Causes of Relapse

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Relapse is common in addiction recovery, and most people struggle with it multiple times before achieving long-term sobriety. To prevent relapse, it is crucial to identify potential triggers and devise a plan to handle them. This article will discuss some common triggers.

Stress

Stress is a significant cause of relapse for many people. People who feel stressed often use their addiction to cope with their emotions. This can be particularly true for those in early recovery, as they have not yet developed effective coping strategies for managing stress. To prevent relapse, you can learn healthy ways to manage stress such as:

  • Working out, 
  • meditating, or 
  • talking to a trusted friend or therapist.

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Triggering events

Triggering events are situations that can cause you to experience intense cravings for addictive behavior. These events can be as simple as

  • seeing someone using drugs or alcohol, 
  • walking by a casino, or 
  • disagreeing with a loved one. 

To avoid relapse, you should identify triggering events and learn strategies for managing them. This may involve avoiding certain people or places or developing new coping skills for the arising emotions.

Overconfidence

Sometimes people may feel that their addiction is under control and may become overconfident in their ability to resist temptation. This overconfidence can lead to complacency and make it easier to justify a relapse. It is essential to remember that addiction is a chronic disease and not a sign of weakness and that you should seek help when needed.

Social isolation

Social isolation is another major cause of relapse. When people feel lonely or disconnected from others, they may turn to their addiction to cope. Building a reliable support network of friends, family, and other individuals in recovery is crucial. This can be done through support groups, therapy, or simply by reaching out to others who understand what you are going through.

Poor self-care

Taking care of yourself is important for maintaining sobriety. Poor self-care, such as neglecting sleep, exercise, or nutrition, can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, making it more difficult to resist cravings. You should prioritize self-care and ensure you get enough rest, eat well, and engage in regular physical activity.

Comorbid mental health disorders

Comorbid mental health disorders, including depression or anxiety, can make it more challenging to recover from addiction. These disorders can cause intense emotions, which may trigger cravings for addictive substances. It is crucial to address any underlying mental health issues through therapy or medication to reduce the risk of relapse.

Lack of motivation

Sometimes people may feel that the effort required to maintain sobriety is not worth it. They may become complacent and begin to skip meetings or therapy sessions. This lack of motivation can make it easier to justify a relapse. Staying motivated and reminding oneself of the reasons for pursuing sobriety is essential. This may involve

  • setting goals, 
  • staying engaged in therapy, or 
  • finding new hobbies and interests to keep yourself motivated.

Conclusion

Relapse is a challenging reality for individuals in addiction recovery. It is important to recognize the potential triggers that may cause relapses such as stress, social isolation, and overconfidence, and develop strategies to manage them. Seeking professional help and building a solid support network of friends and family can also help individuals to maintain their sobriety.