Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction is an amazing accomplishment that one should be proud of.
The recovery journey comes with a lot of ups and downs, and there will be situations that can compromise your sobriety. Staying sober is a lifelong practice that requires constant maintenance and there are certain relapse prevention techniques you can follow to stay on track. It’s important to be aware of the triggers and drug cravings you will inevitably experience so that you can properly manage them. At Clearbrook Treatment Centers, we provide customized addiction treatment in Pennsylvania and we are here to guide you through the recovery journey. We explain the common relapse triggers that occur, especially during the early stages of recovery. It’s crucial that you start off strong when you transition into everyday life outside of treatment.
Being aware of the most frequent relapse triggers is the first step towards long-term sobriety. If you are experiencing any of these, it’s important to apply all that you have learned in treatment in order to prevent relapse.
- Extra Stress- This is a very common relapse trigger as stress can have profound effects on the mind and body. Many people don’t know how to handle stressful situations, and this can lead to an unfortunate relapse. Increased stress levels can be felt from extra responsibilities at work or your home life being hostile.
- People and Places- There are certain individuals who are negative influences and they will pressure you into using drugs or alcohol again. It’s important that you stay away from these people as they can contribute to a relapse trigger. There are also specific places that may remind you of your past struggles with substance abuse. You may feel that you can handle going back to certain places, however we suggest that you steer clear from them.
- Emotional Triggers- It’s very common to go through a range of emotions as we are all human. However, an individual who has recently recovered from addiction may experience heightened emotions with certain events. These extreme emotions such as sadness or loneliness can lead to a relapse. We suggest that you stay active and busy in addition to confiding in a trusted friend or therapist about any negative emotions you’re facing.
