According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40 and 60 percent of individuals treated for a substance abuse disorder will eventually relapse. As such, those who have undergone treatment should not just assume they will never face temptation again. Recognizing the common addiction triggers and coming up with a relapse prevention plan is the key to maintaining sobriety for life.
Common Addiction Triggers
As Psychology Today notes, even those who have been sober for years can suddenly experience a relapse. They equate relapse as something of a “deep dormant sleep” that can you can suddenly be awakened from. Accordingly, you must constantly remain aware of some common relapse triggers that may cause you to unexpectedly start craving drugs or alcohol again.
Some triggers may be internal, and involve negative feelings such as anxiety, fear, or depression. If you experience these negative emotions, there is a good chance you will think about using substances again. This is especially true if you previously used drugs or alcohol to help you deal with these feelings.
Common addiction triggers may also be external in nature. These triggers involve people, places, or situations that remind you of your past drug abuse. Some examples include:
- Hanging out with old friends that you used to get high with
- Visiting neighborhoods where you previously used or sold drugs
- Going to bars or nightclubs that serve alcohol
- Attending parties or other social events that involve drugs or alcohol
Dealing with Relapse Triggers
Dealing with the most common addiction triggers involves learning to recognize them and coming up with a plan for dealing with them. In many cases, this can mean trying to prevent situations in which you may become tempted to use again. For example, some people are more apt to purchase alcohol if they have the financial means to do so. Accordingly, having someone else manage your finances could eliminate this scenario entirely.
You may be tempted to have one drink or use drugs just “one more time.” Perhaps you believe you have more self-control than you used to have and that you will never allow bad habits to take over again. Many others have made this same mistake. Before you know it, you can once again return to your old lifestyle-maybe without even realizing you have done so.
A relapse prevention program should include a mentor you can turn to whenever you face temptation. This person can hopefully intervene so that you do not go down that path again. If you have fallen off the wagon but have not yet become addicted again, that individual can hopefully point you toward an addiction treatment program such as ours.
Programs at Granite Recovery Centers
If you’ve experienced a relapse, a common reaction is to deny that you have begun using again. The longer you carry out this charade, the more difficulty you will have trying to achieve sobriety again. More serious cases of relapse could require a visit to one of our treatment centers, where you will encounter programs such as:
- Medical detox (Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.)
- Holistic therapies such as fitness and adventure therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Evidence based treatment
- 12-step program
- Relapse prevention program
Here at Granite Recovery Centers, we will never make you feel embarrassed because you have relapsed. Instead, we will remain focused on helping you get sober again. Do not struggle alone when you can reach out to us for help.
We help you Overcome Common Addiction Triggers
Are you facing relapse and are not sure where to turn? Have you reverted back to using drugs or alcohol again and need assistance getting clean? If so, we can help you get your life back on track again. Please contact us at 855.712.7784 to turn yourself back around and get headed in the right direction once more.
