Achieving sobriety is tough, and so is maintaining it. Here are tips to help you stay on track after you’ve decided to kick your addiction. That being said, these tips aren’t a panacea, and one size doesn’t fit all. Everyone should take the time to adapt these relapse prevention tips to their own situation.

• The most important moment before relapse isn’t the final decision to use a drug. It’s when you decide to expose yourself to triggers. For example, a trigger could be going to a party or walking through the liquor section at the store. Before encountering your triggers, you still have most of the control. Not your craving.
• If you’re feeling the urge to use, try to wait it out. If you distract yourself for even 30 minutes, it’s likely your craving will lessen in intensity. It might not totally disappear, but it will be easier to resist.
• Focus on replacing your past drug use with new positive activities. If you used to go home after work and drink, you’ll need to make a new plan to occupy yourself. Going home and staring at a wall will eventually lead to staring at a wall with a drink in your hand.
• Don’t try to do this alone. Sharing your goals for sobriety with a friend makes all the difference. They can hold you accountable when you’re making questionable decisions (“I’m just going to the bar to hang out, I won’t drink!”) and they can offer a kind ear when you’re struggling.
• Remind yourself that cravings will pass. Have you ever had that experience when you’re sick where you can’t remember what it feels like to not be sick? The same thing happens with cravings. Give it time, and believe it or not, the feeling will go away.

Come back tomorrow for more tips.

Reference : https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-article/10-tips-for-avoiding-relapse