Relapse rates for drug and alcohol addiction recovery are high. Studies show that 40-60% of individuals relapse within 30 days of leaving inpatient treatment, and up to 85% relapse within the first year. Those with substance dependence must recognize the high risk of relapse, identify personal triggers, and develop healthy coping mechanisms for successful substance abuse treatment.
Through an understanding of common risks for addiction relapse, individuals can be better equipped and better able to maintain their recovery specially in telehealth addiction treatment. Here is a list of 10 common triggers that contribute to addiction relapse.
Significant Triggers That Cause Addiction Relapse
1. Withdrawal Symptoms
Many individuals relapse within the first week of stopping substance use to avoid withdrawal symptoms or due to post-acute withdrawal symptoms lasting up to 6 to 18 months. Withdrawal severity varies based on substance type, usage quantity, frequency, and duration.
Withdrawal from substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines can be life-threatening and may cause seizures. Medical detox, under supervision and with treatments like Suboxone or Valium, is highly recommended for a safer and more comfortable withdrawal process.
2. Mental Health
Alcoholism and drug addiction are often symptoms of underlying mental health issues. Stopping substance use without addressing these issues is like putting a band-aid on a severed limb. Common co-occurring mental health conditions include anxiety, depression, mania, personality disorders, and PTSD.
Comprehensive addiction treatment includes therapy and psychiatric care to address these underlying issues. Long-term attention to both addiction and mental health is crucial to sustain recovery. Without proper mental health care and coping strategies, individuals are at higher risk of relapse.
3. Friends & Family
Individuals in recovery often need to set boundaries with friends, family, or colleagues who engage in substance use. Being around people who use substances can trigger relapse. Ideally, those in recovery should avoid such environments until they have a stable foundation.
It is also helpful to have a sober support or accountability partner when attending social gatherings where substances are present.
4. Substance Abuse Places
Bars, liquor stores, wineries, strip clubs, casinos, and parties are common places to avoid for those in recovery. Any place associated with past substance use can be triggering.
Triggers can also occur in seemingly random places due to the deep impact of addiction on the brain. For those who were using substances frequently at home, rearranging furniture or getting new furniture can help create a new, sober environment.
5. Substance Abuse Objects
Triggers can come from everyday objects associated with substance use, like glasses clinking, bottles popping, or cans opening for alcoholics, and credit cards, straws, pill bottles, or syringes for drug users. Awareness and mindfulness can help individuals understand why they are experiencing cravings and cope without using substances.
6. Poor Self-Care
Proper self-care is vital for addiction recovery. Neglecting self-care can send a message of self-neglect and trigger relapse. Poor diet, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep can lead to poor physiological and neurological health, low mood, and cravings.
Weight gain and poor sleep hygiene can also contribute to feelings of depression and irritability, increasing the risk of relapse. Individuals in recovery should focus on healthy eating, regular exercise, meditation, and good sleep hygiene.
7. Relationships and Intimacy
Newly sober individuals are often advised to avoid intimate relationships for several months to a year. Filling the void with a partner can be detrimental, and dating often involves alcohol, posing additional risks.
Relationships, including pre-existing ones, can trigger unpleasant emotions that newly sober individuals may struggle to cope with. It’s important to approach relationships cautiously and seek guidance from recovery support systems.
8. Pride and Overconfidence
Newly sober individuals may experience a "pink cloud" of overconfidence, believing they are immune to relapse. While confidence is positive, complacency and overconfidence can lead to risky situations.
Relapse can occur in a moment of weakness, so following treatment recommendations, engaging in recovery-related activities, and avoiding triggers are essential.
9. Boredom and Isolation
Boredom and isolation are common triggers for relapse. Previously, substance use filled downtime, and without it, individuals may feel lost and lonely.
Engaging in recovery-related activities like exercise, cooking nutritious meals, attending therapy or support groups, and exploring new hobbies can help fill the void. However, it is also important to avoid over-scheduling to escape reality.
10. Uncomfortable Emotions
In active addiction, substances were used to cope with emotions like tiredness, anger, sadness, loneliness, and stress. Learning to accept and manage uncomfortable emotions is a crucial part of recovery. It helps individuals handle and cope with them more effectively, supporting long-term recovery. But, avoiding these emotions or using substances to suppress them is unhealthy
Final Notes
Maintaining sobriety for longer improves the chances of long-term recovery and those who stay sober for a year significantly increase their chances of sustained sobriety.
Completing a 28-day inpatient program does not mean you are cured. Continued support through outpatient treatment, a sober coach, or a sober companion is highly recommended. Engage in holistic recovery practices and surround yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals.
댓글