Resources
Our Veterans Rehab wants to help you in your journey towards the life you’ve always wanted. Learn more about Common Relapse Triggers today.
Common Relapse Triggers
What are Common Relapse Triggers?
Recovery from Substance Use Disorder is not a direct path from point A to Point B. Often times, it comes with challenges and typically one of those is avoiding relapse. Studies have shown that more than two-thirds of Veterans relapse after initiating treatment. Whether struggling with Alcohol Addiction, Benzodiazepine Addiction, Prescription Drug Abuse, Cocaine Addiction, or Meth Addiction, Recovery takes work.
Understanding what might trigger relapse and having a relapse prevention plan established, is the first steps to thriving. Relapsing is a process of encountering a trigger, perceived inability to cope, and engaging in the behavior again. Relapse can be prevented when Veterans become aware of their common triggers and use coping skills to combat falling into the trap.
Common Relapse Triggers
Stress
People with past addictive behavior show a poor coping mechanism to stress. One way to prepare for this trigger is to evaluate the stress you're experiencing. By making changes in your lifestyle, relationships, and priorities, you may reduce the number of stressful situations in your life.
Celebrations
In moments of special occasions or celebrations where everyone else is drinking or doing drugs, it will trigger a recovering individual into joining the fun. Avoid going into situations alone where you are at high risk of relapse.
Relationship Issues
Difficulty in relationships with friends, family, or romantic partners triggers relapses. Learning Healthy communication skills and breaking behaviors of codependency can help as a means of overcoming this trigger.
H.A.L.T.
Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness also act as relapse triggers. While these may seem simple, they are some of the most common triggers.
Certain People/Places
Friends you used to drink or do drugs with and specific locations will take you back to dark memories and potentially trigger you. If you don't prepare for these situations ahead of time, you are vulnerable to relapse. Instead, try brainstorming ideas or work with your counselor or therapist to develop a plan.
Call Today about help with common relapse triggers
As a member of the VA Community Care Network, Warriors and First Responders Resorts can help. You can enroll into one of our specialized treatment programs yourself or refer someone. Our Veterans Rehab admissions staff is available to answer any questions and help to guide you through the process. Admissions staff members are there to arrange admissions, facilitate transportation, evaluate, and assist with insurance verification.
Once a Veteran enters our Rehab and completes their mental health evaluations, they will be given a daily schedule. It is important to adhere to all the rules and do their best to complete all the work laid out for them in their individualized treatment plan. When Veterans work hard on their recovery and want to improve their situation, they will experience the healing process. Those that enroll in our program have the opportunity to change and begin the journey to sobriety.
