How to avoid relapse during the holidays?
The holidays are a time for happiness, festivities, reuniting with loved ones, and reminiscing. However, for those who are in recovery, especially during Christmas or New Year’s Eve, the holidays can be challenging and may trigger a relapse. This feeling raises the question: “How to avoid relapse during the holidays?”
Understanding the concept of relapse, recognizing its stages, and implementing effective prevention strategies are crucial steps in maintaining a solid recovery journey. In this article by GateHouse Treatment, we’ll delve into what relapse means, explore its stages, identify contributing factors, and provide actionable strategies for relapse prevention.
What does Relapse Mean?
Relapse, in the context of addiction recovery, refers to the return to substance use after a period of abstinence. It is a complex and multifaceted process involving physical and psychological components.
It is common for individuals in recovery from substance abuse, be it alcohol, opiates, or drugs, to experience at least one relapse. However, the relapse process can be dangerous as the body has undergone detoxification and is not used to the same levels of substance intake. Those in recovery need to seek support and resources to prevent relapse and ensure their safety.
According to the American Addiction Centers, when a person relapses back into substance use, it can become challenging for them to resume their journey toward recovery. In such cases, experts recommend that the individual undergo a detox process again and immediately begin their recovery treatment.
Stages of Relapse
The experience of relapse is a gradual process rather than a singular event of returning to substance use. This process can resume into three distinct stages:
Emotional Relapse: This initial stage involves emotional discomfort and unrest. Individuals may neglect self-care, isolate themselves, or experience heightened stress and anxiety. Recognizing and addressing these emotional triggers is crucial to preventing further progression.
Mental Relapse: Individuals experience a mental tug-of-war between the desire to use substances and the commitment to recovery. Cravings and rationalizations become more prominent, making it essential to employ coping mechanisms and reach out for support.
Physical Relapse: The final stage involves a return to substance use. It is crucial to intervene before reaching this point, as the journey back to recovery becomes more challenging once physical relapse occurs.
What are the Top 3 Factors that Contribute to Relapse?
Relapse during recovery from substance abuse is a common occurrence, and several factors often influence it. According to the National Library of Medicine, the top factors that contribute to relapse are:
- Severity and Consequences of Addiction: The severity of the addiction and the consequences faced by the individual because of their addiction can significantly influence the probability of a relapse. The more severe the dependence, the harder it might be to stay in recovery without relapsing.
- Co-occurring Disorders: This refers to when an individual has a substance use disorder alongside another mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. These co-occurring disorders can complicate the recovery process and increase the likelihood of a relapse.
- Triggers: Certain situations, people, places, or even emotions can trigger cravings for drugs or alcohol. These triggers can vary from person to person, but they often play a significant role in causing a relapse.
What to do After a Relapse?
Experiencing a relapse can feel like a setback, but it’s important to remember that recovery is a journey, and relapse is often a part of that process. The first step after a relapse is acknowledging what has happened without judgment or guilt. Acceptance is crucial because it allows you to address the situation realistically and clearly. It’s also essential to stop using it immediately. Depending on the substance, this might require medical supervision.
Next, reach out for help. Seeking help could be a trusted family member, friend, or a professional such as a therapist. Understanding what led to the relapse is also vital. This process may involve identifying stressors or situations that contributed to the setback, which will be instrumental in preventing future occurrences.
When it comes to addiction treatment, GateHouse Treatment is your best bet. We provide personalized and comprehensive care to individuals who are grappling with substance abuse. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive and outpatient programs, and medication-assisted treatment.
Our team of experienced professionals can help you reassess your treatment plan, adjust it as necessary, and provide the support you need to recommit to your recovery journey. Remember, a relapse isn’t a sign of failure but an opportunity to learn and strengthen your commitment to sobriety.
Strategies to Avoid Relapse
Preventing relapse is a crucial part of the recovery process from substance abuse. Here are some strategies that can help prevent relapse, according to the American Addiction Centers:
Develop Coping Skills: Managing stress and other negative emotions is vital in preventing a relapse, so try mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and other healthy coping mechanisms.
Avoid Triggers: Being around certain people, places, or situations like special celebrations like holidays may remind an individual of their past substance use, which can trigger a relapse. It’s essential to identify these triggers and find ways to avoid them.
Build a Support Network: A strong support network of family, friends, or support groups can provide emotional assistance and accountability, which can be highly beneficial in preventing a relapse.
Follow a Balanced Lifestyle: Adopting a balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and meaningful activities can provide a sense of well-being and reduce the likelihood of a relapse.
Continued Therapy or Counseling: Regular therapy or counseling sessions can provide ongoing support and tools to manage cravings and deal with everyday life without resorting to substance use.
Create a Relapse Prevention Plan: A relapse prevention plan can guide individuals on what to do if they feel a relapse coming on. This plan, usually provided by professionals, includes recognizing the signs of a possible setback, knowing who to contact for help, and understanding how to manage a relapse.
Remember, everyone’s journey to recovery is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Working with healthcare professionals to create a personalized approach to prevent relapse is essential.
GateHouse Treatment and Relapse Prevention
To navigate the holidays successfully while in recovery, taking proactive measures, being self-aware, and having a solid support system are essential. By being aware of the different stages of relapse, identifying potential triggers, and implementing effective prevention strategies, individuals can confidently face the festive season while staying committed to their recovery journey.
GateHouse Treatment is committed to providing comprehensive support throughout the recovery journey. The facility offers tailored treatment plans, counseling services, and a supportive community to empower individuals in their quest for lasting recovery. By collaborating with GateHouse Treatment, individuals gain access to a wealth of resources and guidance designed to navigate the challenges of the holiday season.
As you embark on your journey of navigating the holidays while in recovery, it is vital to take proactive measures, be self-aware, and have a strong network of support to help you. GateHouse Treatment, located in Nashua, NH, is here to be your unwavering companion in this endeavor. Call us at (855)448-3588 or schedule a free consultation to explore comprehensive support, tailored treatment plans, and a community that understands your unique path.
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