Relapse episodes are always a possibility, even when you feel the strongest in your recovery journey. Relapse can occur at any stage, even after achieving long-term recovery. Alcohol cravings or urges to use substances can arise during times of stress, tension, or seemingly out of the blue. Nevertheless, effective relapse prevention techniques can help when utilized in a timely fashion. 

Under stressful circumstances—like financial hardship, divorce, temptation, and family feuds—the chance of relapsing significantly multiplies. Identifying triggers, detecting them early, and adopting strategies that work for you will help you avoid falling into old patterns. 

To help you know what to look for in advance, here are some scenarios where relapse episodes increase:

• Early withdrawal from treatment: Checking out of treatment against medical advice or before completing the program is often associated with increased chances of relapse. This can be for a number of reasons, such as loss of hope in recovery, a loved one enabling addiction or behavior, or the fear of being vulnerable. 
• A dull routine in recovery: Boredom and lack of productivity can lead to relapse. Sticking to a routine that incorporates therapeutic techniques like journaling, yoga, and art therapy can be staples in avoiding future relapse. 
• A weakened immune system: A compromised immune system can disturb a person’s lifestyle and daily routine, leaving them feeling sick or fatigued. This cycle creates the urge to relapse as a form of self-medicating.
• Anxiety and stress: It is much easier to relapse without alternative coping skills to handle stress and anxiety. However, sometimes, that may not be enough. In any case, it is best to receive treatment from a mental health professional licensed to prescribe medication, teach new coping skills, or provide therapy.
• Family history of addiction or alcoholism: Genetics play a significant role in almost every aspect of a person’s biology. A genetic predisposition to drug or alcohol addiction can happen for a number of reasons. For example, if a parent used drugs around their child, they could grow up unconsciously following the same path. It is also possible to have addictive genes, meaning you can display the same addictive behaviors as family members you have never met before. However, it is crucial to recognize when this trait is used as a crutch; some may excuse this behavior as an “addictive personality.”
• Lack of support and understanding from loved ones: In many cases, the family dynamic changes when a member struggles with addiction. This lack of support or blaming can cause the loved one to revert to their old routines to find solace.

Relapse can occur for many reasons, but assessing and treating it before it happens is key to lasting recovery. 

The internet is full of ideas on how to diagnose and treat ailments, so how can you know for sure what might work for you? The Kimberly Center utilizes evidence-based treatment that promotes self-sustainability and a healthy lifestyle free from addiction.

Here are a few critical steps to help avoid relapse in the future:

#1. Follow a Healthy, Active Lifestyle

Exercise daily to keep your mind and body energized and ready to fight off cravings. Having an active lifestyle will improve your overall physical fitness, strengthen your immunity, and help you relax. You can stay active by simply following activities such as walking, gardening, and cycling. Practicing mindfulness-based stress reduction and breathwork are also known to improve sleep, enhance mood, and boost brain performance. 

#2. Ensure a Healthy and Balanced Diet Intake

A nutritious diet will help your body recover from lost vitamins, minerals, and protein due to poor dietary habits from active addiction. This will leave you feeling more youthful and energized while also keeping cravings to a minimum. You may even want to consider taking cooking classes or seeking expert guidance from a nutritionist. 

#3. Take All Prescribed Medications on Time Even in Recovery 

Continue taking all prescription medications, including any over-the-counter pills and supplements, on time per your doctor’s orders following treatment. Consuming medication late or missing doses can increase the urge to relapse. If you desire to discontinue medication at any point, always consult your healthcare provider beforehand or it could have detrimental impacts on your recovery. 

#4. Indulge Yourself in Community Events 

This can include sober nights out with friends, going to group therapy, or finding a support system that shares similar interests. Meeting new, uplifting people is a healthy distraction from cravings and also helps strengthen bonds that can last a lifetime. An isolated or lonely life is not beneficial to recovery. 

Avoiding relapse episodes throughout your recovery is essential to maintaining a healthy body and mind. There are many activities and tactics that can help distract you from cravings, such as participating in social events, practicing yoga, and maintaining a healthy diet. The Kimberly Center helps those struggling with addiction to alcohol and other substances as well as any underlying co-occurring mental health disorder, regardless of which came first. We are your one-stop destination for speedy and long-lasting recovery. Our family-driven treatment programs will provide you or your loved one with the highest quality care during the most challenging part of recovery. We are a team of trained addiction professionals ready to guide you to a healthy life free of drugs and alcohol. If you think you are facing addiction, the time to seek help is now. Take the first step towards recovery by calling The Kimberly Center today at (855) 452-3683.