Identifying Common Relapse Triggers and How To Avoid Them

Recovery from Substance Use Disorder is not a straight-line path. Instead, it comes with challenges and obstacles, and one of the challenges is avoiding relapse. Studies have shown that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse after initiating treatment.?

Understanding what might trigger you to relapse and having a plan for these triggers are the first steps toward prevention. Relapsing is a process of encountering a trigger, unable to cope without substance use given a stressful situation, and indulging in the behavior again. Relapse can become better prevented when you become aware of your common triggers and have a coping mechanism to combat falling into the trap of relapsing.

Here are the seven most common relapse triggers-?

Stress:?The top major trigger for relapse is stress. People with past addictive behavior show a poor coping mechanism to stress. One way to prepare for this trigger is to evaluate the stress you're experiencing. By making changes in your lifestyle, relationships, and priorities, you may reduce the number of stressful situations in your life.

Celebrations:?In moments of special occasions or celebrations where everyone else is drinking or doing drugs, it will trigger a recovering individual into joining the fun. Avoid going into situations alone where you are at high risk of relapse.

Relationship issues:?Difficulty in relationships with friends, family, or romantic partners triggers relapses.??

H.A.L.T:?Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness also act as relapse triggers.??

Challenging emotions:?Negative emotions and high or low confidence in recovery can also work as triggers, aim to learn how to get comfortable with uncomfortable feelings and emotions.

Certain people and places:?Friends you used to drink or do drugs with and specific locations will take you back to dark memories and potentially trigger you. If you don't prepare for these situations ahead of time, you are vulnerable to relapse. Instead, try brainstorming ideas or work with your counselor or therapist to develop a plan.

Mental illness:?Untreated mental issues also act as relapse triggers. Make your mental health a priority by implementing self-care and seeking professional help.

Here are five ways to avoid the common triggers-

-Prepare a plan for places or people associated with your past addictive behaviors or avoid it for the time being. Recovery and sobriety are all about recognizing these desires and replacing them with more positive behaviors.

-Accept your negative emotions and practice emotional sobriety. Emotional sobriety does not mean only handling emotions to prevent relapse but also feeling positive and negative emotions without letting them control your actions. Emotional sobriety introduces you to long-lasting self-esteem, wisdom, resilience, and balance that's necessary for a sober and peaceful life.?

-Redefine your idea of fun. Consider saying no to parties and celebrations until you are ready to be surrounded by challenging situations. Maybe your old friend group or relatives made you want to intake substance use. So it's better to make new friendships with people who support your recovery journey.

-Keep your support system close. A supportive group of friends and family can boost your motivation to stay sober and help you stay on track with your sobriety.

-Make a plan to distract yourself from triggers. For instance, build new habits, and find new hobbies to keep yourself busy and entertained. You don't necessarily need to have drinks or do drugs to have a fun time!