People suffering from addiction may experience a relapse at least once during their recovery process. No matter how long since they last used the substance, the risk of relapse is evident. While some people come back to the recovery path without much struggle, others fall off the wagon several times before getting sober for the last time. Even a study revealed that despite FDA-approved treatments for alcohol and drug addiction, more than two-thirds of individuals would relapse after starting the addiction treatment. Relapse is an ever-present threat for people going through addiction recovery. However, relapse doesn't mean that you have failed. Neither it negates your efforts to stay sober, nor it means that your participation in the addiction treatment program was unsuccessful. But it also doesn't mean you can use this as an excuse to continue using drugs. While addiction treatment isn't easy to cure, a few things you can do to avoid relapse are as follows:

Recognize the Stage of Relapse

Emotional, mental, and physical are three stages of relapse that may start weeks or months before you start drinking or using drugs again. However, the risk of relapse in all three phases remains at a peak:

Emotional Relapse: During this phase, you may not think of using drugs or alcohol, but your behaviours set you up for relapse. You may isolate yourself, your emotions are at the edge, you feel anxious and angry, and you may not eat or sleep well.
Mental Relapse: In this phase, you struggle between your thoughts. Some parts of you want to use the drugs, and some don't. You may remember the good times you had when you used to drink or do drugs, not the bad ones.
Physical Relapse: This is the phase when you lose control. You take that one drink or pill again, returning to regular use.

Identify The Triggers

People with substance use disorders must stay away from triggering situations. Certain people, places, and conditions may trigger and drive you back into your old habits. Some of the common relapse triggers that you may avoid include:

Bad relationships
Withdrawal symptoms
Loneliness
Stress
People who compel you towards using substances
Drug supplies
Poor self-care
Places where you used to drink or use drugs

Don't Forget Why You Decided to Quit

The moment you feel the urge to use the substances, remember why you stopped using alcohol or drugs in the first place. Remember the embarrassing things that you have done in the past or people you may have hurt. How you got out of control or sick you felt while using the substances, and so forth.Focus on thinking about how better your life will be after quitting drugs or alcohol and what drives you to quit, such as rebuilding damaged relationships, getting healthy again, or keeping a job.

Don't be Afraid to Ask for Help

Asking for help when you experience relapse doesn't come easy, but support from loved ones or professional rehabs makes the process easier. You can reach out to your family members, friends, your therapist, or your case manager and attendaddiction counsellingby joining the self-help groups to discuss your feelings and insecurities.It might be challenging initially, but it will become easier once you start sharing your thoughts. Simply put, you don't have to deal with your struggles alone. The more you seek help, the better your chances of long-term recovery.

Take Care of Yourself

Most people often use alcohol and drugs to feel good, energetic, or relaxed after a long day at work. However, there are several other ways to get into a self-care routine:

Sleep for at least 7 to 9 hours at night.
Eat a well-balanced diet. Include fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
Exercise every day.
Be kind to yourself.
Do things you love the most.

Manage Your Withdrawal Symptoms

When you stop taking drugs or alcohol, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, shakiness, and sweating. Medications may help you manage withdrawal symptoms to prevent relapse. You can also consult with your recovery team to manage the symptoms.

Takeaway

Because the addiction recovery process is challenging, so the chances of relapse are way too high. Though the addiction treatment process covers everything to keep you on track, the natural triggers may drive you back to using the substances. Watch out for the emotional, physical, or mental signs to prevent relapse. Also, self-care takes you a long way on the path of recovery, but you may take professional help to be successful. Remember, the more committed you will be to the recovery process, the more your chances of long-term recovery.