Relapse Triggers and How to Avoid them When at an Addiction Treatment Center
It’s not unusual for people who are recovering from addictions to relapse at least once. Some people even fall off the wagon several times before finally becoming sober. The first step in prevention is to understand what could cause you to relapse, as well as to have a strategy in place to deal with these causes. Here are five triggers to think about and discuss with your therapist or counselor during addiction treatment services west jordan, ut.
There’s a lot of stress on
The most common cause of relapse is stress. Many people who struggle with addiction use their chosen drug or behavior as a maladaptive coping mechanism. In reality, research shows that during stressful conditions, people have an increased “wanting” for the drug, alcohol, or addictive behavior—especially if the substance or activity was the person’s primary coping mechanism.Reducing the chances of relapse due to stress requires not just discovering better ways to cope with stress, but also being able to identify when you are in a stressful situation and taking action to reduce it.
Addictive Behavior-Related People or Locations
Whether or not they are either drinking, smoking, or using narcotics, people who engaged in your addictive activity are possible relapse causes. Similarly, those locations that remind you of your addiction may be triggering. Even family members can be a trigger,4 especially if they make you feel insecure and childlike.It’s important to have good coping mechanisms in place when you’re reminded of your addiction. It can also be beneficial to have a healthy thing to do instead, such as going for a run, watching a movie, dining with a sponsor, or reading a good book.
Emotions that are negative or difficult to deal with when you are not in an addiction treatment center Phoenix az. Addicts need appropriate methods for tolerating, controlling, and making sense of the negative emotions they experience on a regular basis.You can no longer rely on alcohol, narcotics, or addictive habits to provide temporary relief from those feelings.Recognize that the negative feelings you’re feeling aren’t really indicative of impending failure. All have negative or complicated emotions. It all depends on how you treat them.
Seeing or Sensing Your Addiction’s Object
During rehabilitation, reminders of your addiction will lead to relapse. In the early stages of stopping, a whiff of cigarette smoke, seeing people drink drinks in a bar or restaurant or seeing a couple locked in an erotic embrace appears to be everywhere.It’s normal to want to relapse into your addiction.After all, it’s a position you’re used to. But healing isn’t only about “giving up” and “abstaining,” it’s also about creating a new life where it’s easier—and more desirable—not to use.Concentrate on the fresh life you’re creating and the changes you’re bringing in. Consider the detrimental effects you suffered as a result of your addiction, such as the people you harmed and the relationships you destroyed. When you see these reminders, you might think you miss your old life, but in fact, it just gave you pain and misery.