Relapse Prevention
Alcohol addiction, as well as addiction to other drugs, brings about the need for alcohol treatment in Huntington Beach. Once you’ve successfully completed a treatment program, your next priority is avoiding relapse. Being acutely aware of what your relapse triggers are and then dealing with cravings can help you in your recovery journey. Relapse is normal for recovering addicts. However, it is something that those with alcohol addiction or any other addiction must avoid. A relapse is often triggered by emotions that the addict is experiencing and the use of alcohol or drugs is a coping mechanism.
Relapse Triggers
Another common trigger for an addict is being around individuals who remind them of their addiction. This might occur if an addict is in the company of friends who are drinking alcohol or using drugs. Keeping such company is sure to lead to relapse. A recovering addict must avoid places, such as bars or parties, where drug and alcohol use is prevalent. This will mean giving up old friendships as well as cutting out social aspects of your life that you considered fun at one time to ensure you stay on the path to recovery.
- Stress
- Depression
- Fear
- Frustration
- Anger
- Anxiety
Dealing With Cravings
A person who enjoys chocolate and other goodies has developed a sweet tooth. They crave sweets. The same is true for a person addicted to alcohol or drugs. They simply crave the feeling such substances give them. So, just as a dieting person must avoid sweets, addicts must avoid the alcohol and drugs. However, this is easier said than done. Cravings are going to happen. Therefore, the addict must deal with those cravings in a way that encourages relapse prevention. Some practical solutions that will help you resist cravings are:
Get distracted. Distraction is your ally when it comes to fending off cravings. You must immediately redirect your attention as soon as you notice the craving. Call up a supportive friend. Get yourself into a different environment right away. You can take a walk, go for a bike ride or go for a drive. The idea is to get away from anything that’s triggering your cravings.
Get physical. Whether it’s an intense workout or just getting up and moving around, physical activity will relieve stress and release the feel-good hormones. You will have more energy and feel better. Most importantly, your cravings will have subsided.
Relax and meditate. Take the time in your busy schedule to relax and meditate. This is a great way to relieve stress, anxiety and many other negative emotions associated with relapse triggers. Including meditation in your daily routine will make you mindful of where you’re going instead of focusing on where you’ve been.
Most recovering addicts will experience a relapse at least once during their recovery. If you suffer a relapse, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. But, it does mean you need to be more aware of what your relapse triggers are. You must learn to deal with cravings so that you do not suffer a relapse. Alcohol treatment in Huntington Beach can help those with alcohol addiction and drug addiction learn what they need to do in order to avoid a relapse. Support groups are also beneficial because they can provide the ongoing support that is needed for a successful recovery.