Addiction recovery does not often follow a straight, simple path. There are often many ups and downs, and a person can go for long periods of abstinence, only to then slip into a relapse. One of the best ways to avoid relapse is to learn relapse prevention techniques in addiction treatment. A behavioral therapy program can help you devise a plan to prevent or manage common relapse triggers that sabotage your sobriety.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we are dedicated to your success in recovery, so we provide comprehensive detox programs that include behavioral and holistic therapies. By preparing you with a plan to deal with the most common relapse triggers, we can greatly increase your chances of staying on track for lasting recovery. Reach out to us today at 866.516.8356 to learn more about relapse prevention through our behavioral therapy programs.
How Can You Prevent Relapse?
While there is no surefire way to prevent a relapse, you can significantly reduce your risk by developing a relapse prevention plan. Together with a therapist or another addiction treatment professional, you can create a menu of relapse prevention techniques to address each of the most common relapse triggers. Below are the five most common relapse triggers that can threaten your sobriety.
1. Your Circle of Friends
Your drinking or drug use most likely took place around a specific group of people. These friends helped reinforce your substance use since they were also using and did not make you feel like there was a problem. While your loved ones may not necessarily have an addiction, just being around them when they are partaking can be a major trigger for you. In some cases, just being around certain people can put you at risk of relapse, especially if your relationship with them solely revolves around drugs or alcohol.
2. Stress
Stress is at the root of most problems, and drug or alcohol addiction is no exception. Since stress may have played a significant role in why you turned to self-medication, it will continue to be one of the most common relapse triggers. Without healthy relapse prevention techniques in your self-care toolbox, encountering stress will make it much more challenging for you to stay on track for recovery.
3. Holidays or Celebrations
For many people, holidays and celebrations are often a time to indulge in food and drink with their loved ones. It can be challenging to know how to attend these events without being tempted to drink. Without a plan of action, you may find yourself resorting to isolating yourself to avoid relapse risks, leading to loneliness and depression.
4. Mental Health Conditions
Left untreated, mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder can be powerful relapse triggers. Many people struggling with addiction also deal with co-occurring mental health conditions.
5. Exposure to Drugs or Alcohol
This is one of the most obvious of all the common addiction triggers. Many people think to rid their homes of alcohol and drugs when they are in recovery. Furthermore, you can usually exert some level of control over the substances that enter your home. However, you will not always be able to do this elsewhere. If you visit friends or family or go out to restaurants, you may be exposed to alcohol. Seeing or even smelling alcohol can trigger your desire to drink. Working with someone on your addiction treatment team can help you develop a plan.
Get Help at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand how detrimental relapse triggers can be to your recovery. You can avoid some of these triggers by making some simple lifestyle changes. However, others may be difficult or nearly impossible to avoid altogether. We will work with you to create a relapse prevention plan. We strive to set you up for success in the face of these triggers. Give us a call today at 866.516.8356 so we can empower you with the most effective relapse prevention techniques.
