Recovery, Prevention Tips, & Overdose Month

Preventing an overdose or a relapse is possible with family support, healthy friendships, and feeling motivated to recover from it. Carefully listen, observe, and help someone with their recovery process. Do not provoke someone to be near alcohol or substances especially if you know they are recovering from it. Do research about relapses and how to help someone with their recovery. Get involved with their recovery treatment plan and be respectful of their personal boundaries. 

Recovering from an overdose is possible and is a lengthy process. Yet, it is a continuous process with follow-up appointments, treatment services, and going to a recovery program. Additionally, participating in a support group and counseling to recover from an addiction. It is recommended not to miss any follow-up care to prevent a relapse. If you do have a relapse, do not give up and continue with the addiction treatment and the recovery plan. 

By the time the withdrawal symptoms are reduced, it is still possible to have a relapse. A relapse can occur frequently by not managing emotions and visiting people or places that make you relive the traumatic experiences. Also, being near certain friendships that tempt you to use alcohol, substances, or stimulants. As well as external factors that remind you about using alcohol, substances, and painful experiences. Being alone and using substances for entertainment purposes, relaxation, or avoiding uncomfortable feelings are other reasons for a relapse. 

Often during the recovery process, one must identify, evaluate, and be informed about what your partner or spouse is going through. Despite the withdrawal symptoms, it might be difficult to understand the reasons for having an addiction or an overdose. Focus on your spouse or partner by being supportive, observant, and helping them with their recovery. Find solutions to improve your relationship without letting the addiction damage it. It is recommended to do individual counseling and couples’ therapy. 

Additionally, the toughest parts of recovering from an overdose are the holidays and special occasions where alcohol or substances are used. Furthermore, continuing unhealthy friendships or unhealthy relationships makes you feel an intense desire to consume alcohol or substances. It is necessary to reduce stress, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms by not seeking substances or alcohol for celebrating the holidays. Managing negative emotions and speaking to your partner about becoming sober or recovering from substances is essential. Avoiding feeling pressured by using alcohol and substances with your partner and friends to celebrate the holidays. 

Develop a plan to celebrate with your partner, friends, and family members without using substances and alcohol. Speak to your partner about family pressures, financial pressures, and work pressures. Find solutions for celebrating the holidays, birthdays, and dedicated events with relaxation techniques. If you feel distracted, nervous, restlessness, loneliness, and sadness; It is recommended to seek professional help to reduce the withdrawal symptoms. Get closer with your partner without depending on alcohol or substances. 

If both partners are recovering from alcohol or substance abuse, it is necessary to support each other and to follow the instructions or recommendations from your recovery treatment center. Ask yourself these questions and practice mindfulness to help with your recovery process. Do I feel hungry? Do I feel Angry? Do I feel lonely?

The last question is, Do I feel tired? If you do feel tired, take a nap or practice self-care to help you improve your sleep. It is helpful if you and your partner practice relaxation techniques together, self-care, meditation, and mindfulness or other activities. Furthermore, bringing awareness of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st is helpful to help other couples and individuals that are striving to recover from an overdose. Below is a brief list of prevention tips for you or for someone that you know is recovering from an overdose. 

1. Avoid parties with alcohol and with substances. 
2. Plan if you need to attend a family party, an office party, or a friend's party. 
3. Have and keep an emergency contact list. 
4. Do not go alone when you attend a party, celebration dinner, or special event. 
5. Meditate or use positive affirmation to help you feel calm before attending a holiday event. 
6. Practice mindfulness, meditation, Tai Chi, or Yoga in the morning and before going to a special event. 
7. Observe your thoughts and do breathing relaxation techniques as you practice journaling. 
8. Listen to your self-talk and meditate by practicing self-awareness and self-compassion.
9. Do not give up and practice self-determination. 
10. Do not blame your partner or spouse because of addiction or the withdrawal symptoms. 
11. Practice mindfulness, meditation, reading, or other relaxing activities before going to sleep. 
12. If you are having insomnia, leave the bedroom and walk to another room or read, write, color, or doodles to help you sleep. 
13. Seek professional help for developing a recovery plan in case of a relapse. 
14. Speak to someone about your addiction or overdose recovery to bring awareness. 
15. Avoid external and internal factors that remind you about your addiction or overdose experience.

Remain calm even if you have a relapse. Do not be angry with yourself. If you are irritable, agitated, or feeling aggression; Do speak about it with a professional therapist and a doctor for a treatment plan. Also, have a supportive partner, group, and a community group to help you with your recovery process. Take one day at a time with hope, creativity, and with serenity.

It is possible to be a survivor of an overdose experience or an addiction. Yet, it can be challenging throughout the seasons, circumstances, and other risk factors; Keep in mind you are not alone. Attend virtual therapy appointments and in person therapy sessions to continue with your healing process. If you get an opportunity, speak about your experiences and how you are recovering. Be supportive, listen, and be respectful with your spouse or partner as they become a survivor as they recover. 

The entire month of August is dedicated to Overdose Month by bringing a better understanding of substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and preventing an overdose. It is possible to recover from an overdose or from an addiction; But one must recognize, acknowledge, and accept help from a therapist and a recovery program. Learning, understanding, and having conversations about preventing a relapse can be helpful. You can wear purple to bring an awareness of Overdose Month. Here are resources for preventing a relapse, an overdose, and more information for International Overdose Awareness Day. 

Relapse Prevention-Evidence-Based Strategies to Stop Relapse:

Relapse Prevention - Evidence-Based Strategies to Stop Relapse

Materials & Toolkits-Stop Overdose Organization:

Materials & Toolkits | Stopoverdose.org

International Overdose Awareness Day-August 31st:

International Overdose Awareness Day: 31 August

 

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