Suncoast Rehab Center Offers Individuals in Recovery Seven Tips for a New Year Free of Substance Abuse
Spring Hill, FL (PRWEB) December 29, 2014 -- The emotional highs and lows accompanying the holidays and the New Year to follow can trigger substance abuse, especially for people battling or recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Planning for common holiday scenarios goes a long way toward becoming and staying sober, according to the nonprofit Suncoast Rehabilitation Center.
“Recovering from substance abuse is difficult regardless of the time of year, but the holiday season poses additional and significant challenges because of its emotional and social demands,” said Tammy Strickling, Executive Director, Suncoast Rehabilitation Center. “That’s why it’s so important to be proactive with a plan to stay on the road to recovery.”
Strickling offered the following tips to help anticipate some of the holiday challenges and avoid others:
1. Identify triggers. People experience stress for different reasons. During the holidays, which can be a time of emotional, family or social stress, it’s important to identify triggers and people or situations that drive a person’s tendency to drink or use illicit substances. Identifying triggers allows an individual in recovery to make plans to avoid them and create support systems in advance to successfully stay on track.
2. Have a nonalcoholic drink in your hand at all times. Sober gatherings can’t always be chosen, but indulgences can be. Keep a drink filled with something nonalcoholic. Sweets also can be a fun way to keep the hands, mouth and mind occupied.
3. Have an exit strategy. There’s no rule that mandates staying at any gathering where alcohol or drugs are present. Have a friend or family member to leave with if things get uncomfortable. Have a plan to leave early as necessary—and don’t be afraid to use it.
4. Celebrate with the right people. Choose people who will celebrate the holidays and personal goals for the New Year. Choosing to be around people who offer support and encouragement goes a long way in staying sober.
5. Be healthy and get active. Overcoming an addiction, alone, has resulted in a healthier life. Most likely the physical deficiencies and malnutrition created through drug and alcohol use have greatly improved. Stay healthy by continuing to eat nutritious foods and taking vitamins and supplements to keep your body functioning at its most optimum level. Additionally, being active and exercising regularly is one of the best things to do. Studies show running promotes success in addiction recovery.
6. Feeling down? Talk to a friend or volunteer. Rather than revert to old habits, connect with others in recovery, seek the help of a sponsor and consider volunteering at a shelter, church group or even around the neighborhood. Helping others is a great way to turn a focus outward.
7. Safeguard and treasure your sobriety. Recovery is a day-by-day process and one that should be celebrated continuously. Don’t take it for granted. Safeguard and treasure sobriety by not letting one day affect the positive lifestyle changes that have been made.
When the Choice is Treatment
An addiction to pills, heroin, alcohol or other substances requires treatment from a qualified rehabilitation program that will address and handle all aspects of the person’s addiction.
“Receiving treatment for an addiction increases an individual’s odds of success tenfold in comparison to attempting to overcome it alone,” said Strickling. “Suncoast’s programs are designed to get people off of drugs in a healthy, natural way and help them return to the person they were before their addiction took hold.”
For more information about Suncoast Rehab Center and its commitment to supporting recovering addicts, visit http://www.suncoastrehabcenter.com/?kmas=324.
About Suncoast Rehab Center:
Located in Spring Hill, Fla., with a 76% success rate, Suncoast Rehab Center provides long-term residential treatment, physical detoxification, life skills and cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling. Suncoast is licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families, and was recently awarded a 100% inspection score for the fourth year in a row. Suncoast has a mission to educate youth and adults about drugs and the dangers of drugs, with the aim of preventing future drug use and abuse. Suncoast handles the physical deficiencies, weakness and problems created through drug use, without the use of additional drugs. Clients are helped to uncover the issues that led to their drug use through counseling, therapy and life skills that put the client back in control of his/her life and future. Suncoast’s purpose in drug rehabilitation is to heal the whole person and give the person tools and education to remain drug–free. For more information, visit http://www.suncoastrehabcenter.com/?kmas=324.
Karla Jo Helms, JoTo PR, +1 (888) 202-4614 Ext: 802, [email protected]
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