Relapse doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Successfully preventing addiction relapse requires staying vigilant and taking steps that strengthen recovery rather than weaken it. If you find yourself struggling, a relapse prevention therapy program can help you learn relapse prevention tips, tools, and strategies to maintain your recovery.
Certain warning signs indicate a release is looming. There are several tips for staying sober that can help you notice these signs, reduce cravings, and know what to do if you feel tempted to relapse.
If you’re struggling with thoughts of relapse, don’t wait to ask for help. Call 662.222.2989 and ask about support for relapse prevention at Woodland Recovery Center.
Why Is Addiction Relapse So Prevalent?
One of the pivotal reasons people relapse after leaving drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers around the complex nature of addiction itself. Addiction is characterized not merely as a physical dependence on substances but also involves deep-seated behavioral and psychological components. After an individual leaves the structured environment of a treatment center, they are suddenly confronted with the stressors and triggers that may have contributed to their addiction in the first place. Without the constant support and controlled environment, these triggers can become overwhelming, leading to relapse as a form of coping mechanism.
It’s crucial to recognize that relapse does not signify failure but rather a hiccup in the lifelong journey of recovery. The path to overcoming addiction is rarely a straight line and encountering setbacks is a part of the process for many. Understanding that relapse can happen highlights the importance of developing robust coping strategies and a strong support network to help weather the challenges of staying sober. Thus, it’s imperative not to be discouraged by relapse but to view it as an opportunity for learning and growth on the road to recovery.
Relapse Prevention Tips
Stay in Touch with Your Thoughts and Feelings
When it comes to addiction relapse, your thoughts and feelings usually run the show. Long before relapse occurs physically, it begins mentally and emotionally. One of the most effective relapse prevention tips is to find a way to stay in touch with your thoughts and feelings.
Helpful ways to notice and manage thoughts and feelings that could lead to relapse include:
- Journaling
- Creating art
- Breathing exercises
- Guided meditations
- Group counseling sessions
- Recovery programs
When you stay connected to what’s going on inside, you’re able to address your unmet needs and make changes that support healing.
Get Active
Physical movement is a powerful tool for combating relapse. There’s a reason inpatient rehab programs usually incorporate yoga, movement classes, or other forms of exercise into their programming. The mind and body are connected; moving your body helps shift your thoughts and feelings as well.
Benefits of movement include:
- Improved mood
- Sense of accomplishment
- Better sleep
- Decreased feelings of depression and anxiety
- Stress relief
Exercise doesn’t have to mean dragging yourself to the gym. Trying a new exercise class, walking a dog, or working in the garden can help you achieve the same effects.
Build Relationships
One of the most-repeated tips for staying sober involves the company you keep. Building supportive relationships with others in recovery is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid relapse.
Human connection is central to fostering a sense of belonging and meaning in recovery. Peers understand your struggles, offer advice, and provide the opportunity for laughter and connection. Consistently participating in an addiction recovery program or a rehab alumni program can help you build relationships that motivate you to avoid relapse.
Avoid Triggers
Triggers can take many forms, but relapse triggers often occur when you’re in situations that put you in danger of using again.
Consider the following:
- The friends you spend time with
- What activities you do for fun
- Unsupportive family members
- An unhealthy work environment
- Your response to boredom or challenging emotions
Take stock of all areas of your life and identify what might increase the risk of relapse. Then make changes to actively avoid situations that might lead to relapse.
Have an Emergency Plan
There will be times in recovery when you feel overwhelmed and ready to give up. Anticipate this will happen and have an emergency plan in place. Remember that overwhelming feelings are temporary and will pass.
Know what you’ll do when you feel ready to relapse. Reach out to someone you trust, attend a recovery meeting, journal, meditate—know what works for you and what steps you can take when the temptation to relapse is strong.
Plan for Success Through a Relapse Prevention Plan at Woodland Recovery Center
If you’re serious about building a strong recovery, don’t go it alone. The team at Woodland Recovery Center is here to help you build a recovery plan to stay on track.
Woodland Recovery Center is a premier addiction treatment center in Southaven, MS. We offer both inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment services, as well as a relapse prevention program and an alumni program to help you stay connected after treatment ends.
If you need professional support for preventing addiction relapse, reach out to us today at 662.222.2989 or use our online contact form.
