To achieve sober living is a difficult process. We say process, because it is best done in a series of steps. Once rehab has taken place, the addict will enter the same world that caused them to be an addict in the first place. The best way to avoid a relapse is to gently acclimate them back to the real world. This may include living in a sober living house where the addict will share a residence with other recovering addicts under limited professional care. This presents the opportunity to slowly adjust to the freedoms of the real world. This will also give the individual the opportunity to move through this transition with the help and support of the residents of the sober house.
Maintaining sober living as an individual is the final step. Once out of sober living, it will be easy to fall into the same habits that led to the problem in the first place. To avoid this, avoid the situations. It may mean suggesting other options for activities with friends. Rather than going to a party or a bar, see a movie, participate in sports. Even find new hobbies. This may also mean that the old friends that are still using or are participating in trigger activities will need to be avoided.
Enjoy Sober Living
Occupy your mind with other stuff avoid the activities that leads to relapse. If you are an alcoholic, do not go to a bar. Finding things to commit to will help force the individual to occupy their time with sober-friendly activities. This could be things like taking night classes, learning a musical instrument, joining a book club or volunteering as a sponsor for a rehab program. There are plenty of other ways to spend your time than by doing drugs or drinking.