Relapse triggers to watch out for in December

Partying month is a time of excitement and merriment for many of us with a lot of festivities lurking round the corner. But for someone on the path of addiction recovery, it can be overwhelming because of the relapse triggers that come with festivities. Let us now discuss some common relapse triggers that you can watch out for to maintain abstinence.

Knowing what a trigger is?

A trigger is something that pushes you back to your old abusive self in the form of a relapse. These triggers could be people, places, things, and emotions that remind you of the occasions that fuelled substance abuse in you in the first place. In general, recovered addicts see that their triggers have become less powerful over a period of time but the early recoverers find it tough to fight these cravings. A critical watch out for triggers and a plan to overcome them comes a long way in escaping relapse. Common Triggers that fuel relapse among recovering addicts can be enumerated as the following:

Parties

Parties are the biggest triggers for recovering addicts during the holiday season. Parties involve family and friends who provide unlimited access to alcohol and drugs. There will be memories of the holiday season. Both good and bad memories could essentially create feelings of substance abuse that can hardly be controlled. These environments can feel overwhelming for someone new to recovery.

Understanding that there is a threat of relapse and avoiding gatherings where friends coerce you to partake in alcoholic/drug consumption is quintessential to keep your sobriety maintained. Also remembering that recovery is the most important task ahead is important.

Holiday Stress

Believe it or not, the holiday season creates a lot of stress. Stress that arises from scheduling events, attending numerous parties, traveling and keeping everyone in the family and friends satisfied. Planning gifts and dealing with the fact that we are judged upon by friends and relatives for the gifts we distribute is another factor that creates stress. Apart from all these, the financial crunch that arises from the celebrations is another one. There could be so many more depending on the individual lifestyles.

Stress causes cravings for alcohol/drug abuse in people for the want of good sleep and relaxation. Addicts in early recovery are advised to keep this fact in mind and have a back-up plan ready to save themselves from relapse. They say comedy can give as good a high as alcohol.

Unhappy memories associated with family gatherings

Family gatherings for some are essentially associated with unhappy memories such as rejection/loss of a loved one/judgemental behaviours/toxic relative. These memories could have been the reason for some people for resorting to substance abuse. Well, when we understand our triggers, it is much easier to deal with them. Plans and preparation for dealing with these memories beforehand lands us in a win-win situation. While setting personal boundaries is good in these gatherings, being determined in your mind to progress with your recovery could be the life saver. Also, surrounding yourself with a positive support group and avoiding unpleasant encounters is the best way to cope.

Unmet Expectations

For a person in early recovery, expectations of the holiday season can be delightful imagining the beautiful get-togethers with family and friends. But, unfortunately, the intense drug/alcohol cravings and fateful memories might be more powerful than the fun and frolic in the festivities. Understanding that sobriety is something that has to be constantly maintained and having realistic expectations from the party season could help overcome the ideas of relapse.

Expecting that there could be relapse triggers during the season and having a well-planned schedule ahead that deviates you from substance abuse and keeps you occupied in more positive activities (like sports and art) that also yield the same amount of high is one good idea of dealing with the cravings.

Disruption in Treatment

Addicts struggling with co-occurring mental health issues and people who are in early recovery period require consistent and quality health care without disruption. However, during the holiday season, a timely appointment or an immediate response could be far from reach as most of the health care workers too could be on a holiday. Though it is unfortunate to miss the routine healthcare and spontaneous medical response, you should be aware that this situation could be a relapse trap. Plan in advance for enough stock of medical supplies and join a support group to get help in the absence of your personal therapist.

The nature of this season unfortunately creates relapse triggers for the addicts to fall off the wagon. But it can be easily dealt with if you know the triggers and formulate strategies to handle them well in advance. If you believe that life is about self-love and positivity, everything falls in place in no time. After all, A strong mind pushes people to push the boundaries, cross continents and land on the moon. Cravings are just another thing to deal with for it.

Wishing you an addiction free, fun-filled holiday season and a happy New Year 2021 – Team Phoenix