Emotional relapse is often the first stage of relapse, and it occurs before someone in recovery even begins to consider using again. The individual usually starts to experience negative emotional responses, such as anger, moodiness and anxious feelings. They also may begin to experience erratic eating types of relapse triggers and sleeping habits, and their desire for recovery often wanes due to a lack of using their support systems. These are the initial warning signs that a person in recovery could be entering the process of relapse, and it is important to recognize them as quickly as possible. This stage occurs before a person is even aware that they could be in danger of relapse, and intervening now before they enter mental relapse can prevent the issue from taking hold.
- Recognizing and addressing these common relapse triggers allows for proactive management, thus reducing the likelihood of reverting to substance use.
- Here are 10 triggers that can jeopardize sobriety and how you can keep them in check.
- Relapse is most common in the early stages of sobriety, and this is when relapse prevention is the most important.
- Physical pain, whether it be chronic pain or pain from an injury or physical illness, can be a powerful relapse trigger if you’re not adequately prepared to manage it.
- I find it helpful to encourage clients to compare their current behavior to behavior during past relapses and see if their self-care is worsening or improving.
Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery
This is a reason that a lot of support programs employ the use of a sponsor; it can be critical to have someone to talk to when the urge to use arises. Sudden changes in the way someone in recovery is acting often precedes a relapse. This may be evidenced by increased isolation and avoidance of one’s sober support system. A person may also cease the pursuit of interests and hobbies they have developed in recovery. Individuals recovering from any kind of addiction often experience at least one relapse, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Relapse can be especially dangerous for someone who has abstained from drug use for a long time.
Rule 1: Change Your Life
- Individuals recovering from any kind of addiction often experience at least one relapse, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
- Second, mind-body relaxation helps individuals let go of negative thinking such as dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, which are triggers for relapse.
- In the realm of addiction, relapse has a more specific meaning—a return to substance use after a period of nonuse.
- A way to manage these external triggers is to have a support system of friends and family members who are encouraging and help you address challenges that come your way.
- These sensations can bring about a desire for the drug you’re working so hard to quit.
- This is a foray into mental relapse, which can quickly result in physical and full relapse.
For example, celebrating these milestones may provide a tempting excuse to give into old habits.
Phone, Video, or Live-Chat Support
Upon relapse, some individuals may require inpatient treatment to stop using and manage symptoms of withdrawal. Most physical relapses are considered relapses of opportunity, meaning that they occur when an individual feels they will not get caught. Once this happens, it may not be easy to control behavior or stop using. But failure to cope with cravings and other mental stressors can result in a need to «escape» through relapse. 3) Clients feel they are not learning anything new at self-help meetings and begin to go less frequently.
Press Play for Advice On Recovery
These thoughts can lead to anxiety, resentments, stress, and depression, all of which can lead to relapse. Cognitive therapy and mind-body relaxation help break old habits and retrain neural circuits to create new, healthier ways of thinking 12,13. I have also included a link to a public service video on relapse prevention that contains many of the ideas in this article and that is freely available to individuals and institutions 5. Positive moods can create the danger of relapse, especially among youth. Research identifying relapse patterns in adolescents recovering from addiction shows they are especially vulnerable in social settings when they trying to enhance a positive emotional state. What is more, negative feelings can create a negative mindset that erodes resolve and motivation for change and casts the challenge of recovery as overwhelming, inducing hopelessness.
Individualized, evidence based treatment, to fit your needs.
Understanding emotional relapse and its early warning signs is essential in preventing the progression to mental and physical relapse stages. By recognizing personal triggers, managing stress, and implementing effective coping strategies, individuals can effectively prevent emotional relapse and maintain their sobriety. Various treatment options, such as therapy, medication, and holistic approaches, can offer valuable support in addressing emotional relapse and ensuring a successful recovery journey.
