Relapse in recovery can be one of the most difficult challenges to overcome, but it’s possible with concerted effort and dedication. You may feel discouraged if a relapse is looming or has already happened- you are not alone.
However, with some knowledge and self-care strategies about long-term substance abuse prevention, it’s possible to handle a relapse in recovery so that you can get back on track quickly and continue working towards your goal of sustained wellness.
Read on for our comprehensive guide that will provide insight into relieving relapse triggers, combating cravings, calming anxiety, and extending support through various available resources.
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What Is Relapse, And Why Does It Happen?
Relapse occurs when someone in addiction treatment reverts to drug or alcohol use after an extended period of abstinence. It is a sadly common occurrence that often leads substance abusers right back to their addiction and can ruin the progress made through addiction treatment.
Relapse prevention is a critical part of addiction treatment and alcohol abuse recovery as it can help individuals uncover underlying issues that may lead to relapse before they start using again.
Understanding why addiction relapse happens and learning to take preventive measures can help substance abusers stay on track with drug or alcohol addiction treatment and avoid falling back into old habits. With the right approach, individuals struggling with addiction can more effectively address their addiction and break the cycle of relapse for greater success in addiction recovery.
What Are The Common Signs Of Relapse, And What Can You Do To Prevent Them?
Relapse is common for many recovering from substance abuse or mental health issues. It’s important to become aware of the warning signs of future relapse so that interventions and preventative measures can be taken.
Common signs of substance abuse or mental relapse include excessive worry or guilt, withdrawal from social activities, changes in appetite or sleeping patterns, increased separation from support systems, abandoning important responsibilities, and difficulty controlling cravings.
Heightened stress and intense cravings can also lead to future lapses in sobriety or mental recovery. Paying attention to both your physical and mental symptoms can help identify future relapses before they occur. Taking action quickly when these signs present themselves is the best way to maintain a successful journey toward recovery.
It is important to stay vigilant and take steps to ensure that you can effectively prevent a mental or physical relapse before it even begins. Applying helpful strategies for managing cravings, establishing a strong support system, alleviating stress, and having intentional conversations with yourself about maintaining sobriety can all go far in making sure that you don’t slip back into old ways.
Regularly attending meetings or therapy, having honest conversations with supportive confidants, and creating a relapse prevention plan can help. These steps are guaranteed to boost your self-confidence and ability to remain healthy and sober.
What Are The Causes And Triggers Of Relapse?
Relapse, the return of a substance use disorder or symptoms of mental health issues, is common for many people. Multiple causes and triggers can play a role in starting a period of relapse.
Common physical or emotional fatigue caused by habitually working long hours and not finding time for self-care has been linked to increased mental health difficulties and exacerbating existing disorders. Stressful and challenging events such as marriage breakdown, financial problems, and the loss of a loved one or job can act as triggers that lead to relapse.
Additional causes include:
- The misuse or withdrawal of psychiatric medication.
- Nonadherence to treatment plans.
- Utilizing substances to self-medicate traumatic experiences and feelings such as loneliness and boredom.
It is important to recognize these potential causes, whether you are battling addiction or supporting someone who may be prone to relapse.
How Can You Prevent Relapse From Happening In The First Place?
Here are a few things you can do to help prevent a relapse:
Understand Your Triggers
To prevent relapse, it is essential to understand your triggers. A trigger can cause you to start using drugs or alcohol again. Common triggers include stress, anxiety, depression, boredom, and social pressure. If you recognize your triggers, you can avoid them or find other ways to cope.
Build a Support Network
Another important way to prevent relapse is to build a support network, including friends and family members who will help you stay sober.
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These people can provide emotional support when tempted to use drugs or alcohol again. They can also hold you accountable and help you stay on track for recovery.
Attend Support Groups
In addition to building a support network, attending support groups can help prevent relapse. Support groups provide a safe and supportive environment where you can share your experiences and connect with others who are going through similar challenges. This can be a valuable resource when you’re struggling with temptation or feeling isolated in your recovery.
Stay Involved in Treatment
If you’ve completed a treatment program for addiction, it’s important to stay involved in treatment even after you leave the program. This may include attending outpatient therapy, participating in 12-step programs, or meeting regularly with a therapist or counselor. Staying involved in treatment will help to keep you focused on your recovery goals and provide ongoing support as you work to maintain sobriety.
Develop Healthy Coping Skills
Developing healthy coping skills is key to preventing relapse. When you’re feeling stressed or tempted to use drugs again, it’s important to have healthy outlets for dealing with your emotions. This can include exercising, meditating, hobbies, or talking to a friend. It’s important to find activities you enjoy and practice them regularly to cope with stress. Finding healthy coping skills will help you manage difficult emotions without turning back to drugs or alcohol.
Take Care of Yourself
Last but not least, taking care of yourself emotionally and physically is important to prevent relapse. This means eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and managing stress in healthy ways. Taking care of yourself will help to improve your overall well-being and make it easier to resist the urge to use alcohol or drugs again.
What To Do When You Relapse?
Relapse can be an overwhelming and disappointing experience when it happens, but it doesn’t mean that you have failed—it means that you are human. Everyone makes mistakes; in the case of addiction or drug abuse, mistakes can put your sobriety at risk. It is important to practice self-forgiveness and remember that forming lasting habits will take time and effort. Instead of focusing on the event or period of relapse, consider it part of developing healthier life patterns and focus on learning things from experience.
Talk with a counselor for direction if needed, try treatment programs that are right for you, identify any underlying issues that could have led to the relapse, reflect on what changes need to be made to prevent it going forward, and reach out for support from family, friends, or a recovery community. Although setbacks can happen, keep pushing towards your goals by practicing positive self-care and staying committed to achieving long-term sobriety.
Conclusion
Relapse is an unfortunate but common occurrence in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Taking steps to prevent relapse and having a plan for what to do when it does happen can help you stay on track with your sobriety goals and maintain a healthier, drug-free lifestyle. Building a strong support network, attending support groups, staying involved in drug addiction treatment, developing healthy coping skills, and taking care of yourself are all important steps in the relapse prevention and recovery process. If relapse does occur, it is essential to practice self-forgiveness and reach out for help. Remember that forming healthy habits will take time and effort, but with the right plan, you can continue on your path to a successful recovery.
