Preventing relapse is a crucial part of comprehensive treatment for individuals dealing with addiction. As clients advance in their rehabilitation journey, it’s important for them to feel a sense of control when deciding to stay away from drugs. In such situations, relapse hotlines come in handy. They provide an understanding of the relapse processes, strengthening individuals’ ability to overcome drug addiction and regain sobriety. The following questions will help you understand more about relapses and relapse hotlines.
What Does It Mean to Relapse?
When it comes to substance abuse, a relapse occurs when someone resumes using drugs after a period of abstinence. If you only have a one-time slip, it would be seen as a mistake. However, if you keep going back to using the substance repeatedly and revert to your previous addictive behaviors, it would be classified as a relapse.
The journey to recovery involves detoxification and engaging in a treatment program that paves the way for a fresh start and a healthier lifestyle. However, there’s always a risk of relapse, especially if you neglect the resources and coping mechanisms you learned during rehab. Thankfully, there’s support available to you when you find yourself in danger of relapsing.
You can talk to a compassionate counselor who understands your predicament by dialing our Relapse Prevention Hotline at 866-312-5583. If alcohol is the substance you’re striving to quit, keep in mind that cravings typically last only a few minutes. A phone call like this can save you from making a mistake that could have long-term consequences.
Why Do Addicts Relapse in Recovery?
Here are some common reasons why recovering addicts relapse.
Stress
Recovery is often accompanied by powerful triggers of anxiety and tension. Using drugs may have been a common method of dealing with stress for most addicts. This makes stress a common reason for relapse in early recovery. While turning to alcohol or drugs might seem like a quick fix, it’s important to recognize that this relief is only temporary. Once the fleeting euphoria subsides, the stress returns, often magnified.
Glamorizing Past Drug Use
Relapse often follows a gradual process, and an alarming sign is when recovering addicts find themselves indulging in nostalgic thoughts about their past lives. This may result in them overlooking the pain and suffering caused by addiction. Such reminiscing can awaken the addictive tendencies within, leading to a dangerous downward spiral back into old habits.
Engaging in discussions about past drug use can easily pave the way for contemplating future use, potentially culminating in action. Recognizing this pattern of reminiscing is crucial, and seeking support from a sponsor, counselor, or understanding friends is highly recommended. They can serve as a reminder of why you chose the path of recovery.
Peer Pressure
Triggers take on other various forms, including encounters with old friends and revisiting familiar places where you can access the desired substance. For instance, living near a bar or going to a party where you see friends you used to hang out with might tempt you to use an addictive substance for the sake of nostalgia. As the sights and sounds trigger familiar sensations, cravings intensify.
This proves to be a slippery slope leading to relapse, even if those friends aren’t explicitly pressuring you to use it again. The desire to fit in and conform to their lifestyle can be compelling. This is precisely why addiction counselors advocate for a fresh start in a new community. Spending time in a sober living space offers an opportunity to find a supportive environment and establish a sense of belonging.
Overconfidence
Self-confidence is a valuable asset in recovery, but excessive confidence can become a precarious tightrope leading to relapse. As life begins to stabilize during recovery, there’s a tendency to believe that the relapse prevention plan is no longer necessary.
This overconfidence can breed complacency and blur the line between healthy self-assurance and the risk of relapse. Staying grounded and humble is crucial, and one way to achieve this is by giving back to others when possible. Additionally, it’s important to remember that addiction is a chronic disease. The notion of “just one” is a dangerous fallacy.
Emotions
Negative emotions are often the catalyst that drives individuals toward drug or alcohol use. Help Guide reports that 37% of individuals grappling with alcohol abuse also experience at least one mental or emotional health disorder. Similarly, 53% of drug users face this dual challenge.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that experiencing sadness, anger, guilt, or loneliness is a natural and inevitable part of recovery and life. Although these emotions may be uncomfortable, learning healthy ways to cope without resorting to drugs or alcohol is crucial during the early stages of recovery.
Is It Safe to Call a Relapse Prevention Hotline?
If you find yourself facing these triggers, the best course of action is to reach out to the Relapse Prevention Hotline at 866-312-5583 for help. Our team is available around the clock, every day of the week, and we’re here to offer support and guidance tailored to your situation. Many of our advisers have personal experience with recovery, so we empathize with your worries and apprehensions.
Are Relapse Prevention Hotlines Anonymous and Confidential?
Rest assured that your privacy is of utmost importance to us. We pledge to keep your information confidential and secure. Additionally, when you call our hotline, you have the option to remain anonymous. There’s no need to share your full name or other details that might reveal your identity. Our primary objective at the Relapse Prevention Hotline is to provide you with the assistance you need to stay on track and prevent setbacks.
What Can You Expect When Calling Our Relapse Prevention Hotline?
Once you call our number, it’s natural to have concerns about what to expect. Knowing what to anticipate can help ease your mind. Here’s what you can expect.
Making the Call
Initially, when you make the call, you may be greeted by an automated voice. If the hotline is currently receiving a high volume of calls, the automated message will request that you remain on the line until a representative is available to assist you. In certain situations, the automated voice provides you with an alternative, such as switching to a different language if needed.
After the automated voice, you will be connected to either a volunteer or a counselor. Some relapse hotlines also offer the option of peer support, connecting you with someone who has been in a situation like yours. It’s important to know that whoever you speak with is ready to lend a helping hand and provide the support you need.
Initiating the Conversation
Once you are connected, friendly responders will initiate the conversation by asking a few questions. Their goal is to understand your situation and provide assistance immediately. They might start by asking, “How may I assist you today?” or “What led you to reach out to us?” Additionally, they could inquire about your first name, age, preferred pronouns, or location to offer you more specialized support.
Telling Your Story
When you reach out to us, sharing your story and expressing yourself openly is essential. The person on the other end of the line will listen attentively and encourage you to discuss your relapse experience. Feel free to talk about any factors that might have contributed to it and any emotional challenges you’re currently facing.
As you describe your relapse, hotline responders will acknowledge your difficulties and offer reassurance. They’ll remind you that relapsing doesn’t mean the end of your recovery journey but rather an opportunity for growth and learning. They’ll likely emphasize the positive step you’ve taken by seeking help and encourage you to feel proud of yourself.
Throughout the conversation, the responder will highlight the importance of self-care and stress management techniques. Together, you’ll work on creating an action plan that aligns with your recovery goals and equips you with the necessary skills to navigate this challenging period.
Is It Possible to Text a Relapse Prevention Hotline Number?
If you’re seeking additional information on how to prevent relapse but you’re not quite prepared to speak to us, you can reach us via text. By signing up for our personalized text support, you’ll receive 24/7 assistance tailored specifically to your needs. This is free, and there’s no obligation to pursue rehab treatment. You can opt out whenever you wish, giving you complete control over your choices.
Who Should Reach Out to a Relapse Hotline?
Anyone needing guidance can contact our Relapse Prevention Hotline. It was designed to assist people dealing with relapses related to various substances, including:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Crystal meth
- Dissociatives (such as PCP, DXM, or Ketamine)
- Ambien
- Hallucinogens (like LSD or mushrooms)
- Study drugs (such as Adderall)
- Club drugs (such as Ecstasy/Molly, or GHB)
- Benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Ativan)
- Opioids
- Prescription opioids (such as Oxycodone, Vicodin.)
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
What Habits Can Help Prevent Relapses?
Here are some habits that can help you stay on track and prevent relapse.
Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a powerful tool that enhances self-awareness, a crucial skill in maintaining sobriety. Research has shown that individuals in recovery who incorporate mindfulness meditation into their routine often experience greater benefits compared to those in standard relapse prevention or 12-step programs. This practice teaches you to acknowledge and navigate cravings instead of resisting them.
Explore New Hobbies or Rediscover Old Ones
Once you decide to be sober, you suddenly have a lot of free time that used to be occupied by doing drugs. However, having so much time during the early stages of recovery can be risky. To avoid relapse, it’s important to fill this time with new activities or reconnect with loved ones who may have been distant due to your addiction. You can try cooking new recipes, attending sober-friendly concerts, or joining recreational sports leagues.
Remember HALT
HALT stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired. When you crave drugs or feel unsettled or off-balance, check if you are experiencing any of these signs. They are common triggers for many people in recovery. Regularly assessing HALT can help you reduce the likelihood of a relapse.
Try Journaling
Journaling is a versatile and effective tool for preventing relapse. By keeping a journal, you can track your moods, identify triggers that tempt you to use, and discover enjoyable ways to spend your time. It serves as a valuable tool for reflecting on your journey, analyzing your goals, and developing a strategy to pursue your dreams in recovery.
Stay Active
Adjusting to a drug-free life and dealing with emotions without relying on substances takes time and effort. Engaging in physical activities is a great way to boost your mood and energy levels because exercise releases endorphins. Choose activities that appeal to you, such as walking, cycling, jogging, yoga, weightlifting, or swimming.
Practice Deep Breathing
Breathing is essential for our existence, but many people underestimate its impact on our well-being. Our breathing patterns profoundly influence our brain chemistry and overall lives. We can gain significant control over our lives by consciously changing our breathing patterns. Deep breathing exercises are particularly helpful in regulating emotions and improving your overall mood. This will help you fight the urge to drink, smoke, or indulge in any other form of substance abuse while in recovery.
How Can You Reach Out for Help?
Relapses are common among recovering addicts, but there are ways to prevent this setback. By following the advice provided in this article, you can increase your chances of staying on track. Remember, reaching out for help is crucial if you are tempted to use drugs or alcohol again. Call our Relapse Prevention Hotline at 866-210-1303 whenever you need to.