Relapse Prevention in New Jersey

A person’s emotions can play a major role in the development of an addiction. Therapists can work with a person in treatment and teach them healthier ways to manage their emotions moving forward. If those emotions aren’t properly managed, it can result in relapse.

While part of treatment is fostering a positive support system, sometimes upon completion of treatment, people find themselves back with friends and acquaintances with whom they had previously used addictive substances. Being around people and in environments that remind you of the days you used to use substances can cause an “itch” to start using again, which can result in a relapse.

For many in recovery, their environment played a large role in their addiction. This could include living in a home where others were using, or growing up in an environment where drugs and alcohol were common. These environments often evoke cravings and create emotional responses that are difficult to manage. These triggers may include:

• Returning to a location that you associate with substance abuse
• Coming across items related to past drug or alcohol use
• Being in an environment with easy access to substances

Life events and changes can introduce stressors that make recovery more challenging. Even positive events can be destabilizing, if they disrupt routines or cause emotional upheaval. Common situational triggers include:

• Major life changes, such as a breakup, loss of a loved one, or moving
• Career setbacks, like losing a job or struggling with job performance
• Celebrations or milestones that involve heavy socializing or risky environments

This phase is marked by insufficient self-care and occurs before any thoughts of substance use. When individuals neglect their self-care routines, they may begin to feel increasingly uncomfortable within themselves. This could prompt them to seek methods of escape, relaxation, or self-reward. Emotional triggers can include stress, anxiety, loneliness, and boredom.

Warning signs of an emotional relapse may include:

• Feelings of anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Irritability
• Suppressing emotions
• Disengagement from treatment
• Poor dietary and sleep patterns

To prevent an emotional relapse, it is essential to acknowledge the need for behavioral change and to prioritize self-care. This includes being open with your feelings, engaging in regular physical activity, consuming three nutritious meals daily, aiming for eight hours of sleep each night, maintaining personal hygiene, and participating in healthy social activities.

This phase encompasses a difficult mental struggle. Part of the individual desires to use substances while another part resists.

Warning signs of mental relapse include:

• Reminiscing about former companions with whom you used substances
• Being reminded of past substance use
• Romanticizing previous experiences with drugs
• Dishonesty
• Believing that an addicted person can use substances just once
• Contemplating a relapse

It is crucial to confide in someone about these urges, whether it’s a loved one or a mental health professional. Recognize high-risk scenarios and devise a strategy to circumvent substance use. Practicing relaxation methods such as meditation can be beneficial.

This phase occurs when the individual resumes substance use. This is the stage most associated with the concept of relapse. Overwhelming negative emotions, coupled with inadequate coping mechanisms, can lead to unhealthy thought processes that rationalize substance use. This results in the decision to use addictive substances again.

What actions should be taken? It is important not to lose hope. Seek help and be transparent about your relapse. Take the time to reflect on the emotional and mental phases that preceded the physical relapse, and identify the specific emotions and thoughts that contributed to that outcome.

The physical toll of addiction and withdrawal can also make individuals vulnerable to relapse. Without proper support, cravings or health issues can feel overwhelming. This can easily lead to a return to substance use.

List specific triggers and situations that could lead to cravings. For each trigger, note why it’s a risk and how it can be avoided or managed.

Think of healthy ways to handle stress and cravings, such as:

• Practicing mindfulness or meditation
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Pursuing hobbies or creative outlets

Create a list of people you can call in moments of vulnerability or susceptibility. These may include:

• Someone in your support group
• A trusted friend or family member
• A therapist, treatment professional, or sponsor

Establish a routine that includes:

• Scheduled time for self-care activities
• Attending therapy or support meetings
• Building connections with a sober community
• Regular check-ins with a therapist or sponsor
• Recovery meetings to reinforce your commitment to sobriety

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. MAT is typically used during detox and the early stages of treatment to properly manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This reduces the risk of relapse at a crucial point in the recovery process.

Therapy is not just the cornerstone of addiction treatment, but relapse prevention as well. Addiction therapy helps people in treatment properly identify and understand the triggers that lead to their substance use. They can then work to establish healthy coping mechanisms that don’t involve drugs or alcohol.

At Pathways, we offer several different therapies, including:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy

Relapse prevention doesn’t end once the treatment program has been completed. We offer sober living programs to help with continued structure and support as individuals in treatment make the transition into their new, sober lives. Aftercare programs provide accountability, as well as a safe, substance-free environment.