It is common for those who struggle with substance use disorder to relapse at least once during recovery. It’s a long journey with many hurdles that in time can come to a screeching halt while slipping within the grips of substance before the ability of forever “sobriety” becomes a reality. Understanding what might trigger your disorder into a relapse as well as having a strong plan in place for these triggers are tools towards prevention. Practice and create a plan for how to act when encountering triggers can be vital for your recovery toolbox.
STRESS, a word we’ve all heard, every single one of us endures daily, but the concept of what it does can vary depending on each individual person. Stress is the most common cause of a return to use. Many of us in recovery turned to our substance of choice as a maladaptive way of coping. One of the most spoken topics in recovery is the fact for “wanting” a substance of choice increasing during stressful situations or activities, especially when previously a person’s primary coping mechanism was to turn to use for escape.
One way to prevent stress from becoming an overwhelming trigger is to evaluate your stress levels daily. Make a habit of being self-aware. Although you can’t eliminate everything and everyone from your life, it is possible to avoid situations that cause extreme stress on days that emotional understanding is in need. Make a list of people, places, and events that are known to throw you into an overload of emotions. Changes in your lifestyle, relationships and priorities are successful coping strategies to reduce the number of stressful situations in your life. Having a plan in place when this cannot be avoided as well. Phone a friend, journal, hit a supportive meeting, meditate, walk on the beach. Events you ENJOY and are for you only. Also, a great tool to keep as a light at the end of that stressful tunnel.
Those who participated in your addictive behavior are potential triggers in returning to use. Whether or not they are also in active substance use, this can just as commonly bring back all the senses to the times where you were simply by being in your presence. Likewise, places can also be a reminder and become a triggering event. With that being noted, family is often one not spoken about enough, however a very big reality for those who can at times cause more conflict than support depending on the situation.
It’s important to have effective ways of handling your feelings during troublesome times. IE: think of how you would handle if a group of buddies asked you to go out for a night on the town and drinks. Have a specific response ready, practice saying no or having alternatives so the “deer in the headlights” effect doesn’t take over. Preparation is key for situations ahead of time, easing the vulnerability of returning to use. View your emotions as potential for growth. “Landmines” can often lead to growth steps if channeled correctly. Growing into your journey into recovery takes time, effort and consistency. A life earned and deserved.
You are never alone, for help or more information don’t ever hesitate to reach out
You can find me personally through my Facebook page PCO Michelle Ellis or email:Mellis@plymouthcountyoutreach.org.
Make the day yours, one moment at a time!
-Michelle Ellis
