Practical Lessons to Avoid Relapse after Successful Addiction Recovery

It is not unusual for people who are recovering from addictions to relapse at least once. Some people even go off the wagon multiple times before finally becoming sober. In reality, even with FDA-approved treatments for alcohol, nicotine, and opiate addiction, more than two-thirds of those who begin treatment will relapse. 

The first step toward prevention is to know what can cause you to relapse, as well as to have a plan in place to deal with these triggers. Here are 5 triggers to think about and discuss with your counselor or therapist.

Stress

The most common cause of relapse is stress. Most people who battle with addiction use their chosen drug or activity as a dysfunctional coping mechanism. In reality, research shows that under stressful conditions, people have an increased “desire” for alcohol, drug, or addictive activity—especially if the drug or any other addictive practice was the user’s major coping mechanism.

Analyzing the stress you are under is one method to be prepared for this trigger. You can’t get rid of everyone and everything in your life, but you can limit situations that bring you a lot of stress. In a conclusion, making a list of all the people, things, and places that stress you out may be beneficial.

Are you, for example, in a destructive relationship or dealing with a financial state that is causing you stress?

You may be able to lessen the volume of stressful conditions in your life by making adjustments to your lifestyle, priorities, and relationships. And by doing so, you’ll be less likely to experience a relapse as a result of stress. It is also critical to learn effective stress management techniques.

You may be able to manage or reduce your stress by doing the following:

• Engaging in relaxation training and practicing mindfulness
• Effective time management is necessary to prevent working in total panic.
• Combining moderate exercise with good eating to promote healthy behaviors

Reducing the chances of relapse due to stress requires not just finding healthy methods to cope with stress, but also being able to identify when you are in a tense situation and taking action to relieve it.

A counselor or therapist can teach you how to listen to your body and mind to recognize when you are stressed and develop sustainable coping mechanisms.

Individuals or Places Associated with your Addictive Behavior

Whether or not they are currently smoking, drinking, or taking drugs, people who took part in your compulsive behavior are possible relapse triggers. Similarly, some places that alert you of your addiction can be triggering. Even members of the family might be a trigger, particularly if they make you feel fragile and immature.

It is critical to have appropriate coping mechanisms in place when you are reminded of your addiction. If you are an alcoholic and a bunch of friends invites you out, or you observe coworkers going to happy hour, having a specific reaction prepared may be beneficial.

It may also be beneficial to have a healthy thing to do instead, such as going for a run, watching a movie, dining with a mentor, or reading a nice book.

You are more likely to relapse if you do not plan for these scenarios ahead of time. To put together a plan, brainstorm ideas, or collaborate with your therapist or counselor.

Challenging or Negative Emotions

Addicts require effective methods for enduring, modulating, and making sense of the bad emotions they experience on a regular basis. You can no longer rely on drugs, alcohol, or compulsive habits to bring brief comfort from those feelings. Make it a goal to learn how to cope with unpleasant feelings and emotions.

Recognize that the bad emotions you’re experiencing aren’t necessarily a warning of impending failure. Everyone experiences negative or difficult feelings. It’s all about how you handle them.

Consider these feelings as opportunities for learning and progress. By taking note of your feelings and inquiring as to why you might discover a great deal about yourself. In fact, learning to confront your thoughts without succumbing to addiction is quite beneficial.

When you’re feeling down, consider meditating, journaling, or even praying. Find a healthy technique to relieve stress and improve your mood. Additional coping methods can be developed with the assistance of mental health practitioner or an addictions specialist.

Sensing or Seeing Your Source Of Addiction

During recovery, reminders or memories of your addiction can lead to relapse. In the initial stages of quitting, the smell of watching others sip cocktails in a club or restaurant, cigarette smoke, or seeing a couple wrapped in a passionate embrace seems to be omnipresent.

It’s natural to want to relapse into your addiction. After all, it is a place you’re used to. But recovery isn’t only about “giving up” or “abstaining,” it is also about creating a new life where it is easier—and more beneficial.

Concentrate on the new life you’re creating and the changes you’re bringing about. Consider the negative effects you experienced as a result of your addiction, such as the people you harmed and the connections you lost. When you see these reminders, you may think you miss your previous life, but in truth, it only brought you misery and hardship.

Accept the fact that you’re developing a new, stronger version of yourself with no space for the stuff you didn’t want in the first place.

When you’re feeling provoked, having a substitute habit, like going to a yoga class or taking a lengthy bath, can be beneficial. Reciting happy mantras or practicing relaxation exercises6might also help you resist these temptations. Work with your therapist or counselor for more ideas on how to properly deal with these reminders.

Celebration Times Or Moments of Joy

Major positive events, like holidays and birthdays, can also serve as triggers. You may feel content, in control, and certain that one drink, one cigarette, or one little flirtation with the gorgeous stranger will not ruin your day. Can you, however, keep it under control?

Addicts frequently lose their ability to recognize when it is time to stop. As a result, that single drink could become a binge. Alternatively, buying one unneeded nice pair of boots could progress to a shopping binge.

When you’re on the verge of relapsing, having a buddy can assist. If you start to relapse, find somebody you respect and trust to gently but forcefully encourage you to quit what you’re doing.

Avoid going into places where you’re at a high danger of relapsing on your own. Once the party starts, you’ll be amazed how fast your relapse and noble intentions vanish.

Make a strategy with your therapist or counselor on how to deal with the distractions that come with fun activities like weddings, parties, holidays, and other celebrations. You are more likely to relapse if you go into the scenario unprepared.