Recovering from a substance use addiction is a complex process. Although relapse is a common occurrence with a reported relapse rate of 40-60%, it is not the end of someone’s recovery journey – if anything, it can often be a stepping stone to greater healing and self-compassion. It is important to recognize that relapse can happen to anyone and does not represent a lack of dedication or strength – but a need for additional support and guidance.
At the same time, it is possible to maintain long-term sobriety without experiencing a relapse – with the right tools, prevention strategies, and a strong support system, people can significantly increase their chances of long-term recovery.
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Understanding Triggers and Identifying High-Risk Situations
Self-knowledge is one of the greatest assets you can have on your recovery journey. By identifying triggers and high-risk situations, people can navigate their way through recovery with greater clarity. Triggers can include, people, places, situations, and even certain items or objects that evoke intense emotions, feelings, thoughts, and traumatic memories that can increase the risk of relapse. A high-risk situation is one that is stressful and full of potentially triggering moments, such as a family gathering, a holiday, a special occasion, or a social event. Until you have the ability to self-regulate and navigate these situations and triggers without being significantly affected by them, it’s important to put your health and well-being first and avoid engaging with anything that could trigger a relapse.
Building a Support System
Another key aspect of preventing relapse is building a strong support system. Having social support is one of the most important indicators of successful long-term recovery. Although it can take time and effort, having a support system has long-lasting benefits that are vital to your recovery journey. A support system can include friends, family, therapists, support groups, or other people in recovery.
Not only is a support system there to help you when things are tough, but it can also help inspire and motivate you to remain committed to your recovery goals and vision for your life. Having a community of people who are there for you and support your recovery and have also walked a similar path can help you feel a sense of purpose and belonging, alleviating the loneliness that is a trigger for many people with a history of substance use. Invest your recovery and well-being by surrounding yourself with as many like-minded people who can provide the emotional and social support you need to succeed.
Coping with Cravings
Drug cravings can appear as you progress along the road to recovery, despite the fact that they are frequently connected with the early phases of drug withdrawal and detox. A craving is a strong desire to use drugs or use substances; it may be brought on by individuals, places, or stressful circumstances. It will take work to form new habits that result in more powerful outcomes if you’re used to turning to a substance whenever you feel provoked or vulnerable because addiction is an established pattern of behavior.
Using the power of the breath and mindfulness practices that help people focus on the present moment are extremely effective strategies for controlling cravings. Other methods for overcoming drug cravings include spending time in nature, getting plenty of exercise, and spending time developing new skills.
Staying Engaged in Treatment and Aftercare
Aftercare and integrating what you learned in treatment is critical for anyone in recovery. It is very important to have a plan of continued care once you leave a treatment program so that you know you have the support you need to help you succeed. Aftercare can look like attending regular therapy, going to support groups, scheduling yoga into your weekly schedule, or something more intensive, like an outpatient program. Many treatment centers offer programs for alumni and may also have outpatient programs of their own or therapists they can recommend. Making sure you have the support you need will help prevent relapse and reinforce all of the work you’ve already done to heal and stay sober.
Professional Support For Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention is a continuous process that requires commitment and hard work. People recovering from a substance use disorder can vastly improve their odds of sustaining long-term sobriety by getting the support they need to help them navigate the challenges that will inevitably come their way. By developing greater self-awareness and recognizing triggers, building a strong social network, and learning other tools and techniques to empower you during difficult situations, you will be more empowered to prevent a relapse from occurring. The most successful people in recovery get help when they need it – and often get help as a preventative measure. If you or a loved one need support with overcoming addiction, reach out to Ethan Crossing today.