Staying sober requires constant vigilance and awareness of the many things that could trigger a relapse. Some relapse triggers are obvious, such as hanging around bars or wandering around neighborhoods known for high drug trafficking activity. Even continuing to hang around with friends or acquaintances who habitually use alcohol or drugs can be dangerous and […]
The Many Triggers That Precede Relapse Read More »
As an addict in recovery you know that addiction is far more complicated than a failure of willpower. Drugs and alcohol cause chemical changes in your brain that encourage you to use them repeatedly. With more use come more alterations to the brain. These leave you nearly helpless in your attempts to stop using. However,
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After the hard work of addiction recovery your loved one is ready to come home. You are looking forward to having them back and putting life on a forward trajectory. However, at the same time, there may be a concern in the back of your mind. Fear of potential relapse could be casting a shadow
Ways to Help a Loved One Avoid Relapsing Read More »
When in recovery for a drug or alcohol addiction, the question of relapse is often not “if,” but “when?” Most addicts relapse at least once, and many do so multiple times. If you are supporting a recovering addict, understand that relapse is part of the deal. Don’t give up on your loved one just because
What are the Common Relapse Triggers in Addiction? Read More »
Watch Out for These Signs of Relapse Going through rehab and getting clean from drugs or alcohol, or both, is a remarkable achievement. Unfortunately, doing so is just the first step in a long journey. You will be in recovery for the rest of your life, and you will always fight the urge to use
Will The Urge To Relapse Ever Go Away? Read More »
The process of recovery from addiction presents many challenges, but one of the most significant is overcoming the psychological grasp of “triggers” or “cues” to use drugs. Relapse is a daily reality in treatment centers, and one of the main reasons it’s so common is that triggers and cues to use exert a very real
Breaking the Cycle of Triggers, Relapse and Addiction Read More »
By now, the tinsel and streamers from New Year’s Eve celebrations have been swept away, party attire carefully put back into garment bags and closets, and it’s back to work and time to get serious about recovery goals. Faced with 12 months ahead and a list of resolutions you have no idea how to tackle,
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The time from Thanksgiving to New Year’s can be an especially stressful time for those in recovery, particularly those who are newly sober. But you don’t have to shut yourself off from life and become a hermit for three months for fear of falling into relapse. There are safe and sober alternatives. Knowing the five
5 Holiday Stressors That Lead To Relapse Read More »
One of the worst feelings of your life is waking up after drinking or drugging for a week straight and realizing that your hard-won sobriety has veered into the ditch. Not only do you hate yourself for relapsing, you know you’ve let your loved ones down as well. Swallowing the bitter taste of relapse –
Coming Back From Relapse Stronger Than Ever Read More »
Job loss is stressful, and the recent recession has caused a substantial increase in unemployment across the country. Anyone who has been fired or laid off understands how the strain and uncertainty can throw a wrench into one’s emotional well-being. Periods of unemployment – particularly lengthy ones – often elicit feelings of anxiety, frustration and
Surviving Unemployment With Your Mental Health Read More »