If you are concerned about your addiction recovery this Christmas, it’s important to pay attention to what your triggers are. Getting together with family and friends can lead to drinking, as can loneliness and feelings of isolation. Each individual will have different triggers, but there are similar and overlapping ways to understands and avoid relapse triggers. At the Las Vegas Recovery Center, we work with people in recovery and ready to start their journey. From detox programs to aftercare support, we are ready to give you the help you deserve. When you are looking for strategies to avoid relapse triggers this Christmas, reach out and find the support you need.
Understanding Your Relapse Triggers
Relapse triggers are different for everyone, but high levels of stress trigger many people. To avoid relapse triggers this Christmas, you have to identify what they are. The holidays are stressful for many people. As you think about what causes you stress, this will help you figure out what might lead to a relapse. Some common relapse triggers for people in recovery include:
- HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, and tired)
- Feeling isolated from friends and family
- Physical illness that lingers
- Overconfidence in your recovery
- Being in familiar settings where you used to drink or abuse drugs
Relapse prevention takes work. When you take good care of your physical and emotional health, you will be less likely to relapse. If you are feeling lonely, start meeting with an addiction therapist to work through these feelings. When you know that you will be celebrating Christmas in a setting where there is drinking involved, talk to someone you trust who will be there with you. Express your concerns, and don’t be afraid to leave if you must.
Relapse Prevention Strategies and Addiction Recovery
From the first days you are in a detox program, you will begin to learn relapse prevention strategies to maintain your sobriety. You will hear about the importance of building a support network and getting to know others who are in recovery. It is recommended that you don’t get involved in an intimate relationship during your first year of recovery, as this can disrupt your efforts to stay sober. Relapse prevention strategies can be anything that helps you maintain sobriety that is safe and healthy.
Dealing With Your Triggers
You may think that you have identified your triggers, and they are no longer going to bother you. It’s important that you don’t get too confident in your sobriety. If you are spending time with people over Christmas, past triggers may come to the forefront quickly. It will help you learn deep breathing exercises when you become anxious or find ways to take a few minutes for yourself when you feel your stress levels rise. Getting together with family can be a trigger itself, and you will want to set your boundaries to protect your sobriety. How you respond to your triggers will impact your ability to stay sober. When you take a deep breath and focus on yourself, it is easier to avoid a downward spiral. Get the support you need from a therapist to help you plan what you will do to minimize the impact of your triggers on your life, especially during the holidays.
Get the Help You Deserve at Las Vegas Recovery Center
If you are struggling to maintain your sobriety or dealing with a relapse, help is available to get you back on track. Contact the Las Vegas Recovery Center at 844.332.2076 and learn more about the programs we offer. Whether you need detox to break free from substances or looking for residential treatment, we are ready to help you meet your treatment goals.
