One of the scariest aspects of recovery – for many people – is relapse. This is because of the severe stigma behind it; many people belief that if a person relapses, they’ve failed in recovery. The reality is that relapse is quite normal for the first year of recovery, and it brings about some major lessons for growth, learning and transformation overall. However, there are still some precautions that you can take to help prevent relapse, and one of the first steps you’ll take with your therapist is to identify, as you go throughout your journey of recovery, some of the people, places and things that bring about cravings for you to want ot use substances again. This process isn’t quite as simple as it sounds, because we don’t always know what will affect us – but if you continue staying mindful of the present moment, you’ll be a step ahead in your relapse prevention plan.
Lance Dodes, M.D., once stated,“The urge to drink or drug is not an enemy to be summarily vanquished but a signal to ferret out the root cause.”
There are 2 types of incidents’ that can spark cravings in a person, and they are:
External
· People – such as those whom you used to use substances with
· Places – ex. Places you used to get high
· Things – objects you used to take drugs with
· Situations – relationship issues, family problems, etc.
Internal
· Physical sensations – such as pain, tiredness, boredom
· Thoughts – such as, “I can’t have fun anymore”
A publication titled, “Integrated Approaches to Drug and Alcohol Problems” explained that it’s not solely through therapy that you’ll learn of what brings about cravings for you – other recovery-related endeavors, such as 12-Step programs, volunteering, sponsorship and spiritual growth can support greater awareness of this as well. If you’re ready to get a jumpstart towards healing and restoration from substance abuse, please speak with a professional from The Arbor today.
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare offers an integrative and holistic approach to treat substance abuse and a wide variety of addictions, as well as underlying mental health and psychological issues. All of the addiction recovery programs offered by The Arbor are designed to heal the mind, body, and spirit leading to a lifetime of sobriety, health and wellness. If you’re ready to find healing and restoration in a peaceful, loving environment, please call us today at 844-560-7269.
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