have to be honest and open with yourself about your triggers. You also need to be honest with yourself about your thoughts and how you are feeling. Here are some tips to stay focused on your recovery, even during challenging moments.

1- Recognize your triggers. What types of situations make you uncomfortable or contribute to cravings? Write your triggers down so that you can make a plan for the future. Many recovering people say that the following are triggers for them:

• Stress
• Work
• Down time
• Celebration
• Finances

2-Have a plan for days when you are just not feeling it. What types of activities can you do to get through a craving or negative feeling? Consider these go-to moves:

• Go to a meeting
• Take a trip to the beach
• Hang out with positive friends
• Try a new restaurant

3- Reach out to others, you can’t recover alone. When you are having a rough time, you may feel the urge to be alone. While solitude can be cathartic, don’t isolate. Reach out to your sponsor, mentor, or sober friends.

4- Stay committed to your outlet. The days that you don’t feel like going to meetings are the days you need them the most. If you start feeling the need to isolate, make a clear and conscious decision to follow your plan.

5- Have fun in your recovery. Life isn’t always easy, but life is a great adventure. Your life is meant to be enjoyed. Recovery is filled with beautiful moments and incredible people.

6- Last but not least, rid yourself from negative thoughts. You aren’t perfect, and that’s okay. Even so, when you hear negative thoughts enter your mind, relax, visualize throwing the thought away, and replace with positive thinking. Try these positive thoughts:

• I can do this
• I don’t really want to go back to my old life
• Thoughts are not fact
• I don’t have to give in
• I am strong

At The Kimberly Center, we are committed to your recovery. Contact us now at 855-4-KCENTER. We are committed to helping you stop the cycle of addiction with education and treatment. At the Kimberly Center, you are in safe hands.