Relapses are an unfortunate part of the substance abuse recovery process. But there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood that they occur. This article will show you how to do it. Keep reading to learn more.
Understand what triggers relapses
Research shows that there are certain things in life that increase the risk of relapse when they’re experienced. If you understand what these are and learn how to identify them in your life, you can take preventative action to avoid them. In doing so, you’ll significantly decrease your chances of experiencing a relapse.
So with that in mind, here are the top five triggers of relapses:
- Stress
- People and places that are connected to your addictive behavior
- Negative emotions like sadness and anxiety
- Seeing the object of your addiction
- Times of celebration, such as parties
Some of these things will be easier for you to avoid than others. That’s okay. You likely won’t be able to avoid every relapse trigger all of the time.
When you do experience a relapse trigger, try to recognize what’s happening and watch it play out in real-time. Doing so will help you detach from the emotions of the situation, which can reduce your risk of relapsing.
Following a comprehensive care plan is the best strategy for reducing your risk of relapse
Studies have shown that the best way to prevent relapse is to create and follow a comprehensive recovery plan that’s overseen by professionals. Here’s what that looks like.
Work with professionals to create a personalized treatment plan
Every person is different. And the substance abuse recovery plan that’s best for someone else may not be right for you. That’s why it’s essential to work with a treatment team at the beginning of your recovery process to come up with a plan that’s built around your unique situation.
If you’re looking for a place that can do this for you in Southern California, then check out The House Of The Rising Son. We offer a wide variety of personalized substance abuse recovery plans because we understand that no two patients are entirely alike.
Follow that plan all the way through
Once you have a plan in place, it’s really important to follow it until it concludes. Some patients will start to see the improvements that they want early on in their plan. You might as well.
But when this happens, it’s important to stay committed. If you think you’re cured too early and give up on your program, your chances of relapsing could be much higher.
Commit to aftercare
It’s also important to know that substance abuse recovery doesn’t finish when you’re done with rehab. You’ll still need support while you’re transitioning back out into the real world. Sometimes this may come in the form of a sober living home. This type of care is called aftercare since it takes place after rehab is over.
Other tips for avoiding relapse
Keep your body moving
Another way to reduce your likelihood of relapsing is making sure that you get enough exercise. Depression and anxiety are common symptoms of the substance abuse recovery process.
But when you exercise, you get endorphins moving throughout your system. That means you’ll feel better when you do it and reduce your chances of relapse as well.
Your exercise doesn’t have to be anything too crazy either. Even committing to something as simple as going for a short daily walk can be enough to fight off depression and anxiety symptoms that can threaten your sobriety.
Create a plan for dealing with urges before they happen
Even after you complete rehab and aftercare, you will likely still feel periodic urges to return to your substance of choice. That’s why it’s really important to have a plan in place for how you’re going to deal with these.
Every person’s plan looks a little different. So you’ll want to build one that’s right for you with the help of a trained professional. This way, you know exactly what you need to do when you have an urge to avoid giving in to it and relapsing.
Get the care you need at The House of the Rising Son
Ultimately, the best way to avoid relapses is to complete a comprehensive and personalized substance abuse recovery treatment program. If you’re in the Southern California area, there’s no better place to do that than at The House of the Rising Son.
Our staff is full of trained addiction specialists who understand the ins and outs of what you’re going through. They can identify your unique needs to create a customized recovery plan that you just need to follow to reduce your risk of relapsing.
If you need help check out The House of the Rising Son
