Recovering from addiction isn’t a single choice or moment. It’s a lifelong journey that requires dedication, support, and strategies to help you prevent relapse. Preventing relapse in Arizona rehab centers isn’t enough – you also need to know how to identify and avoid relapse triggers in your everyday life once you’re done with treatment.
Today, let’s look at some strategies and techniques you can use to stay on the path to recovery for the rest of your life.
Understanding Relapse and Its Triggers
Relapsing means using drugs or alcohol after committing to staying sober. Even in the best circumstances, it can be challenging to avoid relapsing, particularly if exposed to the right triggers.
Every individual is different, though several common triggers may induce relapses for most, including:
- Being hungry, tired, or thirsty
- Being in a high-stress environment
- Feeling lonely or abandoned by friends and family members
- Being in a familiar place or situation that reminds you of using or drinking alcohol
- Spending time with individuals who urge you to use or drink
Your specific triggers might be different from these, or they might include all of them. Regardless, you need to understand your potential relapse triggers, so you’re prepared to stay sober and keep on your recovery path.
Relapse Prevention Strategies in Arizona Rehab Centers
Fortunately, Arizona rehab centers offer several relapse prevention strategies 1 you can employ.
For example, evidence-based approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), are both often used by inpatient and outpatient programs.2 You’ll meet with a therapist to help you identify the root causes or triggers for your addictive behaviors and destructive habits. Then, you’ll build better thinking patterns and healthier habits in the future.
Other programs, particularly outpatient addiction programs, will have you develop mindfulness techniques. You’ll learn how to cope with triggers and stresses related to using and drinking alcohol by grounding yourself and your body and staying present “in the moment.” In this way, you’ll be able to recognize potential triggers and interrupt reactive actions that could have dire consequences.
In a broad sense, you may take advantage of relapse prevention education and skill-building workshops. Support groups and outpatient programs often provide these, which provide you with specific tools and techniques you can rely on in difficult situations.
Individualized Relapse Prevention Plans
Because the stressors and root causes of every person’s addiction differ, developing a personalized, unique relapse prevention plan when working with an outpatient rehab center is crucial. Your therapist or rehabilitation specialist might assess you regularly and adapt your program based on your:
- Current progress
- Changing needs and life circumstances
For example, initially, they may recommend detoxification programs and other methods to help you get drugs or alcohol out of your system and regain a balanced life.
Later, they might recommend that you build up a support system of friends and family members. Those supportive individuals can hold you accountable for your actions and ensure you stick to your sobriety goals.
Alternatively, they may recommend regular therapy sessions with a licensed therapist. Such a professional can help you get to the bottom of your addiction causes and help you regain the confidence you need to make healthy choices in the future.
Aftercare and Continued Support
Treating your drug or alcohol addiction initially isn’t enough. You’ll need to continually monitor yourself and prevent future relapses for the rest of your life.
Fortunately, you can join plenty of aftercare resources and supportive groups to get the personal and medical assistance you need. Alumni programs for relapse support groups, follow-up counseling in Arizona rehab centers, and much more can give you the tools and the people you need to feel welcome and capable of taking charge of your life once again.
Leaning on your family is also common. Your family members are those you can trust no matter what, and it might be wise to share your burdens with them and allow them to help you on your journey.
Building a Relapse Prevention Mindset
Everyone has the strength to resist relapsing, even under challenging circumstances. The key is building and maintaining a relapse prevention mindset.
For starters, you’ll need to cultivate a sense of self-awareness. Knowing yourself and being honest about your potential triggers and problematic behaviors is the first step to a healthier you. In the long run, you’ll want to practice self-care by engaging in positive recreational activities and giving yourself reasons to feel good about life. These healthy coping mechanisms will make it easier for you to avoid turning to drugs and alcohol.
More than anything, you must commit yourself to staying sober on an ongoing basis. Work with friends, family members, and therapists who will provide positive reinforcement and help you along the path.
Preventing Relapse in Arizona Rehab Centers with Desert Cove Recovery
Ultimately, preventing relapse is highly important, so it’s a good idea to contact a specialized outpatient clinic like Desert Cove Recovery. Desert Cove is committed to helping people like you and will assist you in identifying your relapse triggers and forming relapse prevention strategies that work for you. Best of all, you can rely on us for ongoing support. Contact us today to learn more.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5844157/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553654/
