Relapse prevention is as much a practice as it is a set of tools and a lifestyle. Often, relapsing is the worst nightmare of every individual in recovery. For some, it is more of a goal because they do not feel they are capable of change, or they don’t feel willing to change. Some factors like peer pressure or stress resulting from family can contribute to relapse, and it is important to have a list of skills in a “recovery toolbox” so they can be ready when needed.
Relapse prevention can include some of the following practices:
Identifying triggers is the process of pointing out different things that make your brain crave drugs and alcohol. This is one of the most important steps, as it will help shape your relapse prevention plan.
Those in recovery addicts often have to deal with cravings for the drugs they are trying to recover from. For example, feelings of depression can be triggering for drug and alcohol abuse. When you start to recognize depressing feelings, move into self-care, and contact someone from your support network. If your cravings are triggered by being in a certain area, take extra precautions to stay connected to people who support sobriety.
It is said in recovery that someone with an “attitude of gratitude” is someone who will stay sober for a lifetime. Relapse prevention can include different skills and techniques for gratitude, like keeping a gratitude list, doing an attitude check, and sending a gratitude list to a sponsor.
Regularly engaging in self-care is a way to make time for yourself and getting your needs met. Often, when your needs aren’t being met, you face the most cravings for alcohol and drugs.
Triggers for relapse can be general but are mostly specific to the individual. In relapse, there is one core issue that is true for everyone who experiences it. At some point, the brain goes back to thinking that using drugs and alcohol is the best idea. No matter the problem, no matter the consequence, the brain cannot be unconvinced that the consumption of drugs and alcohol will solve all of its obsessions and ruminating problems. People often fool themselves into believing they need just one more and can have just one more before fully regressing into substance abuse again. Discovering the various triggers and circumstances that encourage the brain to produce cravings symptoms is just one part of the relapse prevention process.
Relapse doesn’t have to happen ever again. You can win the fight against addiction. Design For Change provides refuge for individuals seeking recovery. For more information on our treatment programs and recovery services, call us today at 855-997-1372.
