How alcoholics can prevent cravings and relapse

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    When learning to live a happy life in recovery, relapse prevention skills are integral in the entire process. Step-by-step, an individual can efficiently learn to implement these coping skills to live a better life while preventing relapse. Recovery from alcohol abuse is a process of personal development and growth milestones. There is always the risk of relapse at any stage of recovery, making its prevention strategies highly important to learn.

    Tips for building better mental health

    The primary triggers of relapse include:

    • Anger
    • Stress and boredom
    • Money issues
    • Falling into old habits
    • Relationship problems
    • Specific people and places

    Most drug addiction treatment centers teach and help individuals learn relapse prevention practices to sustain recovery and accomplish short- and long-term objectives. There are numerous relapse prevention techniques that may be incorporated into one’s daily routine to aid in the prevention of recurrence. It’s a popular misconception that relapse prevention tactics should only be employed when a person has a strong urge to take alcohol. In order to avoid or minimize the likelihood of cravings, relapse prevention techniques should be included in each recovered person’s daily routine and schedule.

    Relapse prevention skills

    Self-care

    Insomnia and exhaustion are two common post-acute withdrawal symptoms in addiction recovery. One may enhance their sleep quality by incorporating physical activity and a well-balanced diet. This may be accomplished by creating and sticking to sleep, exercise, and food plan. This will help retrain the body to sleep better while also lowering the likelihood of relapse.

    Change things around

    People in recovery are often needed to make a variety of adjustments. A person’s acquaintances or peers, the surroundings they visit regularly, and adopting more constructive methods to handle stress are some of the most significant adjustments that need to be addressed. This involves letting go of old acquaintances, hangouts, and routines for many people in recovery. Instead of sticking to these old tendencies, individuals are urged to become more engaged with family, other people in recovery, and social support groups for alcohol use disorders.

    Connect with other people

    Socializing and reconnecting with friends who love being around you prevents negative feelings and loneliness. You can meet up and play games or catch up and chat, but don’t choose to go it alone. We are naturally social beings, so focus on connecting with people around you!

    Understanding your triggers

    Anxiety, anger, depression, irritability, and poor self-esteem are examples of internal triggers. In turn, external triggers include things, people, or places that remind one of their past use. Making a list of external and internal triggers is a useful approach to becoming more aware of the triggers and minimizing relapse risks.

    Mindfulness meditation

    This is a concept that helps people to be more aware of themselves. We are better equipped to manage possible relapse triggers when we are more aware. People who practice mindfulness meditation stay clean and sober for longer periods, with reduced cravings and more acceptance and awareness. People in Mindfulness meditation are advised to adapt to “roll with” rather than resist their cravings. Accepting that cravings will occur is a skill that may be developed via this practice while establishing relapse prevention techniques.

    Keeping busy

    Inactivity and boredom are common relapse triggers related to being overly anxious or overwhelmed. Recovery clients must distinguish between being active to prevent boredom and being overwhelmed. Often, family, friends, and peers in recovery are needed. Finding new hobbies, engaging in a light fitness program if healthy enough, joining a book club, taking a college class, etc., are all methods to pass the time without increasing stress.

    HALT

    HALT stands for Hungry Angry Lonely Tired. When you have a craving for alcohol or feel worried or “off,” ask yourself whether you have any of these signs. Hunger, anger, loneliness, and exhaustion are significant triggers for recovering drinkers and addicts. Regular HALT inventory may assist avoid relapse.

    Conclusion

    There are various ways of improving, and finding yours is crucial. This includes learning about the different forms of alcohol abuse treatments available, from support groups to behavioral therapies. The most important thing is to stay engaged, and getting help from a treatment center may help you succeed.