Rehab is not an easy or quick process or even a process with a linear thread. While some people succeed in overcoming addiction after completing one treatment program, most require multiple attempts. Considering relapse prevention is a smart and practical approach to maintaining sobriety.
Staying sober is an activity you have to spend your time and energy on every day, and there will be days—maybe even months or years—when you feel like you have it under control. But one day, you might have a bad day—or a memory, or a person, might trigger you—and that’s when it becomes difficult again. Call 303-268-2144 to speak with someone from the caring and compassionate staff at Mile High Recovery Center when this happens and ask about our addiction relapse prevention group in Colorado.
What Can Trigger a Relapse?
The most important thing to remember is that no addiction develops in a vacuum. Situations can arise in daily life that are triggers for substance use. A trigger is anything that makes you want to use drugs or alcohol again.
Types of Relapse
Relapse starts with your emotions and mind long before your actions happen. Emotional relapse can look like depression or anxiety, while mental relapses involve similar thought patterns as you had before. All of this precedes physical relapse, where you begin using again.
Common Relapse Triggers
Triggers for relapse include:
- Hanging out with old friends who still use
- Being in places where you used to use
- Feeling stressed or anxious
- Being around people who are using
- Lack of routine
- Lack of support
- Missed recovery meetings
- Toxic family or home environment
- Exhaustion
- Guilt
Addiction relapse prevention groups are just one tool to combat relapse in your life. Ultimately, it will come down to you and your choices. Understand that relapse is not random. Having a support network is essential, and emotional sobriety is just as important as physical sobriety.
What Happens After a Relapse?
For those who have been through rehab and have relapsed, the idea of going back may be daunting. However, it’s important to remember that relapse is a part of the process for many people. Studies show that 40% to 60% of people in treatment for addiction will relapse.
Acknowledgment
The first step is acknowledging that a relapse has occurred. This is difficult for many people because they’re ashamed or embarrassed. They might think that this means they’ve failed, but it doesn’t—relapsing is a normal part of recovery. The important thing is to get back on track as soon as possible.
It’s also important to remember that a relapse is not a failure but rather a learning opportunity. After a relapse, you might feel like you’re starting from scratch again, but you have the knowledge and experience to get back on track quickly.
Adjustment
The next step is to figure out what led to the relapse. This cannot be easy because it requires introspection and honesty, but it’s essential to understand your triggers and what situations or emotions might lead you back to using. Once you know your triggers, you can develop a plan to avoid them or deal with them in a healthy way.
Setbacks are not just common. They are often expected, which is why many relapse prevention groups in Colorado and elsewhere exist. Continuing care is so vital for the rehabilitation process. It doesn’t end when you walk out of a facility or stop undergoing intensive treatment.
What Is Continuing Care?
Continuing care for clients struggling with addiction recovery can include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Outpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
- Sober living homes
- Alumni support groups
At Mile High Recovery Center, we offer a therapeutic alumni program to assist those who have successfully completed the third phase of their treatment. It’s an excellent way to stay connected to your fellow recovering addicts and help maintain and encourage sobriety in your community.
Find an Addiction Relapse Prevention Group in Colorado at Mile High Recovery Center
Are you considering relapse prevention services? Contact Mile High Recovery Center today at 303-268-2144 to learn more about our addiction relapse prevention options in Colorado.