Recovering from Addiction: Continuing with Counseling
The road to recovery can be tough. But working with a counselor can help make your recovery smoother and keep you on track. A counselor can help you decide which lifestyle changes you want to make to stay sober. Also, consider talking with a counselor about other issues you may want to work on. He or she can help you find resources for anger management, problem-solving skills, or assertiveness training.
Be Aware of Your Triggers
Triggers are things that make you want to use again. They can be people you used with or places, things, and events that make you want to use. Stress and feelings like loneliness, anxiety, or depression can also make you want to use again. When you know what your triggers are, you can plan ways to avoid them when possible. To find your triggers, get a piece of paper. List the people, places, events, or feelings that could make you want to use again. Keep this paper. Add to it as needed. Once you have a full list, decide how to cope with these triggers without using.
Getting Help
Once you admit that you have a substance abuse problem, there are many ways to find help.
Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Human Resources department.
Look in the white pages of your phone book for local chapters of these groups:
Alcoholics Anonymous
Cocaine Anonymous
Marijuana Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous.
Look in the yellow pages of your phone book under one of the following:
Contact one of these national groups: