Your loved one just got out of rehab for the umpteenth time. And while you’re excited that they are finally getting their life back on track, you can’t help but worry about them relapsing again.
The truth is, overcoming addiction is never easy. Victims can’t just snap their fingers and turn their lives around overnight. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that recovery is impossible. But, it’s also a tough journey that requires endless support from loved ones.
If you’re a person struggling with addiction, you can improve your chances of recovery by identifying relapse triggers. This way, you can spot them early enough; hence, look for ways to overcome them. This advice also applies to families whose loved ones are struggling with the same. Keep an eye out for these triggers so you can help them navigate tricky situations..
Stress
The number one reason why people go back to substance abuse is stress. This is particularly the case if you were using the activity to cope with stress. So, whenever you encounter a stressful situation, the urge to resume drinking alcohol or using drugs increases.
The best way to overcome this is by constantly monitoring your stress levels. Sure, stress is not something that you can avoid forever. But, you can identify situations and factors that cause extreme stress. This could be your finances, a toxic relationship, job and more.
Once you’ve recognized the major stress triggers, look for healthy coping mechanisms. Anytime you feel overwhelmed by the situation, you can resort to these coping strategies to avoid reaching a breaking point. Consider:
- Practicing mindfulness activities like yoga or meditation
- Removing toxic people from your life
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle; exercise more and watch what you eat
Places or People Associated With Your Addictive Behavior
You might not think much about it, but the company you surround yourself with can make or break your recovery. Similarly, the places you used to visit when engaging in substance abuse can also cause you to relapse. Even your own family can be a triggering factor, especially if they make you feel helpless and vulnerable.
One way to overcome this is identifying alternative ways/ activities for response. Put simply, figure out how to respond in advance so that you don’t give into the temptation. Let’s say that you’re struggling with alcohol addiction. You should have a response ready for when your drinking buddies invite you out or your colleagues decide to go for happy hour after work.
If you know that your coworkers always go to a bar after work, this is the best time to schedule a meeting with your sponsor, have dinner with your family or go for a jog.
Negative Emotions
Negative thinking patterns can also cause an individual to relapse. If you’re unable to handle the negative feelings that arise from unexpected and unpleasant situations, you’ll find yourself resorting to drugs and alcohol as a means of coping.
But instead of giving into your urges, view this as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be aware of your feelings at any one point. This way, you’ll know when your mood shifts and respond in a healthier way.
The next something bad happens that leaves you feeling incredibly sad, try journaling, meditating or even saying a quick prayer. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
