Five Strategies for Preventing Relapse

Overcoming cravings for drugs or alcohol can be a challenging part of the recovery process. It is essential to understand what may trigger a craving so you can prevent a relapse. Various factors can trigger cravings, and identifying these triggers is the first step in overcoming them. 

Common triggers may include the following:

1. Stress: Stress can often spark cravings. The pressures of daily life, work, or relationships can create a sense of overwhelming anxiety, pushing you towards seeking relief through substance use.
2. Environmental cues: Certain places, people, or activities associated with past substance use can trigger cravings. For example, visiting a bar where you used to drink heavily may evoke strong desires to indulge again. Being around people with whom you actively used drugs in the past may bring back the desire to use again. 
3. Emotional distress: Experiencing emotional distress, such as sadness, loneliness, or anger, can be a potent trigger for cravings. Substance use may be seen as a way to numb or escape from these overwhelming emotions.
4. Social pressure: Peer pressure and social situations where drugs or alcohol are prevalent can pose a significant risk. Feeling the need to fit in or succumbing to social expectations can lead to relapse.
5. Boredom and loneliness: Idle time and lack of purpose can leave you susceptible to cravings. The void left by the absence of substances may make boredom a dangerous trigger. In addition, feeling lonely can trigger cravings for drugs or alcohol to fill the void.

Five Strategies for Preventing Relapse if You Have Cravings

Giving in to cravings not only jeopardizes your physical health but also undermines the hard work you have put in to stay sober. Preventing a relapse involves taking a proactive approach to manage cravings and address their underlying causes. 

Here are five strategies to consider that can help you maintain your sobriety if a craving occurs:

1. Build a support system: Surround yourself with a strong support network that consists of friends and family. Attending recovery support group meetings can provide encouragement, understanding, and accountability during challenging times. Knowing that you can reach out to a trusted friend or your sponsor for support can make a difference in how you manage a craving.
2. Therapy and counseling: Seek professional help through therapy or counseling. This can help address the root causes of your addiction and teach you healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with cravings. Therapy and counseling can be invaluable tools in preventing relapse.
3. Develop healthy habits: Replace old habits with new, healthy ones. Engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or pursuing hobbies to help prevent cravings from happening.
4. Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid certain situations, places, or people that trigger cravings. It is essential to create a safe and supportive environment in early recovery and throughout your journey.
5. Set realistic and achievable goals: Set achievable short-term and long-term goals. Celebrate milestones and achievements to boost confidence and motivation. Be realistic in your expectations so you do not set yourself up for disappointment.

Consider the following techniques if you experience a craving for drugs or alcohol:

• Practice mindfulness: Try to practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation to help ground you in the present moment and reduce the intensity of cravings.
• Distract yourself: Engage in activities that divert your attention from cravings. Distraction can be a powerful tool, whether it’s reading, exercising, going for a walk outdoors, or spending time with loved ones.
• Positive affirmations: It is vital to remind yourself of your progress and the reasons for choosing a sober lifestyle. Incorporating positive affirmations into your day can reinforce your commitment to recovery.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices: Ensure you maintain a balanced lifestyle as part of your recovery. Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and sufficiently sleeping contribute to overall well-being and can help reduce the likelihood of cravings.

If cravings become overwhelming or too intense to handle on your own, don’t hesitate to lean on your support network for encouragement. A simple conversation or sharing your feelings can alleviate the emotional burden. 

The caring staff at Mountain Laurel Recovery Center in Westfield, Pennsylvania is available to provide the support you need if you are struggling. We can help develop a treatment plan to meet your needs and put you on the path to lasting recovery. Please contact us today to learn more about our programs and services.