Techniques for Managing Triggers & Preventing Relapse
The reality of addiction is that physical dependence is only one part of the problem. The mental aspect, the part that causes you to make decisions that harm you over the long term by using the substance, is the core of the problem. It’s necessary to identify the mental patterns that lead to the use of the substance and to gain skills to interrupt those patterns if you want to stay sober over the long run.
Each person is unique in the way they are triggered and the way that different techniques help—or don’t help—them manage their triggers. Managing triggers is necessary to prevent relapse, so it’s important to push through the challenges of trial and error with your therapist to figure out what works for you.
Common techniques that you will likely try with your therapist to manage triggers include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Regular exercise
- Mindfulness training
- Breathing exercises
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
You will likely want to incorporate some of these into your life, even if they don’t always prevent triggering. A healthy diet and a good sleep routine are beneficial over the long term, even if they don’t always keep you from relapsing. Others, like group therapy or breathing exercises, might be things that you find extremely helpful or only mildly helpful. The only way to be sure how they help is to try them consistently and discuss the results with your therapist.
You deserve the health and peace that come from a life free of substance dependency. Our team near Jacksonville, FL, wants to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your life now and in the future. So, if you are struggling right now with drug or alcohol addiction, please contact us. Our drug and alcohol rehab near Jacksonville, FL, is ready to help you on the path to recovery.
