Relapses are a common occurrence in addiction recovery. In fact, they’re so common that you can actually prepare for them! Relapse is defined as a return to drug use after a period of abstinence. It can be dangerous and often leads to a full-blown relapse episode.
However, if you know the signs of relapse and how to prepare for one, you can avoid danger and get back on track quickly to drug and alcohol recovery. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what relapses are, the signs of relapse, and how to best prepare yourself in case of a relapse.
What Are Relapses?
A relapse is a return to drug use after a period of abstinence. This can be dangerous, as it often leads to a full-blown relapse episode. Relapse episodes are characterized by strong cravings for drugs, using drugs despite knowing the risks, and feeling like you can’t control your drug use.
All addictive substances rewire the brain in various ways. According to Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), this neural rewriting is why addiction is so persistent and why recovering people have to be especially vigilant for relapses.
If you’re currently in addiction recovery, it’s important to be aware of these signs and take steps to prevent a relapse from occurring.
The Signs Of Relapse
Relapses tend to be gradual, occurring over a period of time rather than happening all at once. There are many different signs that can indicate a relapse is happening. The most common ones include:
- Increased urges or cravings
- Experiencing stress and/or depression in daily life
- Feeling like you’re losing control of your recovery
- Obsessive thinking about drugs despite knowing the risks
- Withdrawing from sober activities or people
- Changes in mood or behavior
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action right away. The sooner you catch a relapse, the easier it is to prevent it from happening. It’s crucial to talk to your sponsor, go to a support group meeting, and check in with your recovery friends. If you’ve in or a graduate of an addiction center, you have great resources to take advantage of.
What Causes Relapse?
There is no one answer to this question. Relapse can be caused by many different factors, including:
- Stressful life events
- Physical or psychological triggers related to drug use
- Social pressure from friends and family members
- Negative moods or emotions
- Lack of coping skills
- Lack of support networks
- Boredom or lack of structure in daily life
It’s important to note that relapse is not a personal failure. It doesn’t mean that you’re weak or that you’ll never be able to stay sober. Relapse is a normal part of addiction recovery and should be treated as such.
How To Prepare For A Relapse
If you’re in addiction recovery, there are steps you can take to prepare for a potential relapse. The best way to do this is to create a Relapse Prevention Plan. This plan will outline what you should do if you start to experience the signs of relapse. It’s important to include things like:
- Identifying your personal triggers
- Avoiding high-risk situations
- Developing a support network
- Building healthy coping skills
- Creating or maintaining structure in your life
Your relapse prevention plan should be individualized to fit your needs and lifestyle. It’s also important to review it regularly and update it as needed.
A relapse can be a scary thing, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your sobriety. If you’re aware of the signs and have a plan in place, you’ll be better prepared to handle anything that comes your way. Relapse is not a personal failure, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. With the right support, you can get back on track and achieve lasting recovery.
Sober Living Is A Great Defense Against Relapses
Relapse rates are significantly lower in sober living environments. This is because sober living provides a safe and supportive environment where people can focus on their recovery without the distractions of drugs or alcohol.
If you’re considering entering a sober living home, it’s important to do your research first. Not all sober living homes are created equal, so make sure you choose one that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Finding a sober living home for you can be a stiff challenge, especially if you’re transitioning from an inpatient program to an outpatient drug rehab program. There are many different sober living homes to choose from, and each one has its own unique set of rules and regulations. It’s important to do your research before you make a decision.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask your sponsor, treatment center staff, or the local recovery community for recommendations. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction and help you find the perfect sober living home for you.
If you’re reading this, you’re definitely on the right path. SoberLivingNearYou.com is the largest directory of sober living businesses online. We’ve compiled thousands of sober living homes for every personality, situation, and budget You’ll be able to find your ideal sober living solution in no time at all.
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