Breaking an addiction is just the first step in making it through drug use. For those who make it through detox itself, the prospects of relapse loom large over their goals. Controlling relapses is best done through prevention rather than reaction. The overall strategy works for those dealing with any previous addictions and can be tailored by a Las Vegas opioid addiction specialist to fit any situation.

Self-Care Matters

The first step in relapse prevention is thinking about self-care. It is important for someone to consider how best to aid in their own recovery. A balanced diet is a good place to start. Next, look at creating an exercise plan. Getting out and doing something, like running or weight lifting, builds the body and helps the mind. Changing to a balanced diet and daily exercise will make sleep better as well. Rest is key to avoiding any relapse, so everything should be measures and paces to avoid overexertion.

Look Out For Triggers

Identify a person’s triggers first; these can be anything that would cause them to relapse. Some triggers are the same for most people while others are unique to the individuals. Similar triggers are like being around people who also use or have the same addiction, stress, and insomnia. Also, if a person gets sick, it can cause problems for their recovery. Emotions are important to any relapse prevention; any upset feelings like anger or sadness should be dealt with quickly. It might be of help for someone to ask questions about their triggers to aid their understanding of the disease.

Staying On Track

Having the right people around helps keep recovery on track; these people can be on the lookout for possible triggers and diversions if needed. They give support, and motivation to get through the hard times. The people chosen for this should be those that are trusted by an individual. Support groups can be life-saving as can doctors and therapists or counselors. Anyone, like a sponsor, who can be of help on this journey should be only a phone call away. There are exercises that the support groups use in preventing a relapse–some of these deal with management, analysis, and understanding.

Reflection

Always keep in mind the reasons for attempting recovery. It’s okay to reflect on how bad life was during the addiction, but stay focused on looking forward to better times. Meditation helps with keeping a person positive and connected to the world around them; this can take the form of visualizing, focusing on a word or mantra and even counting to 10.

Prevention Models

There are respected relapse prevention models that work with these types of situations. The Gorski-Cenaps model has nine steps for success; some of the steps deal with support, change, and coping. Dr. Gordon Alan Marlatt found the Marlatt model to be helpful. It looks into how stable and short-lived influences link. Also, there are many types of worksheets for someone to follow that helps identify problems and find solutions in their daily lives.