It is common for people whostruggle with addictionto relapse at least once during recovery.

Some people fall off the wagon several times before getting sober for the last time.

Here are five common relapse triggers you may want to discuss with your therapist or counselor.

Creating a plan for how to act when you encounter these triggers can be very helpful.

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Stress

Stress is the most common cause of a relapse.

Many people who struggle with addiction turn to their substance or activity of choice as amaladaptive way of coping.

One way to prevent stress from triggering you is to evaluate your stress levels.

For instance, are you in atoxic relationship?

Or do you have a financial situation that is stressing you out?

By doing this, you will be reducing the likelihood of stress triggering a relapse.

Likewise, certain places that remind you of your addiction may be triggering for you.

Even some family members could be a trigger,especially if they make you feel more childlike and vulnerable.

When you’re reminded of your addiction, it’s important to have effective ways of handling your feelings.

If you don’t prepare for these situations ahead of time, you are vulnerable to relapse.

Try brainstorming ideas on your own and work with your counselor or therapist to come up with a plan.

It is important to learn how to be comfortable with uncomfortable feelings and emotions.

Realize negative feelings don’t have to be a sign of an impending setback.

Everyone feels negative or challenging emotions.

The key is how you deal with them.

View these emotions as an opportunity for growth and understanding.

In fact, learning how to face your emotions without escaping into addiction is invaluable.

So, tryjournaling, meditating, or even praying when you are feeling negative.

Find a healthy way to release your negativity andboost your mood.

An addiction specialist or another mental health professional can help you develop additional coping strategies.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Seeing or Sensing the Object of Your Addiction

Reminders of your addiction cantrigger relapseduring recovery.

Wanting to fall back into your addiction is normal.

After all, it’s a familiar place for you.

give a shot to focus on the new life you’re building and the changes you’re making.

Reciting positive mantras or doingrelaxation exercisesmay help you resist these urges as well.

For additional support, work with your counselor or therapist on how to effectively deal with these reminders.

Times of Celebration

Positive situations, such as birthdays and holidays, can be triggers too.

But can you really keep it under control?

People who struggle with addiction frequently lose their capacity to know when to stop.

Therefore, one drink or cigarette can more easily turn into abingefor someone who has struggled with addiction.

Having someone to support in situations where you are at risk of relapse can help.

Avoid going into situations alone where you are at high risk of relapse.

You might be surprised how quickly your resolve and good intentions disappear once the party’s started.

If you go into the situation unprepared, you’re more likely to relapse.

Do everything you could to protect yourself, but don’t beat yourself up if you do slip.

Remember, relapse is not a sign that your recovery failed.

You’re navigating a new and unfamiliar path.

So, with continued therapy and support you should be able to build stronger defenses against common triggers.

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