Warning Sign and Triggers Relapse Prevention
Relapse Factors and Warning Signs
Relapse is usually caused by a combinations of factors. Some possible factors and warning signs might be: * Stopping medications on one’s own or against the advice of medical professionals * Hanging around old drinking haunts and drug using friends – slippery places * Isolating – not attending meetings – not using the telephone for support * Keeping alcohol, drugs, and paraphernalia around the house for any reason * Obsessive thinking about using drugs or drinking * Failing to follow ones treatment plan – quitting therapy – skipping doctors appointments * Feeling overconfident – that you no longer need support * Relationship difficulties – ongoing serious conflicts – a spouse who still uses * Setting unrealistic goals – perfectionism – being too hard on ourselves * Changes in eating and sleeping patterns, personal hygiene, or energy levels * Feeling overwhelmed – confused – useless – stressed out * Constant boredom – irritability – lack of routine and structure in life * Sudden changes in psychiatric symptoms * Dwelling on resentments and past hurts – anger – unresolved conflicts * Avoidance – refusing to deal with personal issues and other problems of daily living * Engaging in obsessive behaviors – workaholism – gambling – sexual excess and acting out * Major life changes – loss – grief – trauma – painful emotions – winning the lottery * Ignoring relapse warning signs and triggers
Relapse Prevention
Preventing relapse requires that we develop a plan tailored to maintaining new behavior. The plan involves integrating into our behavior diversion activities, coping skills, and emotional support. Our decision to cope with cravings is aided by knowing: (1) there is a difference between a lapse and a relapse; and (2) continued coping with the craving while maintaining the new behavior will eventually reduce the craving.
Coping Skills for Relapse Prevention
Relapse is usually caused by a combinations of factors. Some possible factors and warning signs might be: * Stopping medications on one’s own or against the advice of medical professionals * Hanging around old drinking haunts and drug using friends – slippery places * Isolating – not attending meetings – not using the telephone for support * Keeping alcohol, drugs, and paraphernalia around the house for any reason * Obsessive thinking about using drugs or drinking * Failing to follow ones treatment plan – quitting therapy – skipping doctors appointments * Feeling overconfident – that you no longer need support * Relationship difficulties – ongoing serious conflicts – a spouse who still uses * Setting unrealistic goals – perfectionism – being too hard on ourselves * Changes in eating and sleeping patterns, personal hygiene, or energy levels * Feeling overwhelmed – confused – useless – stressed out * Constant boredom – irritability – lack of routine and structure in life * Sudden changes in psychiatric symptoms * Dwelling on resentments and past hurts – anger – unresolved conflicts * Avoidance – refusing to deal with personal issues and other problems of daily living * Engaging in obsessive behaviors – workaholism – gambling – sexual excess and acting out * Major life changes – loss – grief – trauma – painful emotions – winning the lottery * Ignoring relapse warning signs and triggers
Relapse Prevention
Preventing relapse requires that we develop a plan tailored to maintaining new behavior. The plan involves integrating into our behavior diversion activities, coping skills, and emotional support. Our decision to cope with cravings is aided by knowing: (1) there is a difference between a lapse and a relapse; and (2) continued coping with the craving while maintaining the new behavior will eventually reduce the craving.
Coping Skills for Relapse Prevention