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Any addict in recovery can tell you how difficult it is to leave the security of a treatment center and have to go back into the real world. The life the addict reenters after a treatment period can contain many pitfalls, so how does he cope on his own? Recognize some common relapse triggers and how best to avoid them.

Environment

This common relapse trigger includes people and places; it’s in the addict’s best interest to avoid people who aren’t interested in his full recovery as well as the places that seem to invite using. While it can be very difficult to avoid people who call themselves your friends, realize that recovery is an ongoing, constant process and surrounding yourself with people who truly want you to succeed is one of the surest ways to achieve real sobriety.

Stress

All of us deal with stress. Some stress causes are more serious than others, but for the recovering addict, even the smallest stresses can cause relapse. If your job is so stressful, that even after recovery, you’re still tempted to use more often than not, you may have to seriously consider another job. If family members are the cause, avoid them whenever possible. While this will be harder if these family members live with you, it’s essential to take measures to reduce your stress level, whether it’s exercising, listening to music or learning a new skill.

Mindset

This is a relapse trigger that’s solely under the addict’s control. Because the Mark Houston Recovery Center provides 90-day stays, residents have a better chance of learning how to cope during their addiction recovery, versus treatment centers with traditional 30-day stays. That’s three times longer to learn what causes you to use, why you use and how you can control your mindset and environment upon leaving so that you’ll never use again.

Tags: Addiction, Addiction Relapse, Drug-Free, Recovery, Relapse Prevention //