Relapse Triggers
Some of the most common addiction recovery relapse triggers are negative emotions, seeing a reminder of using, celebration activities, and overconfidence. Because addiction is a chronic disease, remaining aware of the triggers and taking steps to avoid those triggers can make it easier to maintain your recovery.
Triggers form because substance use trains your brain to pay close attention to all things connected to alcohol. It does this by releasing a chemical called dopamine. Because alcohol creates a powerful and rewarding impact, the brain always looks for opportunities to get another drink. This situation can occur even if you are in recovery, and drinking will result inevitably result in adverse outcomes.
What is a Relapse in Addiction Recovery?
Relapse in addiction recovery is when someone who has been well from addiction reverts to using the substance from the previous addiction.
Relapse can occur regardless of the amount of time in recovery. It is often caused when a person in short or long-term recovery is exposed to triggers that cause their previous addictive behaviors to return. Establishing an effective relapse prevention plan can help tremendously.
Why do People Relapse?
Negative emotions and periods of high stress could all cause the desire to use alcohol as a form of self-medication. Alcohol causes pleasurable sensations that reduce the intensity of these negative emotions.
The Top 5 Relapse Triggers
Knowing the common triggers and how to stay ahead of them can help you avoid these triggers that commonly cause a bump in the road to recovery.
HALT-Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
HALT is an acronym for hungry, angry, lonely, and tired, which are common internal triggers that increase your risk of relapse. For many, feeling any of these things can reignite the craving for the drug.
Avoiding placing yourself in situations to feel these things will lessen the chance of relapse. Instead, it’s best to maintain a consistent schedule with plenty of time for eating and getting a good amount of rest.
People, Places, and Things from the Using Days
Being around the people, places, and things you were around during your addiction will almost always spark memories that ignite intense cravings. These things have a way of making the old days seem better.
In addition, there is a good chance that if the substance was present in these areas back then, they’re still there now. So placing yourself in a situation to be offered the substance is the most challenging trigger to resist.
Physical or Mental Illness
If you suffer from a mental health condition, it’s essential to keep your symptoms under control. Allowing your mental health symptoms to worsen can trigger the craving by giving a false idea that the substance will make you feel better.
In addition, if you don’t stick to your mental health treatment plan, you can place yourself in situations where you may be prescribed other substances that could remind you of the feelings of the substance you were addicted to. Many prescription drugs for treating mental illness can also lead to a new addiction.
Times of Celebration
Times of celebration trigger relapse because it’s easy to adopt the idea that you can use the substance just once to enjoy a celebratory moment with friends and family. This trigger is prevalent for recovering alcoholics.
Overconfidence in Recovery
Regardless of how much time has passed since your recovery, you should never underestimate your ability to relapse. Unfortunately, many people think that after they’ve been sober for so long, they handle any trigger or occasionally use recreationally without relapsing.
These ideas increase the relapse rate for those in recovery because as time goes by and the craving subsides, you may not realize how quickly specific triggers can spark the desires all over again. This is why you are so strongly encouraged to stick to your recovery plan.
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Drug Relapse Warning Signs
There are many warning signs that relapse is near. Recognizing these and getting help before a physical relapse can occur is the best way to protect your sobriety.
Emotional
Emotional relapse triggers include:
- Feeling withdrawn or feeling the need to isolate yourself
- Being present for support group meetings but having no desire to participate
- Disregarding physical and mental health
- Holding in emotions
- Not maintaining healthy sleeping and eating habits
Mental Relapse Triggers
Mental relapse warning signs include:
- Cravings
- Thinking about how to use but control it to avoid drug abuse
- Seeking opportunities to encounter the substance
- Reminiscing about the days when you used
What to Do After a Relapse?
If you are someone you love to experience an addiction relapse, it’s best to get help as soon as possible. When left untreated, you are more likely to fall back into the same destructive patterns you worked so hard to beat.
Agape features a resort-style treatment facility that provides safe and effective drug addiction treatment without the feeling of being in a rehab facility. We can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms and get back on the road to recovery.
- November 25, 2022
- Updated Date: December 13, 2023
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Have any questions?
Stephanie Catalano is an accomplished Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.
