Recognizing Common Relapse Triggers and How to Cope With Them

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Medically Verified: November 6, 2024

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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Recognizing Common Relapse Triggers and How to Cope With Them

Recognizing Common Relapse Triggers and How to Cope With Them

Drug and alcohol addiction can impact every aspect of your life. Millions of people in the United States struggle with substance abuse or addiction. If you or a loved one lives with substance abuse or addiction, it is crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible. Without treatment, substance use disorder (SUD) will likely get worse and may become life-threatening. 

Recovering from substance use disorder can be challenging. Addiction recovery is not a final destination. Instead, it is a lifelong process that requires commitment and support. It is important to find ways to stay committed and engaged in the recovery process after rehab. 

Identifying your triggers and learning how to cope with them is crucial. Knowing how to manage your triggers is one of the most important aspects of avoiding relapse after rehab. This article will explore some of the most common relapse triggers and how to manage them. You will learn:

  • What triggers are
  • Common relapse triggers
  • Healthy ways to manage relapse triggers
  • Where to find treatment and support

If you or someone you love lives with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at The Living Room to learn about our treatment programs. You may also reach out with questions or to find addiction recovery support at any stage of your journey. 

What are Relapse Triggers?

Relapse triggers are internal or external stimuli that can trigger cravings and lead to relapse. External triggers include people, places, events, or other situations that may trigger cravings. For instance, being in a bar or seeing a friend you used to use drugs with may cause cravings. Internal triggers include negative emotions, such as boredom or loneliness. 

Relapses typically happen in stages. First, people may experience an emotional relapse. During an emotional relapse, people may experience feelings that overwhelm their coping ability. Without learning to cope with triggers, people may progress toward a mental relapse, and then a physical relapse. 

Understanding the stages of relapse can help you recognize when you need more support. Recognizing triggers, and learning to manage them can help to reduce the risk of relapse. 

Common Relapse Triggers

Every person is unique. Each person has their own experiences with addiction and recovery. Each person’s triggers are unique to them. 

However, there are some common relapse triggers to watch for. Knowing common triggers may help you think about your own and learn healthy ways to cope with them.

Mental health symptoms

Living with an untreated mental health condition may increase the risk of relapse. Experiencing the symptoms of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other mental health disorders can lead to self-medication with drugs and alcohol. 

It is essential to be aware of mental health symptoms and seek treatment to manage them. Comprehensive aftercare treatment plans must include mental health care and ongoing support. Attend regular therapy appointments, join a support group, and stay on top of your mental health care. 

Relationship challenges

Addiction can change the dynamic of your relationships. Many people in recovery expect their relationships with their friends and family members to improve after rehab. However, challenges often remain when people get sober. The stress of relationship difficulties may increase the risk of relapse unless you learn healthy ways to cope with it. 

Attending family therapy can help you and your loved ones navigate challenges. You can work together to find solutions, improve communication, and process your emotions in a safe space. 

Special dates or occasions

Special occasions, like birthdays, weddings, or holidays, may increase the risk of relapse. Many of the celebrations around these dates include alcohol. 

You may also have certain dates that provoke a strong emotional response. These might include the anniversary of a death or other significant events. Recognizing what dates or events may be triggering is one way to prevent relapse

Avoid celebrations that include alcohol or drugs, especially in the earliest part of your recovery journey. Bring a sober friend or coach with you if you cannot avoid an event. Make a plan to leave early, if necessary. 

Boredom

Some people are surprised to find that life in recovery moves at a slower pace than expected. While there may be setbacks and challenges throughout your recovery journey, it is also common to feel bored or restless at times.

Boredom can be a significant trigger for some in recovery. It is important to recognize boredom and find healthy ways to stay active. Engage in hobbies, join support networks, or volunteer for a cause you care about. 

Places and people

Certain places and people may be triggering for people in recovery. For example, a specific bar, store, or neighborhood that could be triggering. Seeing your old friends may bring up old feelings and trigger cravings. 

Spending time with people you drank or used with may also make you feel nostalgic about the past. It can be easy to forget the pain and trouble caused by substance abuse when connecting to people or places from the past. 

Avoid the people and places that can be triggering. Focus on building a new support system that includes people in recovery and supportive loved ones. 

Understanding your unique triggers can help you stay on track in recovery. If you find yourself experiencing triggers, lean on your support network. Use your coping strategies, including mindfulness, wave surfing, or others you learned in rehab. 

Find Treatment and Support

If triggers frequently threaten your sobriety, it may be a sign you need more treatment. Contact The Living Room specialists today to find the treatment and support you need. Reach out to our intake team to learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.

Start a Conversation

More than anybody, we understand that reaching out for help can be difficult. If you have any questions about our programs, services or the recovery process itself; please connect with us now. We are here to provide guidance and support… every step of the way.

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