But, recovery is not just about “quitting” and “abstaining” as much as it’s about building a new life in which it is easier—and more desirable—not to use. This episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, featuring addiction specialist Erica Spiegelman, shares the skills that help in recovery. Journaling can be a wonderful tool for discovering and overcoming various triggers. A journal provides a safe space where you can be open and honest without fear of judgment or criticism.
Don’t let addiction or co-occurring mental health conditions keep you from leading the happy, healthy, and empowered life you deserve. When the alcoholic/addict has finally committed to living a clean and sober existence, it often times is like a new love affair. I have counseled https://ecosoberhouse.com/ many clients who spout and pontificate how they have finally realized how important sobriety is. They proudly feel that they have found the key which will halt their ever drinking again, and this very cocky nature and ego driven thinking will almost always be their downfall.
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Other triggers may include seeing people who use drugs, being in certain places, or even certain smells or sounds. We must be aware of these potential triggers to maintain our recovery journey and stay on the path of sobriety. It is important to recognize these triggers and take steps to avoid them. This could types of relapse triggers include avoiding certain people or places or engaging in activities that help to distract. Committing to an addiction treatment program for its entire duration can help you develop the necessary skills to manage triggers before re-entering mainstream life, where there is less structure and monitoring.
In order to understand how to prevent relapse, it is essential to first understand the relapse process itself. Relapse isn’t a sudden event; it is a process that occurs over a period of time which can range from weeks to even months. A trigger is a stimulus that brings on a reaction or series of reactions. Triggers can set off memories or even flashbacks, transporting the individual back to the event or situation of the original behavior. Substance use triggers are high on the list of areas to look out for on the road of recovery and are the focus of today’s post. Remember, reaching out for help and support is vital if you ever feel overwhelmed or struggling.
Relapse Is Not a Failure
External triggers include people, places, and things that make you think about using and yearn for it. After all, you can’t avoid all encounters with difficult people, busy, fast-moving places, or other things that get you thinking about your past drug or alcohol use. You can, however, identify ways to successfully cope with your external triggers. This is easiest to do when you know exactly what your external triggers are. Although you can avoid bars and nightclubs where drinks are served, at some point in time, you’ll likely walk past a cafe where people are sipping wine and cocktails on the patio.
Research identifying relapse patterns in adolescents recovering from addiction shows they are especially vulnerable in social settings when they trying to enhance a positive emotional state. Some people arrange a tight network of friends to call on in an emergency, such as when they are experiencing cravings. Since cravings do not last forever, engaging in conversation about the feelings as they occur with someone who understands their nature can help a person ride out the craving.
Social Pressure
Substance use often begins when someone has the desire to numb an emotional response to a trauma trigger. That’s why treatment and recovery are so focused on helping people develop the ability to look within and face some of the hardest aspects of their lives without the crutch of substance use. As you move forward in recovery, working to identify triggers that lead to certain behaviors is essential to managing them effectively. It involves taking the time to tend to your mental and physical health, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, and exercising regularly.
Accepting that relapse is a normal part of the process of recovery is a more helpful way of looking at relapse. Individuals and treatment programs that take this view are more successful, and in the long run, those who accept and work to try again after a relapse are more likely to eventually overcome their addiction. For example, someone who had completely stopped drinking for a period of time, say six months, would be experiencing a relapse if they began drinking in an unhealthy manner. If they had just one drink, they might be considered as having a “slip,” but not a full relapse. A single use might cause a person to feel unmotivated, guilty, or ashamed of their actions.