For those who are new in their recovery journey, being able to successfully completing drug treatment in Ohio is a major accomplishment that should be celebrated. For those who complete treatment, it can feel as though their lives are filled with new and exciting possibilities. The beginning of the recovery journey is indeed exciting, but those who are new to recovery must understand that the possibility of relapse is ever present–no matter how solid their plan of recovery.
According to data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), it is estimated that 40 to 60 percent of those who complete substance abuse treatment will experience a relapse within the first year of recovery. This is the reason why drug rehab facilities place great emphasis on teaching those new in recovery in Ohio the essential relapse prevention techniques that are needed to combat the urges and cravings that can lead to relapse behavior. For those who are newly recovering in Ohio, the following article explains the events that lead up to a relapse and what tips can be employed to minimize the chances of returning to active drug use.
The Anatomy of A Relapse
Many people think of a relapse as the exact moment where a recovering addict returns to drug and alcohol use. In reality, there are telltale behaviors that eventually lead up to the actual use of substances. The anatomy of a relapse can be seen in three distinct phases:
Phase #1: The Emotional Relapse
In this initial relapse stage, the addict may not be thinking of using again, but they definitely experience overwhelming emotions that may set them up for a relapse. The signs that an emotional relapse is occurring include anxiety, fear, fatigue and anger among others. Additionally, those who are experiencing an emotional relapse can display a loss of control, poor judgment and insomnia
Phase #2: The Mental Relapse
When the addict is struggling to cope with their emotions and it is causing distress, the newly recovering addict has entered the mental relapse stage. When a newly recovering addict experiences a mental relapse, the desire to use substances is conflicting with the deep desires to stay clean and sober. The common signs of mental relapse can include the following:
- Beginning to hang out with old friends and acquaintances the addict used to do drugs and alcohol with on a regular basis.
- Longing for the times when they used drugs and alcohol.
- Preoccupation with thinking about the people, places and activities from the past that centered on substance use.
- Thinking of discrete ways to use substances without family and friends knowing or while they are at work or school.
- The occasional thought of using substances become a constant stream of thought that revolves around using substances.
Phase #3: The Physical Relapse
Physical relapse is the actual event in which an individual starts using drugs and alcohol after a period of sobriety. Physical relapse occurs shortly after the mental relapse stage and the moment when drug use occurs means recovery is over. When a relapse actually occurs, the individual often experiences considerable feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse and it can lead to the development of depression. In this state, the addict may feel they may be a lost cause and will continue to abuse drugs and alcohol in order to minimize the pain.
Essential Relapse Prevention Tips To Keep You Clean and Sober In Ohio
In order to minimize the chances of relapse, it is important to remember the relapse prevention tips that were taught during your time in drug treatment. Over time, you can refine these tips to suit your lifestyle, and you will no doubt pick up new relapse prevention techniques as you progress in your recovery. The following are essential relapse prevention tips for those newly sober in Ohio
Focus on The Here and Now
An essential relapse prevention for those newly sober in Ohio tip is to focus on the here and now and what you can be done in the present. If the addict starts thinking about their past or what may occur in the future their recover focus diminishes and those old and familiar thoughts and behaviors can start taking up space in their mind. Left unchecked, these thoughts can turn into actions and ultimately lead to relapse.
Achieve Balance
Another great relapse prevention tip for those new to recovery in Ohio is to create a balanced life utilizing activities that are healthy and promote recovery. Some suggestions include taking up new hobbies, adopting a consistent exercise routine, and adopting a healthy and well-balanced diet to name a few examples.
Lean on a Support System
When the urges and cravings to use drugs and alcohol hit, it is crucial those new to recovery in Ohio reach out to supportive family and friends. These people can help those who are in recovery become aware of the warning signs, and can provide you with the support and encouragement that is needed to navigate those valleys that are present in recovery.
Having a Plan In Place
Another important relapse prevention tip for newly recovering addicts in Ohio is to have a solid plan in place for those high-risk situations that are encountered. if a newly recovering person is planning on attending a function in which substance abuse will occur, they need to have a plan in place which includes rehearsed responses, bringing a sponsor, someone from a 12-step program or supportive family member or friend for support, having phone numbers handy and even having a safe ride or money for cab fare.
Are You Newly Recovering in Ohio?
If you are newly recovering in Ohio and are seeking extra support and encouragement that will help you stay confident in your sobriety, contact the addiction professionals at Ohio Addiction Recovery Center. We offer a variety outpatient treatment programs and sober living arrangements that will allow you to continue to hone your life and coping skills in a safe and supportive environment. We even built a chronic relapse program to help address those who have issues with staying sober for long periods of time. Call Ohio Addiction Recovery Center toll-free right now.
