Tag: relapse prevention

Is addiction treatable?

Yes, it is!

Is there any chance of a relapse?

Yes, there is!

Be it alcohol or drug addiction; although it can be treated and prevented, you still have a chance of crawling back to your old means.

Around 40% to 60% of relapses occur during the recovery period!

So aren’t relapses making all your tribulations even harder?

How can you prevent a relapse then?

Danger signals of relapse

• Emotional Relapse

When the emotions grab your mindset and shut down your logical mind to process things, it’s time you understand your willpower is at the loose again.

The range of emotions that you may go through in this time are;

• Anxious.
• Angry.
• Moody.
• Isolated.
• Defensive.

• Mental Relapse

You will have a fleeting mental status. The changes you may notice are;

• Missing the time of substance use.
• Fantasizing about addiction.
• Reminiscing on everything associated with the use of substances.

• Physical Relapse

This is the phase when you actually give in to your desire. The time of transition from mental stage to physical stage can occur at a fast rate. Hence, it is advisable to follow a few tips to control your urges initially to not go back to square one!

What causes a relapse?

The condition of getting into your old habits can make you feel guilty, embarrassed, and even angry at times.

What is the cause that deviates you from your path and again makes you choose what you have left?

Environmental cues are one of the vital factors responsible for relapse. Any sight, action, feeling can impose a threat at prompting your cravings.

People who inject themselves get a relapse when they encounter a routine blood test! Such is the power of your mind. So, know your triggers and adapt to them. In due course of the period, you will adjust to your nudging surroundings and not be vulnerable to relapses.

‘Only with persistence comes practice!’

Follow a pattern daily. To break a habit, you need another one… But, this time, choose something constructive!

Another factor responsible is when a patient takes the onset of relapse to be a failure. Such people start believing that there are no chances of recovery, so trying is a bad investment.

No matter what the reason is, there may be many causes, but there are many tips to overcome them.

Tips to get back on track

The common misconception is to follow relapse prevention therapy only when a person develops urges. But, the correct technique is to standardize the treatment plan for all patients in the recovery phase.

The following prevention list will undoubtedly make your addiction control therapy better;

• Detect your relapse signs

The first step to relapse prevention is to recognize the signs of relapses. Controlling it in the initial stage can help you overcome your relapse instead of giving in to it.

• HALT

The short form for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired. It is typical to face these symptoms when you are recovering. During an urge, stop and analyze if you are having any of these feelings. To have a check on HALT is to keep a check on your cravings.

• Pamper yourself

It’s never selfish to be self-caring and focused on doing well for oneself.

Make a journal of all that you love to do and start doing them one by one. When you feel good in your company, you will not need an external addiction to uplift your mood.

• Build a new healthy relationship

Your habits are influenced by the kind of people you are surrounded with. If you choose to stick with good company, your habits will significantly vary from what it was. Healthy relationships will help you to grow and excel in life.

• Your speed dial list

Keep a few contacts at your reach in your weak time. You may never anticipate what triggers your cravings. Maintain a list of people you can contact who are trustworthy and help you at the time of your struggle.

• Find a distraction

The tried and tested way is to alter the direction of your thoughts. When you are fighting with your cravings, a better alternative is to do something else instead. Do not think or act on your thoughts when it comes to your urges! Do something else!

• Mindfulness meditation

Self-awareness is your strength during this vulnerable time. Meditation helps you to develop consciousness. This way, you can spot your triggers and problems and find solutions to them on your own.

Acceptance and letting go are what we must bring into practice. Meditation helps to achieve these goals and gives you a solution-oriented mind.

• Positive affirmations

Your mind is limitless! Focus on the good, and the good will come to you. ‘The Secret’ is a book authored by Rhonda Bryne, who preaches the power of the mind. Positive thoughts and self-affirmations will guide you on the right path and prevent your relapse.

• Support groups

To have similar people around you going through the same situation gives you accountability that you are not alone. Good peer support will help you in a faster recovery. Loneliness is a common trigger of relapse. If you do not feel alone, you will be in a stronger position to deal with your significant life change.

Relapse Prevention Therapy

It is cognitive-behavioral therapy. It helps teach the patient to address the triggers and prevent them beforehand not to provoke a relapse. Developing strategies in high-risk situations is what a relapse prevention plan is all about.

Dealing with a relapse is a common issue everyone goes through in their recovery period. If you feel weak and vulnerable, seek ways to fight them or maybe even accept them as a part of your life…but do not give in to it!

At Hopecare, we work closely with you to understand your fears as well as your triggers. Feel free to contact us anytime. Our relapse prevention tips will help you to recover by remaining focused and robust.

Get help during covid 19 only at Hopecare. Call us now at 91-9311112377!