Withdrawal is quite an unpleasant time for people who formed a long-term attachment to drugs, but, in the end, the pain is definitely worth the effort. All the aches, pains, and irritability you may feel during the months and years after you stop taking a drug will be easier to manage. However, can you imagine what could happen if you were to quit smoking, only to smoke another cigarette after you’d completed rehabilitation? Unfortunately, for many people whose second nature was smoking, picking up the habit after rehab is an all too common part of life. Once you get a taste of nicotine, the drug is extremely hard to crack. Let’s take a closer look and see how you can prevent an incident like this from happening.
If You Already Slipped
First of all, you must understand that relapse is a completely normal part of the healing process and, in many ways, can help you become stronger. If you have smoked another cigarette during rehab, you have not reached a point of no return. All you need to do is reach out to your sponsor, doctor, or rehab specialist for help, and you can get back on track.
Preventing a Slip
If you are suffering from a cascade of thoughts about cigarettes and smoking, though, you can find ways to manage these negative thoughts. Consider the following questions and write down responses, so you can determine a game plan for managing your addiction:
- How did you feel about smoking on the day you stopped?
- How long were you smoking and how long did you want to quit?
- If you start smoking again, will you want to try rehab one more time? Will you regret lighting up another cigarette?
- How soon until you will quit again?
- How does smoking benefit your health?
- Is smoking another cigarette worth the effort, especially after months of rehab?
- Will you have an easier time quitting on the next go?
Remember: never give your addictive thoughts any time, attention, or power.
Seeking Treatment for Cigarette Use
Keep in mind that addiction can be triggered by one shot of alcohol or a single puff of a cigarette, but the true danger of this sickness is that you cannot fully determine how much you have to consume before your mind forms an attachment. Social smoking is just as dangerous as chronic smoking, on many levels, but you do not have to smoke to have a good time. Remember, drugs cannot determine if you have fun and do not have control over your life.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
