Hollywood is known for celebrities, entertainment, and some of the most lit parties you’ll ever attend. People come from all over just to try and catch a glimpse of their favorite celebs, shop at the famous Rodeo Drive, and find a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. From going to clubs at night to seeing the sights during the day, staying sober in SoCal can prove to be a problem when this is the life you love. However, you can still be successful in giving up drugs or alcohol and avoiding a relapse. You may need to forego your typical evening activities and change things up. Here are some of the ways you can avoid a relapse when you live in SoCal.
Develop Healthy Coping Methods
While many people love the lack of inhibitions they gain from party drugs or alcohol, at some point those things can become more than a fun way to party and they become a way to cope with life. If you want to avoid a relapse in SoCal, you’ll need healthier coping skills than going out with your friends every weekend. It’s important that you avoid using drugs, alcohol, food, sex, or even gambling to cope. Healthy options include learning to identify your emotions through counseling, journaling, and then finding a healthy way to express those feelings.
Avoid the Party Life
When you live in Southern California, you probably know that party life is everywhere. People drink and do drugs at parties and events, but it’s important to avoid these situations at all costs. This may mean finding a new group of friends and new things to do in your spare time. Avoid temptation by staying away from places where alcohol is served. This may mean even avoiding some people’s homes if you know they drink at home regularly. Working with professionals at a rehab center like New Directions LA can help you create a sustainable plan to avoid relapses and stay in recovery.
Go Out for Coffee With Your Sponsor
If you’re in recovery from substance abuse, it’s likely that you have a sponsor you can call when times get tough. A sponsor is someone who has been through addiction and can help you on your journey through sobriety. When you are having a rough week, why not meet up with your sponsor for a cup of coffee? It’s better than relapsing and ending up back in rehab.
Spend Time in Your Community
Hollywood has more to do than drink and go to parties. There are museums, libraries, trails, parks, concerts, and so much more. Plus, the beach isn’t too far away, so you could even get some sunshine, sand, and water if you want to avoid a relapse.
Go to a Meeting
If you are in recovery and struggling with substance abuse, it is important that you surround yourself with people who understand what it’s like. Meetings provide the perfect opportunity for this. If you’re feeling triggered and on the verge of reaching for your drug of choice, head to a meeting. There are AA and NA meetings that can provide you with the support you need when things get extraordinarily hard.
Enjoy the Beautiful Weather in SoCal and Exercise
Aside from the nightlife, many people love SoCal for the beautiful weather, proximity to beaches and mountains, and the sunshine. Getting a healthy dose of sun is a great way to avoid relapsing. One of the things that many former addicts do is exercise regularly. Get outside, ride a bike, get to the beach, go for a hike, take the dog for a walk, or simply get out and bask in the sunshine. By getting outside, you’ll boost your body’s production of vitamin D naturally and you’ll get the benefit of natural dopamine production when you workout.
Make New Friends by Trying New Hobbies
When you’re trying to avoid a drug or alcohol relapse, it can be easy to fall into the habit of hanging out with your old crowd. But if they aren’t in recovery too, this can be a dangerous idea. Instead, try new hobbies so you can make new friends. That way you’ll make connections with people in a way that doesn’t revolve around the party life.
Offer to Volunteer
Another way to avoid a relapse is to put your time into helping others through volunteer work. Help feed the hungry at a soup kitchen, work with a non-profit helping inner city kids, or help build houses for people who need them. Volunteering is an excellent way to make a positive impact on the community while also expanding your social network.