Recognizing Recovery Relapse Triggers

Addiction is a chronic disease. Therefore, it doesn’t have a cure. Although it responds well to treatment, there’s the possibility of a relapse. Do you know how to recognize and diffuse your relapse triggers?

Understanding What a Relapse Is and Isn’t

A relapse in addiction treatment refers to your return to using. You got clean, but at some point down the line, you picked up the drug again. Looking back, most people agree that there were relapse triggers. Some ignored them while others didn’t recognize them until it was too late.

Because it’s chronic, a relapse isn’t unusual. If it does occur, consider it a bump in the road. It doesn’t mean that you failed. It also doesn’t mean that you can’t get sober

Recognizing Relapse Triggers

Triggers that lead to relapse usually have to do with events or situations that evoke a strong emotional response. Case in point is a social or professional setting that in the past would’ve been the backdrop to drug abuse. For example, feeling uncomfortable with public speaking or social situations could lead to alcohol use.

In some cases, it’s being close to a familiar venue that triggers a relapse. Walking past a bar that you used to visit can be a challenge. Some people in recovery choose to alter their routes for this very reason. Sometimes, however, that’s not possible.

Emotions can also be powerful relapse triggers. You feel angry, bored, sad, or afraid. In the past, you’d numb these emotions with a drug. If these feelings sneak up on you, you might experience sudden, intense drug cravings.

Preventing a Relapse Starts in Rehab

Good-quality rehab facilities focus on relapse prevention education from your first day. The goal is for you to recognize triggers and learn how to deal with them. Examples of possible modalities include:

• Detox that lets you end a physiological addiction
• Gender-specific rehab as a means of building on your strengths
• Individual therapy that encourages you to think through dysfunctional patterns you want to change
• Peer group therapy that reaffirms your decision to quit using while introducing you to accountability
• Sober living programs that help you transition from full-time rehab to independent living gradually

For many program participants, sober living programs are vital to dealing with relapse triggers. They set the tone for life after rehab. Moreover, they allow for a slow reintegration into society. During these programs, you connect with a 12 step recovery program, find mentors, and receive care for co-occurring mental health conditions.

What to Do after a Relapse

If a relapse does happen, remember that it’s not the end of the world. Instead, it’s an opportunity to fine-tune some of the treatment that you’ve received. Check in with a rehab facility to get back on track. Depending on the severity of the relapse, you might not even need a residential program.

In fact, contact a facility as soon as you notice relapse triggers that create intense cravings. At Beaches Recovery, caring therapists want to help you achieve lifelong sobriety. Even if you received treatment elsewhere before, we will help with relapse-related care. Call us today at 866.605.0532 for immediate assistance.