Most Common Relapse Triggers in Addiction Recovery
A way to manage these external triggers is to have a support system of friends and family members who are encouraging and help you address challenges that come your way. Friends who express harsh or judgmental attitudes toward past substance use can bring up feelings of shame and loss of self-esteem. Clients are encouraged to identify whether they are non-users or denied users. A denied user is in chronic mental relapse and at high-risk for future relapse. Clinical experience has shown that everyone in early recovery is a denied user. But clients and families often begin recovery by hoping that they don’t have to change.
Developing an Effective Relapse Prevention Plan
- The more committed you are to the process, the more likely you’ll be to succeed.
- Cognitive therapy and mind-body relaxation techniques are important tools in developing healthy coping skills and preventing relapse.
- However, people without substance abuse issues can take a step back during these difficult times and assess their situation, individuals in recovery may have trouble doing this.
- In the realm of addiction, relapse has a more specific meaning—a return to substance use after a period of nonuse.
- Again, the support of friends and family can be paramount in preventing relapse.
They often enter treatment saying, “We want our old life back — without the using.” I try to help clients understand that wishing for their old life back is like wishing for relapse. Rather than seeing the need for change as a negative, they are encouraged to see recovery as an opportunity for change. If they make the necessary changes, they can go forward and be happier than they were before.
Four Main Triggers For Relapse In Recovery
It’s about creating a lifestyle that can help a person maintain their recovery goals. Part of the recovery process includes talking about relapse, and learning healthier ways to cope with triggers that can lead to it. Additionally, sobriety leads to personal growth and fulfillment, enabling individuals to pursue passions, achieve goals, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and find purpose and meaning in life. Being aware of easy access to substances is crucial in preventing relapse. External triggers may include having drugs or alcohol readily available. To decrease the likelihood of relapse, it is advisable to remove substances from the home or avoid places where they are easily accessible.
- Relapse is emotionally painful for those in recovery and their families.
- Communication skills and the overall family dynamic may improve through family therapy as well.
- Engage in self-reflection and self-care, and make an effort to avoid high-risk situations or triggers that could contribute to relapse.
- Avoiding triggers after getting treatment for your addiction can be difficult, but there are many things you can do to decrease the rate of temptation.
- It involves experiencing negative emotions and thoughts that can lead to a relapse if not addressed.
- By doing so, one can develop effective strategies to manage and cope with these stressors.
Managing External Triggers
Contact a treatment provider today if you are in need of addiction treatment or help in your recovery. Even with all this planning and effort, there is always a chance that a relapse can still occur. Perhaps the most glaring warning sign is if an individual in recovery starts to doubt the effectiveness of the recovery process.
Have a support system of family, friends, and loved ones who will stand by you when you need help. These kinds of positive influences will decrease your likelihood of relapsing. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will also keep you in a routine and make you less likely to stray into negative habits. Anxiety, types of relapse triggers depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses can be major relapse triggers. If you are experiencing negative thoughts, monitor them by journaling and talking to a therapist. Your medical professional may also suggest medication as a way to help treat symptoms of mental illness.
Coping Strategies for Emotional Relapse
Without proper relapse prevention, people in recovery can experience relapse triggers that are especially strong, and they are at higher risk of abusing substances again. However, people without substance abuse issues can take a step back during these difficult times and assess their situation, individuals in recovery may have trouble doing this. It is in these moments when you are most vulnerable and may think about turning to drugs or alcohol for comfort. Whenever you are doubting yourself or feel like you have too much on your plate, therapy can help you cope with your negative emotions.
Cognitive behavioral skills refer to your ability to recognize thought patterns influencing your emotions and determining your behavior. You might be worried that this distraction tactic might come across as rude if you’re out in public. There’s nothing rude about taking care of yourself and avoiding triggers that could lead to a relapse.
- Much like the above, the alcoholic/addict in recovery has difficulty living life on life’s terms.
- Emotional relapse is often the first stage of relapse, and it occurs before someone in recovery even begins to consider using again.
- There are two main types of triggers that can start someone towards the path of relapse.
- Relapse rates for substance abuse mirror those for other chronic conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, meaning that relapse is a common occurrence.
