Relapse risks are everywhere due to addiction’s complex nature. Coping with daily triggers is challenging, as any can lead to relapse. This is why aftercare planning for addiction is an essential part of recovery. Medical experts and addiction treatment specialists know this. Contact Northpoint Recovery online or call 888.296.8976 today to learn more about solid relapse prevention plans.
What Is Addiction Relapse?
A relapse is what occurs when someone goes back to using drugs. An addiction to drugs or alcohol is a chronic brain disease. Some believe relapsing is harmless, thinking they can quit again later. However, relapsing can be dangerous, mainly due to the risk of overdose.
An overdose can happen to anyone who is a drug abuser. Another issue is the risk of continuing the cycle of addiction. While common, avoiding relapses is crucial as they impede future quitting efforts.
What Are Relapse Triggers?
A relapse trigger can lead to a relapse and varies for each person. However, some triggers are more common.
Problems Coping with Unsettled Emotions
Struggling with substance addiction changes your perception of “normal.” Emotions fluctuate from extreme joy to anger and sadness. In recovery, new emotions emerge, some linked to forgotten memories. Managing these feelings requires adjustment.
Recovery can overwhelm others. Some view returning to addiction as a solution. Anger hides fear, while shame or embarrassment about addictions is common. They may even direct anger at loved ones without reason. Managing emotions is tough, especially when revisiting unresolved aspects of the past.
Not Staying Committed to Recovery
Be cautious about assuming you won’t relapse. In addiction recovery, people may think they’ve found the key to staying clean, but they underestimate the power of their substance use disorders. Those in recovery often make excuses to avoid treatment. Quitting AA, NA, or counseling is risky and may lead to relapse.
Visiting Old Friends and Places
Friendships are meaningful, and people with an addiction often miss their old friends. But if they convince you to use with them just once, for old times’ sake, and you give in, it counts as a relapse. Ideally, all relationships would be healthy, but that’s not always possible. In addiction recovery, memories of drug use can also be tied to specific locations. However, visiting these places can trigger cravings, so it’s crucial to avoid them, even if it means missing important events.
How Do You Build a Relapse Prevention Plan?
Relapse warning signs: loss of interest in treatment and longing for past drug use. Recognizing and promptly taking preventive action is crucial. Relapse is an opportunity for learning and growth. Create a solid relapse prevention plan for yourself.
Seek the Help of Professionals
Recovery typically involves detox and rehabilitation as the initial step, offering support from experts. If you attend addiction rehabilitation, a relapse prevention strategy will be included. To prevent relapse, attending inpatient addiction treatment is crucial for initial recovery success.
Replace Relapse Risk Behaviors with Positive Pastimes
Going through detox helps you initially get past the physical addiction, but it all stems from a deeper place. Here are some holistic ways to heal yourself:
- Being physically active boosts endorphins.
- Achieving emotional well-being rebuilds self-trust.
- Cultivating a relationship with a higher power expands perspective. Faith is vital for relapse prevention.
- Finding happiness within yourself and in relationships.
- Understanding addiction and its relevance to you.
- Nourishing your body with healthy food restores health, provides energy, and enhances mood.
Initially, having a strong support system is vital to navigate through intense emotional triggers.
Cultivate Support Systems You Will Need
Committing to a 90 in 90 with a 12-step program can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and provide valuable education and support. If you ever experience feeling emotionally unstable, having someone to call immediately is crucial. Discuss your relapse prevention plan with a trusted friend, family member, or support group.
Build a Relapse Prevention Plan That Works at Northpoint Recovery in Idaho
Learn how to create a relapse prevention plan that works for you. Contact Northpoint Recovery online or call 888.296.8976 today to learn how to build a solid relapse prevention plan.