High-risk situations in this context refers to any people, places, objects or circumstances that might give you the urge to starting using again.
High-risk situations to watch out for include:
- People you used to hang out with who are still using
- Situations where the substance you were addicted to is available, like a party where alcohol is served
- Going to, or simply walking past, places you associate with substance use, like your favorite bar
- Any activities that you used to do while high or drunk
- Social situations that cause you stress, anxiety, anger, depression or any unpleasant emotion that you used to deal with by using
- Stress and/or overwork
- Boredom
It’s a good idea to evaluate your social relationships and decide whether to return to interacting with certain people and groups after you leave a treatment program. For example, friends you used to do drugs with and difficult family members who drive you to drink are probably not people you want in your new, sober life.
If possible, make these decisions before you leave treatment and incorporate into your recovery plan how you’re going to interact with these people the next time you talk to them.
In general, it’s best to avoid all high-risk situations. But, practically speaking, that’s not always possible, which brings us to coping strategies.