Relapse is very common during recovery. It’s so common that most people relapse at least one time. Part of the reason is that relapse triggers crop up in daily life all the time. Returning to daily life after treatment can be overwhelming and incredibly tempting, even for those with good self-control. Knowing some of the more common triggers can help you recognize the danger and stay in recovery.
Negative Emotions
Everyone experiences negative emotions from time to time. For example, a breakup or not getting an expected promotion can send anyone into a negativity spiral. You feel bad and want to escape those feelings.
Unfortunately, for someone in recovery, drugs or alcohol can seem like a fast solution to numbing those feelings. Feeling bad is unpleasant but also temporary. If you feel like it’s going to overwhelm you, touch base with a friend, sponsor, or mental health professional for support.
Stress
It’s almost impossible to escape stress. Work responsibilities or even a bad work schedule can create a lot of stress. If you have children at home, everything from their behavior to their grades may leave you stressed out. Shaky finances will do it too.
The key thing you should remember is that you can manage these relapse triggers. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and even spending time with friends will help reduce your stress level.
A Person or Place Connected with You Addiction
Ever hear a song that always makes you remember a high school friend? For some, a smell makes them remember their childhood. Seeing a person or place connected with your addiction can drag it all to the front of your mind. It’s much harder not to have an alcohol relapse or drug relapse when you’re thinking about it.
At a certain level, distraction supports your recovery. If you’re busy training for a marathon or writing a book, you don’t spend every minute thinking about drugs or alcohol. Find ways to keep busy if you encounter these relapse triggers in your daily life. It can help push those thoughts back down.
What to Do if Relapse Triggers Cause a Relapse
Encounter the right relapse triggers at the right moment and a relapse will happen. This can be upsetting, but it’s important that you do not focus on the relapse. Focus on what to do next. If you think you’re spiraling, you can always enter rehab again. If you haven’t gone through them previously, make sure to utilize therapies, such as:
They’ll also provide you with more tools for relapse prevention. Support structures that are available to you outside treatment are a vital tool.
Crest View Recovery Center
Crest View Recovery Center provides drug and alcohol rehab services for men and women. We’re located in Asheville, NC.
Don’t let relapse triggers control your future. A quality rehab program can help you overcome your relapse. If you’ve relapsed, contact Crest View Recovery Center at 866.327.2505 and see if we’re right to help get you back on course.
