One of the main challenges of addiction recovery is the risk and potential for relapse. Various factors trigger a relapse, and it is sometimes difficult to tell if a particular event will trigger a relapse. The exact triggers vary with an individual. This article will discuss the most common addiction relapse triggers and how to manage them to avoid relapse.
A day in the life of an addict features various addiction relapse triggers. There are many specific triggers under various groups, such as mental, emotional, environmental, and more. You can avoid some triggers, and some are unavoidable. Some of the most common specific addiction Relapse triggers include:
Unfortunately, most people recovering from addiction struggle with relapse in happy times. Many celebratory events nowadays include the use of alcohol or drugs. It is hard to resist abuse in all the events you attend. Furthermore, people struggling with addiction can easily turn one drink into a binge. In such a situation, you can rely on your partner or a trusted friend to help you resist alcohol and substances that could trigger a relapse.
Also, if you can help it, avoid attending events but expose you to two risks of relapse. You may be surprised by how quickly your resolve can disappear once you get to the party. It also helps to work with your therapists to plan how to manage temptations in celebratory events.
Difficulties within a familial relationship, a friendship, your marriage or a working relationship called Trigger Substance Abuse. Many people fall back on substance use as a coping mechanism for relationship difficulties. For example, a breakup could lead to alcoholism or drug abuse as a coping mechanism.
Therefore, if you are recovering from addiction, you will need to find a new solution to manage these difficulties. Family therapy is one of the most common ways to manage relationship difficulties. Research shows it is very effective in managing substance abuse and addiction. A therapist will help you and your family members or partner to understand each other better and hopefully solve your issues. The therapist will also advise you on how to manage inevitable relationship conflicts.
People may take boredom lightly, but it is pretty dangerous. Boredom has various outcomes, such as eating disorders and allowing your mind to drift into situations involving substance abuse. It also creates time for reminiscing about past drug use.
If you reminisce overlooking the suffering and pain from your addiction, then it means there is a high risk of relapse. Your addictive brain can take over if you remain concerned about substance use too much.
However, you should not ignore patterns of reminiscing. Talk to your therapist, counselor, or friend to help encourage you and remind you of your recovery goals and intentions.
A tough day is enough to trigger a relapse. After a long and difficult day, most of us ask ourselves why do I even bother. It is a difficult and risky question to ask yourself when you are trying to recover from addiction. At the moment, you may not be able to answer the question, but the answers could be tangible, not just words. The answer could be your children, your spouse, or something you're passionate about. It is good to talk to your therapist’s 12-step sponsor friend or partner in such a situation.
Many people used professional success to try and validate not getting addiction treatment. Some imagine that they will not get a promotion, a job offer, or big projects if they were really struggling with addiction. You get an illusion of total control. Also, they assume that addiction does not affect people at their level of professional success.
You should know that addiction is a disease that can affect anyone. It is important to attend your meetings, therapy, sessions and maintain your coping practices even as you advance in your career.
H.A.L.T are initials for hungry, angry, lonely, and tired. These are high-risk situations that could easily trigger a relapse. Also, they present a chance to practice the coping mechanism you learned in addiction treatment.
You need to have a coping plan that addresses your needs when you can not manage the trigger directly. For example, you may be tired but lack the opportunity to rest right away. In such a case, a short break or meditation can help to remind you that you will have the opportunity to rest at the end of the activity.
Also, you need to avoid becoming too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. You may need to plan your meals a strict sleep schedule, and keep up with their API and support groups.
Research shows people with substance abuse disorders often experience co-occurring mental health illnesses. Undiagnosed or Untreated mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression cause the urge to self-medicate. It is important to get the help of doctors as they have multiple ways to treat mental health illnesses. They can give you non-medicinal options, which will reduce the risk of a potential relapse. Physical illnesses can cause pain which causes stress to your body and increases the risk of relapse. Also, some medications for physical illnesses, especially prescription medication, pose a risk of abuse and relapse. Talk to your doctor to give you a non-addictive alternative to prescription drugs.
Stress is a major cause of addiction relapse. It has a broad range of effects on your body and mind. Factors such as halt and many other circumstances can cause stress. It could be increased responsibilities, health problems, losing your job, and losing a loved one. You need to exercise proactive stress prevention and also find healthy stress management options. Be honest and mindful about what stresses you and find healthy ways to deal with the stress.
However, in case you relapse, you should know that it is not the end. Contact a professional to guide you on the steps to take after a relapse. It is also important to stay positive during addiction recovery.
Coastline Behavioral Health provides multiple post-care will help you avoid and manage relapse. We offer detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient patients treatment, and aftercare in California. Contact us today at (714)841-2260 to get help for addiction and relapse.