Each person desires to stay sober after undergoing drug detox and rehabilitation. However, withdrawal symptoms may cause an intense craving for the previously used drug. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 60% of people who struggled with addiction relapse within one year of treatment. Applying a combination of various relapse prevention techniques can help maintain lifelong sobriety. To learn more about addiction treatment options, contact Summit Estate Recovery Center at 800.701.6997 today.
Common Triggers of a Relapse
Triggers are internal and external factors that make a person crave drugs. One should identify the aspects that make them abuse drugs before enrolling for treatment. This knowledge will help come up with relapse prevention measures. One of the most common triggers of relapse is withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety. Some people also resume drug use due to influence from their friends and family.
The presence of left-over alcohol and drugs in a home exposes one to the risk of relapse and an overdose. Additionally, visiting the places that a person bought or used drugs can stimulate cravings. Stress caused by occurrences, such as the death of a family member, may also trigger a relapse. Several factors can cause relapse, including isolation, arguments, and attending social events that may encourage alcohol consumption and drug abuse.
Signs of a Relapse
Relapse is a process that may start weeks or months before a person uses a drug again. This process occurs in three stages, which are emotional relapse, mental relapse, and physical relapse. During an emotional relapse, one has no intention of using drugs, but their emotions and behavior set them up for a possible setback. The signs of emotional relapse are failure to attend support group meetings, anger, anxiety, and intolerance. A person may also isolate themselves, have poor sleeping habits, and experience extreme mood swings.
In mental relapse, a person may be in a dilemma on whether or not to resume drug use. One may fantasize about using a substance and hang out with people who abuse drugs. Additionally, some people glamorize their past use and lie about experiencing the signs of a relapse. Failure to apply relapse prevention techniques when experiencing emotional and mental stages may result in a physical setback. This stage involves contacting a drug dealer and using the substance one had previously stopped.
Relapse Prevention Techniques
Identifying the early signs of a relapse can help prevent you from resuming drug use. Enrolling in a treatment program after detox is one of the effective ways to avoid relapsing. Detox only treats the physical aspect of addition by helping the body stabilize. However, treatment programs address both the behavioral and emotional features of addiction. Some of the most effective post-detox rehabilitation programs are:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Intensive outpatient program
- Relapse prevention
- Partial hospitalization
- Residential treatment programs
Another way to prevent relapse is to practice self-care techniques that relax the mind. Such may include exercising, avoiding stress, proper dieting, and getting enough sleep. These measures will prevent the tendency to use drugs for relaxation. One should also avoid friends and places that can influence them to use drugs. It is vital to get rid of left-over substances and request the people you live with not to store substances in the house. You can also look for ways to distract yourself whenever you experience drug cravings. For instance, you can go for a walk or spend time with family and friends. Notwithstanding, it is advisable to contact a friend or a therapist for emotional support. This step will help counteract loneliness and stressful events that may lead to a relapse.
Enrolling for a holistic addiction treatment program can prevent a relapse. At Summit Estate, we provide customized treatment programs to help you recover from substance addiction. We also offer therapies such as Cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy, to improve mental health. Our medics will also educate you on relapse prevention techniques to ensure you maintain sobriety. Contact us now at 800.701.6997 to enroll for an effective addiction treatment program.
Summit Estate Recovery Center
offers private and semi-private rooms, as well as other luxurious amenities such as Jacuzzi, sauna, steam showers, fully equipped gym, executive business center, and more. The serene nature of the residential property creates a comfortable substance-free living environment. Stays usually range from 30 to 90 days. You can fuel your recovery in several different ways – from counseling and holistic therapy to gourmet meals and sober adventures. To learn more, visit https://www.summitestate.com/.