Top Triggers for Relapse and How to Avoid Them

Other research shows that as many as 85% of individuals may relapse after one year of addiction treatment. This activity helps members explore qualities, interests, and values that define them beyond addiction, encouraging them to embrace a new, healthy identity. Humor can lift spirits and reduce stress, making it a valuable tool in recovery. This session encourages members to share funny stories, reminding them that joy and laughter are essential to life and can help lighten difficult moments.

Top Relapse Triggers and How to Manage Them

By the same token, it’s important to remember, becoming overly confident may put you at risk for relapse. While self confidence is necessary, becoming overly confident can bring a state of complacency and sets you up for a relapse risk. It should be noted, if you do need treatment for your mental health, get the help you need. You can begin by starting a journal to help you notice when you may be slipping into old habits that are counter-productive. For instance, it isn’t a great idea to hang out with friends at a bar or around people who are using drugs. Everyone will have different internal triggers, but by recognizing some of the common ones you will be better equipped to avoid or address your internal triggers.

You can also reach out to them whenever you experience triggers or cravings. Ask your therapist for additional guidance if you need help identifying these emotions. Recognizing these emotions can help you seek other therapy or a recovery meeting if necessary. Even positive events in life, like achieving a promotion or attaining sobriety goals, can unexpectedly lead to a relapse.

Strengthen regular coping strategies

A relapse prevention plan also puts clear plans into place to address drug and alcohol use if it happens. These typically involve people in your recovery support circle who can help lead you back to a life that is free of substance abuse and help you get back on track. There are some people who believe relapse is automatically part of the recovery process. While relapse is definitely a concern, we want to reassure you that relapse does not have to be part of your story.

Instead of allowing the trigger to overcome you, talk to yourself logically. Explain to yourself that you recognize the trigger, you’re taking steps to remove yourself from the situation and you don’t allow the trigger to have any power over you. Addiction relapses are similar in that the individual needs to seek treatment to get back on track. To overcome withdrawal symptoms, most people need some form of detoxification or withdrawal management service. A long-term, severe relapse might require residential treatment, while people with prior experience in a treatment program may do well with outpatient therapy. Whatever the course of treatment, it will involve the person identifying the reasons they relapse and learning what steps to take to prevent it in the future.

Of drug or alcohol treatment patients are expected to relapse at some point. It’s a mental tug of war situation that could drag a person down to eventual relapse. Regret can be a heavy burden, but it can also motivate positive change. This discussion allows members to address any regrets they have and explore how these feelings can be transformed into fuel for growth and self-improvement.

Addiction Treatment

• There are multiple reminders of substance use in a former drug user’s life, including people, places and things.
• In this activity, members list and share three things they’re grateful for with the group.
• AngerUsing drugs and alcohol to manage unpleasant emotions is a common coping mechanism among people who seek substance abuse treatment.
• This activity involves helping members create a self-care plan that includes physical, emotional, and mental activities, such as exercise, relaxation, and setting personal boundaries.
• The drug’s effects not only create a powerful euphoria but also lead to severe physical and mental health issues.
• Organize a group nature walk where members can reconnect with the outdoors, reduce stress, and find peace in a natural setting.

It’s essential to seek a professional who specializes in co-occurring disorders, drug addiction treatment, and relapse prevention. Therapy, medication, and holistic approaches can provide the support you need to manage your mental health and reduce the risk of relapse. Understanding and managing common relapse triggers is not about living in fear but about adopting a proactive stance toward a fulfilling recovery. It involves self-awareness, the development of healthy coping mechanisms, and a commitment to building a support network that understands and uplifts you. By going through these triggers with resilience and a clear understanding of your personal strengths and vulnerabilities, you can pave the way for a sustained and meaningful recovery journey. Remember, recovery is a process, and with the right tools, each step forward becomes a victory.

How Is Recovery.com Different?

Ask your sponsor or counselor to assist you with thinking outside what may be obvious so you aren’t caught off guard by sights, smells and emotions. Often, relapse will be preceded by a trigger that causes someone to start thinking about relapsing or creates a craving for a substance that was previously used. These triggers can be difficult to recognize and can completely disrupt a recovery if they lead to relapse. Recognition and avoidance of potentialtriggerswill be a key part of any recovery process. The acronym HALT, developed by AA is used to describe high-risk situations for those in recovery.

• Bringing non-alcoholic alternatives or choosing events with sober-friendly activities helps maintain a sense of participation.
• Addressing mental and physical health problems quickly can reduce the risk of relapse.
• Look for shortcuts to help you save time or consider saying no to obligations that don’t bring you joy.
• Reflect on the factors that led to the relapse and use this insight to strengthen your coping strategies.
• Expecting triggers and planning to cope with them effectively is the best way to defend against addiction relapse.
• By being aware of the HALT framework, addressing untreated mental illness, navigating personal difficulties, and managing stressors, you can build a solid foundation for your sobriety.
• Triggers are social, environmental or emotional situations that remind people in recovery of their past drug or alcohol use.

• When you are aware of this you can be vigilant in preventing yourself from entering those states.
• We focus on equipping you with the tools you need to manage triggers, navigate the stages of relapse, and build lasting, sober habits.
• Instead, analyze the situation to identify what triggered the relapse and how it can be prevented in the future.
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that 40 to 60 percent of people treated for substance use disorders relapse.

You may think you miss your old life when you see these reminders, but remember the pain and hardship your addiction brought you as well. If you don’t prepare for these situations ahead of time, you are vulnerable to relapse. Try brainstorming ideas on your own and work with your counselor or therapist to come up with a plan. When you’re reminded of your addiction, it’s important to have effective ways of handling your feelings. For instance, if you’re an alcoholic and a group of drinking buddies ask you to go out, or you see people from work going to happy hour, it might help to have a specific response ready.

Inpatient treatment provides a place away from the stressors of home life and the support of doctors and behavioral therapists. Returning home, however, may increase stressors, like caring for young children, a stressful job, and conflict in relationships. This session discusses steps to rebuild trust with family, friends, and oneself through honesty, consistency, and patience, helping members repair important relationships. Boundaries are crucial for maintaining mental well-being and avoiding toxic influences.

A person with diabetes will often relapse due to poor eating behaviors, for example. They just have to reset, practice healthy eating and get their blood sugar under control with the help of their doctor. It’s key to remember that these are not failures and shouldn’t be termed as such.

• Part of your relapse prevention plan should be to make a list of people, places and things that are strong triggers for you.
• Coping in a healthy manner requires that you have a plan in place to address your needs when you cannot directly respond to the particular trigger.
• By combining things like mindfulness, exercise, healthy eating, and support from others, you can create a plan that helps you bounce back and stay on track.
• If you’re a treatment provider and have a question, please reach out and someone from our Customer Success team will be in touch with you shortly.
• At Resurgence, our cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques are designed to address these thought patterns and reinforce your commitment to sobriety.

The acronym “HALT” stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired—four common conditions that can trigger a relapse. Keep a note of your therapist’s phone number, emergency contacts, and a concrete action plan in case you relapse. This plan might include asking your therapist for an emergency what is Oxford House therapy session, visiting the emergency room, or enrolling in inpatient treatment again. Write down a schedule of your favorite support groups and attend a meeting for additional guidance. Commit to talking with one or more of the support group members regularly.