The first step in dealing with addiction is to complete treatment or receive substance abuse counseling. However, because you won’t live in a safe, clinical environment forever, it’s essential to learn how to manage your addiction when you're at home and out in the world. Here’s a closer look at how to work skillfully with addiction and maintain sobriety.

How to Master Your Addiction

1. Identify & Minimize Triggers

A trigger is anything that causes distress and increases your desire to use. They differ from person to person, but typical triggers include specific people, such as former using buddies; places, like a favorite bar or nightclub; activities, like going out with friends or relaxing at the end of a long day; or even inanimate objects, such as seeing a pint glass or cigarette lighter.

To manage your addiction, know your triggers and take steps to avoid them. If you know that being around certain people, places, events, or items will increase the desire to use, minimize your exposure as much as possible. Have an alternate plan or activity in place.

2. Recognize That Cravings Are Normal

Don't panic if you get the urge to use. Cravings are entirely normal; what's important is that you recognize cravings as they arise and avoid acting on them.

Approach them with mindfulness instead. When cravings come up, take a mental step back and see them for what they are: thoughts. Notice how they may try to entice you, usually with appealing memories of past experiences. It's important to follow these memories to their conclusion—eventually, the substance stopped being fun and became an all-consuming addiction. You’re gently reminding yourself that cravings are just cravings and that using led to pain and difficulty.

3. Check in With Your Physical & Emotional Needs

Take care of yourself. Don't overwork, overeat, or oversleep to try to avoid substance use; you're only replacing one addiction with another. Check in with yourself routinely throughout the day. Eat well, exercise, and rest according to your body's needs.

Continue seeing a substance abuse counseling professional on a regular basis. Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your life, such as meditation, tai chi, or walks through nature. Connect with your spirituality by attending religious services and activities. These measures will keep you nourished, physically and otherwise, and help you on the road to recovery.

With a compassionate counselor and personal dedication, you can manage your addiction. White Spruce Counseling is here to help. Serving the Rochester, NY, area, their therapists offer mental health, PTSD, domestic violence, and substance abuse counseling services. They provide compassionate care that empowers and supports their clients on the journey to wellness. Call (585) 424-2436 or visit them online to take the first step today.