Abstinence is only the beginning of the process; recovery is a life-long journey that requires effort and commitment. As previously discussed, the early stages of recovery can pose a high risk of relapse. Although relapse is possible, following relapse prevention strategies and tips may help you avoid it.

1. Stay away from Triggers

As previously stated, common triggers can include people, places, or things that are frequently associated with prior substance use. Triggers can cause cravings, which can lead to relapse if not managed properly.

Attempting to avoid triggers is important because they can alter how you respond to stimuli, resulting in difficult-to-control cravings. It is critical to be aware of both universal and personal triggers so that you can take action to avoid the trigger or, if possible, remove yourself from the situation.

Going to a bar with friends who drink alcohol, for example, could be a universal trigger; avoiding this trigger could entail finding a new group of friends who do not use substances. A personal trigger is unique to you—for example, coming home from work to an empty house; avoiding this trigger could mean going to a self-help meeting after work or spending time doing activities you enjoy.

2. Invest in Your Mental Health

Substance abuse and poor mental health are frequently linked. Untreated mental illness may pose an internal risk factor for relapse. A co-occurring disorder is defined as having a mental illness, such as depression or bipolar disorder, and addiction at the same time, and it has been shown to increase a person’s risk of relapse.

Taking care of your mental health may assist you in avoiding relapse. Emotional distress is a risk factor for relapse; similarly, mental illness can influence substance use. To maximize your chances of recovery success, address any untreated mental illness and ensure that you receive co-occurring disorder treatment.

3. Stress Management

Stress can increase the likelihood of substance use and relapse. People may use substances to cope with stress, and unresolved stress can be a trigger for relapse. According to one study, people who are stressed often romanticize their previous substance use and begin to believe that recovery is difficult but drugs or alcohol are enjoyable.

People also mistakenly believe that drinking or using drugs will make them feel better, which may work temporarily but only causes distress and harm in the long run.

Of course, some stress is unavoidable, but you may be able to manage it in more positive or healthier ways, such as exercising, meditating, journaling, or reaching out to supportive friends or family.

4. Be optimistic

Addiction and relapse may be exacerbated by negative emotional states and thought patterns. Anger, anxiety, depression, frustration, and boredom are among the thoughts and feelings associated with the highest rates of relapse.

It can be difficult to know how to avoid relapse, especially when dealing with difficult emotions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you deal with negative emotions and thoughts, as well as cultivate a more positive mindset. It works by teaching you how to recognize unhealthy patterns, how to develop healthier thoughts and behaviors, and how to avoid relapse.

5. Discover Your Purpose or Passion

When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, their life can be consumed, and substances may appear to be the only way to experience pleasure or relief. Early recovery may feel like there is a void left by drugs and alcohol, but filling this void may help you avoid relapse. Finding something meaningful to you that gives you energy and a sense of purpose can help you learn to live a substance-free life.

A hobby or passion project can assist you by providing you with a sense of purpose and meaning. Volunteering or community service, finding a hobby you enjoy, learning a new skill, or enrolling in an adult education class on a topic that interests you are some examples.

6. Maintain a Healthy Routine

Drug and alcohol use can harm your physical and mental health. Recovery is a time when you should concentrate on getting healthy and healing. Taking care of your health can begin with doing the basics, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising on a regular basis.

A daily wellness routine can help prevent relapse and promote good health, but it can also help you stay sober by keeping you busy. Joining a sports team, going to the gym, taking yoga classes, consulting your doctor or a dietitian to determine your nutrition needs and building a healthy diet, and practicing good sleep hygiene, such as sticking to a regular bedtime and avoiding stressful triggers before bed, are all options.

7. Keep/Build Healthy Relationships

A strong support system is essential for recovery and avoiding relapse. You may need to expand your social circle and form new relationships with people who do not use drugs or alcohol. People from mutual support groups, your sponsor, close friends, family, or mentors can all be part of your recovery support network.

Furthermore, family therapy can be a beneficial adjunct to your relapse recovery by assisting in the resolution of issues and the repair of damage caused by addiction.

8. Continue Medications as Recommended

You may have been given medications to aid in your recovery. Acamprosate, naltrexone, or disulfiram for alcohol use disorders, or buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone for opioid use disorders, are examples of such medications. People frequently worry that taking medication means substituting one substance for another, but this does not invalidate your sobriety; on the contrary, medication can be beneficial in assisting you to stay sober.

Stopping medication can increase your chances of relapse, so stick to your treatment plan and consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about your medication regimen.

9. Maintain Treatment

Keep in mind that recovery is a process. After completing a formal period of treatment, many people benefit from ongoing care to help them stay sober and focused on recovery. Attending weekly sessions at an outpatient substance abuse treatment program, seeing an individual counselor, attending 12-step meetings, or a combination of these options are all possible.

It’s critical to stick to the aftercare plan you were given at the end of treatment and to seek additional help if you’re having trouble stopping relapses. You may need to include another or different type of aftercare or make changes to your plan.

Why Does Relapse Occur?

According to Marlatt and Gordon’s relapse prevention model, relapse can be influenced by a variety of factors. This can include factors such as being in high-risk situations or having poor coping skills, as well as a life imbalance between perceived external demands (things you believe you must do) and internally fulfilling activities (things you like to do).

Relapse is also influenced by brain changes. Addiction causes long-term brain changes that impair a person’s ability to control their substance use, and these changes do not disappear overnight. Treating chronic diseases such as addiction entails addressing deeply ingrained behaviors that can be influenced by these changes long after a person has become sober.

There are various causes of relapse, but there is rarely just one; it usually involves an event and a combination of factors that can compound over time.

Poor self-care, not attending self-help meetings, feeling embarrassed about having cravings, frustration with having to work on recovery after a period of abstinence, feeling like you should be able to control your behavior, and feelings of personal failure after a lapse are all possible causes of relapse.

Relapse triggers are internal or external cues associated with previous substance use that can cause strong cravings to resume substance use; trigger exposure is a risk factor for relapse. Relapse triggers can be both specific to your situation and universal, i.e. factors that could trigger anyone in recovery. Stress and tension are two common triggers.

Thinking negatively.

Conflict between people.

Being exposed to drug-related stimuli (such as pipes or bongs).

Being in close proximity to locations where you used substances.

Associating with drug and alcohol users.

What Should You Do If You Relapse?

Remember that relapse is common, and it is normal if it happens to you. It’s a normal part of the recovery process and nothing to be ashamed of. If you relapse, seek help immediately and notify someone you trust, such as your sponsor, as soon as possible. This can assist you in getting back on track and preventing things from getting worse if you wait.

If you relapse, you might benefit from resuming treatment. Seeking help when you need it is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a sign of strength that can assist you in regaining control of your life.

Contact New Day Rehab For Help With Relapse

New Day Rehabilitation Centre is one of the most effective rehab centres in Gauteng. We are an inpatient facility that specialises in drug and alcohol addiction treatment.

We provide a safe space for those detoxing from drugs or alcohol and a framework for addicts and alcoholics to begin their recovery journey. All clients are treated with respect and dignity and treated with confidentiality by our qualified therapist and network of doctors and psychiatrists. While many of our clients cater for themselves, we provide laundry services and all meals for those who need them.

This post was first published at https://newdayrehab.co.za/how-to-prevent-relapse-here-are-9-ways/