September in Rome, Georgia, is packed with concerts, community events, and the Rome Shakespeare Festival, drawing residents and visitors alike. These gatherings provide great opportunities to unwind and connect with loved ones. But for those in recovery, such festivities can pose difficulties. The presence of alcohol and settings where substance use was prevalent may trigger cravings, prompting some people to steer clear of these occasions.

During your recovery, you’ll encounter situations like these that may tempt you to use again. This is not a sign of failure but rather a normal part of the recovery process. In fact, up to 60% of people in recovery will relapse within the first year.

This is why National Recovery Month is so important. It offers an opportunity to reflect on your progress and to review strategies to help you manage substance use triggers when they arise.

In this blog, you’ll learn about five common reasons for relapse and how to manage each one to strengthen your sobriety.

Substituting One Addictive Substance for Another

During recovery, it is important to abstain from all addictive substances. However, some people believe they can handle them, as long as they steer clear of the one they were addicted to. They may view substances like nicotine or alcohol as less harmful, especially if they are more socially acceptable than harder drugs like cocaine or heroin.

Others may view them as less harmful if they’ve never had a problem controlling their use. Unfortunately, initiating the use of any addictive substance can cause cravings for the original one and increase the risk of developing a new addiction.

The only way to reduce these risks and maintain long-term sobriety is to avoid all addictive substances. If you aren’t sure what they are, check the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s current Drug Schedule. Here, you’ll find a list of substances ranked by their potential for abuse and addiction.

Being Around People Who Actively Use Substances

Most people believe that relapse triggers are predominantly physiological, encompassing cravings and withdrawal symptoms only. However, people can also be powerful triggers, especially if they are actively engaging in drug or alcohol use.

While rehab equips you with the tools and coping strategies to deal with triggers as they arise, being in the presence of active substance users can significantly fuel your cravings.

Here’s why:

  • Exposure to drugs means easier accessibility.
  • Peer pressure often shames people into using again.
  • Some people trigger memories of use and induce cravings.
  • The more you’re around substance use, the more it seems normal to use.

Relapse support isn’t just about avoiding these influences. It’s about building a supportive network of substance-free individuals to strengthen your recovery.

Managing Untreated Withdrawal Symptoms

One of the main causes of relapse is withdrawal. After using a substance for a long time, your brain and body become adjusted to its presence. When you abstain from using it, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms that affect the way you think and feel. This can include flu-like symptoms such as nausea, fever, and body pains, as well as confusion, angry outbursts, and depressive episodes. Without the right coping skills, you might feel tempted to use substances again to combat these symptoms.

Medical detox and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) are two programs designed to reduce the intensity of withdrawal during recovery. Both programs are medically supervised and provide FDA-approved medications to stave off cravings and withdrawal. While the former requires inpatient care, the latter can continue throughout recovery, helping you stay focused on your treatment and reducing your risk of relapse.

Going Through Sudden Life Changes

Stress is a trigger for use in many individuals with a substance use disorder, especially if they’ve used substances to cope in the past.

Stress may also increase the risk of relapse during recovery by:

  • Disrupting sleep
  • Inducing anxiety
  • Impairing decision-making
  • Reducing impulse control
  • Making cravings stronger
  • Triggering memories of past stressors

The more stressful the situation is, the more difficult it is to maintain sobriety, particularly when experiencing traumatic events. This includes a natural or manmade disaster, the death of a loved one, or a change in family structure.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a helpful solution for learning coping techniques that reduce the risk of relapse during stressful scenarios. It is provided by a licensed professional in multiple 60-minute one-on-one sessions. In these sessions, you will uncover the triggers for use, recognize thoughts that lead to use, and learn healthier ways to respond. You’ll also build resilience and confidence in handling stressful situations in the future.

Exiting Rehab Before Completion

After completing detox, many people feel as though a cloud has lifted. They can think more clearly and feel much better than they did while under the influence. This newfound clarity may lead them to believe they no longer need rehab. Whether a program is 30 days, 60 days, or more, leaving before completion can result in a relapse.

While some components are common to most programs, like detoxification, others are specific to the individual’s recovery needs. It is best to stay the course to get the most from these programs.

Benefits of staying the course include:

  • Developing coping strategies
  • Building relapse-prevention skills
  • Building a foundation for long-term sobriety
  • Getting treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
  • Recovering in a structured environment free from substance triggers
  • Receiving professional support to deal with difficult emotions and stressors

Relapse Prevention With Southeast Detox, GA

This National Recovery Month, take the next brave step along your journey to lasting sobriety by engaging in continuing care.

Continuing care provides the support you need to maintain your progress and strengthen your recovery. At Southeast Detox, GA, we provide evidence-based, whole-person-centered programs to help you reach your recovery and relapse-prevention goals.

These include:

  • Residential Treatment:An on-site program that offers clinical support, daily therapy sessions, and structured programs for individuals requiring a stable daily routine for recovery. Participants reside at the facility during treatment.
  • Dual Diagnosis:A personalized treatment program that provides evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as yoga and talk therapy to address co-occurring mental health conditions alongside addiction.
  • Detoxification: A medically supervised program that aims to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms with FDA-approved medications in a clinical setting.

Contact us today at (706) 223-3425 to learn more about these programs and others, including residential care and family therapy. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to answer any questions you may have about achieving lasting sobriety and ongoing support.

You’ve already taken the first brave step toward maintaining sobriety. Let us help you along the way.