For those in recovery from substance abuse and alcoholism, changing behaviors is key to maintaining sobriety. This method of therapy involves changing the friends, places and habits that contributed to the presence of addiction and–this is just as important–replacing them with new positive ones.
Friends
In order to succeed, it’s important for those in recovery to surround themselves with support for their new sober lifestyle. Alcoholics and drug addicts will struggle if they do not establish clear boundaries with friends and family members who either contribute to their stress and anxiety–thus causing a desire for the substance of choice–or who actively consume the substance they are avoiding.
Friends with healthy lifestyles who have a positive influence on recovery can be supportive of sobriety. However, it may take a little effort to seek them out.
Places
For those struggling with alcoholism, bars, clubs and certain restaurants are obviously places that can trigger temptation and relapse. However, even those who struggle with addiction to drugs may struggle in those environments.
Other locations may be less obvious, but equally as detrimental to recovery. These places may be unique to individuals, so it can be helpful to make a list of the places you drank or took drugs (in a parked car, in the bathroom, on a plane, etc.). Consider how you might eliminate the situation and location from your daily life, or–if that isn’t practical–change the length of time you are exposed to it. You may need to talk to your therapist or 12-step sponsor about ways you can modify your approach to those daily situations.
Habits
For an alcoholic, a fishing trip may not feel right without a beer. A party may not feel comfortable without a cocktail in hand. For those with drug addictions, a lot of daily activities may prove difficult without the high or sedation their drug of choice provided.
So, it is important to pay close attention to activities that trigger cravings, and then modify your behavior by replacing those activities with new, more positive alternatives.
In Conclusion
Essentially, the company you keep and the habits you create are important to your sobriety. Eliminating or learning to cope with the people and things that cause anxiety and cravings can keep you on the right track. However, creating new memories through new friends, new places, and new activities will get you even farther.
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