How To Avoid Relapse: 7 Triggers That Cause Them

How To Avoid Relapse:  7 Triggers That Cause Them

Overcoming addiction is a tedious process that demands addicts to have nerves of steel. They must demonstrate consistency, determination, and strong willpower to leave their destructive habits and regain control of themselves. Still, after the hard work and perseverance, many people relapse into addiction and find themselves embroiled in a vicious circle again.

Some people get into relapse during recovery but get hold of themselves and get back on the road of recovery without much damage. Several addicts find fighting temptation hard and have multiple regressions before fully overcoming their addiction. 

Most people get into addiction without realizing the dire consequences and consider it a myth that leaving harmful habits is not as easy as adopting them. In most cases, they know it is too late. Unless they get professional treatment, they cannot cope with their addictive disorders. Experts say that an intelligent approach is to stay away from all things that led to the addiction in the first place. Several people start taking drugs to escape their problems. Some get into video gaming to kill time, and others get into excessive compulsive eating due to depression. Avoiding triggers help addicts deal with their destructive habits. 

The following are some triggers that lead to addiction and some ways to avoid them:

  1. Depression

Depression is prevalent in the modern world, and aside from adults, an increasing number of children also suffer from it. Many people find solace in drugs, gaming, or other addictive things and get into them as they feel it helps them deal with depression. Stress is almost inevitable in the present times. People need to learn ways of coping with depression and must find out ways to release their tension. 

Addicts can evaluate their practices to determine what causes depression and work to improve it. They must also find alternatives to coping with stress, such as incorporating workout sessions and following a healthy diet and structured routine. Instead of brushing their issues under the carpet, people must not feel shy in seeking professional assistance. Similarly, drug addicts must seek treatment to learn ways of avoiding drugs even if something triggers them. They must search for a reputable treatment center. Inhabitants of Fort Lauderdale can join Delphi Health Group as they have made their reputation in providing outstanding service. 

  1. Bad Company

Many people, especially teenagers, get into bad habits due to their friends’ company. Sometimes, they quit because of peer pressure; others try drugs or take up harmful practices to fit in the group. Before they know it, they become dependent on the substance, ruining their quality of life. People need to steer clear of their acquaintances or friends that led them to addiction. They must avoid gathering where they feel their addiction can get triggered, and there is a slight chance of relapse. Recovery from addiction sometimes means a complete lifestyle change, including leaving bad influences and making new friends. 

  1. Boredom

Another major cause of addiction is boredom. Several people use video gaming, excess screen watching, or other addictive habits to kill time and gradually become addicted. On the road to recovery, they must keep themselves occupied and leave no time to feel bored. Several people think they cannot find their passion once they have grown older. The truth is people’s preferences change with time, and sometimes they enjoy doing certain activities at one point in life. Addicts may try different avenues to express themselves and take up new hobbies. Spending time in constructive activities gives them a sense of accomplishment, serves as a motivation factor, and helps them kill boredom. 

  1. Places Linked to Addictive Behavior

People have memories attached to different places. They must strive to avoid areas linked to their addictive behavior as they can trigger the relapse. People may need to revisit the same places and should learn practical ways of handling the triggers. Suppose you have alcohol addiction; visiting bars where you indulged in excessive drinking once can trigger the relapse and get you back into the habit. Similarly, if people are addicted to video gaming, getting rid of the console and video games is better to avoid any chance of triggering. Nonetheless, they must work on their nerves and become strong enough to not give in to temptation and avoid triggers. 

  1. Untreated Mental Illness

Several people do not realize that they suffer from mental disorders. Due to the stigma attached to people seeking professional psychological treatments, many people find different ways of coping with mental health issues and sometimes get into addiction. Undiagnosed or untreated mental health issues are triggers that pull addicts back into harmful habits and make them dependent on them again. Professional treatment from a doctor for mental disorders reduces the chances of relapse.

  1. Difficulties in Personal Relationships

Life is full of ups and downs, and we all deal with different issues. Addicts may have problems in their relationships that drive them towards addictions. Sometimes these problems are avoidable, but in many cases, they are inevitable. Addicts must try their best to avert these issues during recovery to not return to their old habits. Addicts need to find alternative ways to navigate difficult situations and understand that addiction never fixes any relationship. On the contrary, it breaks them and creates havoc in marriage, friendship, or romantic relationships.

  1. Celebration Times

A common way of celebrating is to drink and have a great time. As weird as it sounds, joyous situations and happy times can trigger and cause relapse. Once people have recovered and gained control over themselves, they must look for other ways to celebrate. Several addicts who overcome their alcoholic addiction get back in it as they had two or three sips to celebrate their achievement. People dealing with addiction lose sense when they need to stop. To avoid relapse, they must treat celebrations like such and find alternative methods to have a good time.

Conclusion

Recovery from addiction neither happens overnight nor does it occur in a vacuum. Addicts need to acknowledge that they have a problem that needs fixing and must leave their destructive habits. Addiction never leads to anything pleasant; instead, it harms the physical and psychological health of individuals. The road to recovery to overcome addiction is long and exhausting, but the outcome is worth it. Addicts often get into relapse and indulge in addictive behavior during recovery.

Regardless of what causes the addictive behaviors, experts say that addicts should try to stay away from people, situations, and places that drive them towards addiction.

Addicts must find a way to express themselves, avoid friends who are addicts, and discover new hobbies to avert triggers. 

Christie Lewis
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