As Founder and Medical Director of Addiction Outreach Clinic, Nicholas Atanasoff, psychiatrist, looks to provide opioid addicts the benefit of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)—a program designed to facilitate opioid addiction recovery through the suppression of cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

But as a longtime addictionologist, Nicholas Atanasoff, psychiatrist, understands the difficulties many patients face both during and well after the treatment process—particularly when it comes to avoiding a possible relapse. This is why Dr. Atanasoff offers several strategies for successfully preventing relapse during recovery including:

1. Taking Care of Yourself

One of the most important things an addict can do to prevent relapse, says Dr. Atanasoff, is to practice self-care—to devote time and energy to focusing on yourself, your health and your overall wellbeing.

2. Thinking Things Through

As the urge to use becomes more intense, it often helps to think through the situation, says Nicholas Atanasoff, psychiatrist. Thinking your way logically through the fantasy of using most often leads to the realization that it isn’t worth it.

3. Speaking with Someone

When an urge arises, talking to a friend or someone else in recovery about what you’re feeling may help you not feel so alone, and to help the urge go away.

4. Finding a Distraction

Such behaviors as taking a walk, cooking a meal, building something or hanging out with a friend can help take your mind off using, says Dr. Atanasoff.

5. Remembering that It’s One Day at a Time

During the process of recovery, says Dr. Atanasoff, it’s important to avoid thinking about 5, 10 or 20 years down the road. Focusing on staying sober today can be a powerful way to build a successful, long-term recovery.

6. Relaxing

Devoting time to relaxation helps keep the levels of tension low, as well as to reduce the likelihood a potential trigger like stress can or will lead to relapse, says Nicholas Atanasoff, psychiatrist.