Relapse Warning Signs
Telling lies, keeping secrets, making excuses
Dishonesty
Challenge this justification:"I can't relax without drinking/using."
- I can relax in other ways
- A relapse will actually lead to more stress/anxiety
A community fellowship that outlines a course of action for recovery and usually includes step work, sponsorship, and identifying a higher power.
Self-help, AA, NA, Al-Anon, SOS,
People Places and Things are examples of what kind of trigger
External Triggers
To fall back into a previous condition, especially after a partial recover from illness.
Relapse
Things are not happening fast enough, rushing things
Impatience
Challenge this justification: "My family still doesn't trust me even though I'm sober, so I might as well start using/drinking again."
- Using/drinking will lead to even more distrust
- I have been dishonest in the past so I understand why it may be hard to trust me
- I should demonstrate my trustworthiness by not using/drinking
This local agency is available for those experiencing an emotional emergency by offering the following services: 24/7 hotline, mobile outreach, trauma response, advocacy, and community education and training.
Crisis Services
hotline: (716) 834-3131
*Crisis text line: 741741
What is an internal trigger?
An emotional state that you might experience before, during, or after substance use
Definition of Addiction?
Process that involves 1) compulsion to drink alcohol or use other drugs, 2) a loss of control over drinking alcohol or using drugs, and 3) continued drinking or drug use despite negative consequences
Taking on too much, being a "workaholic"
Exhaustion
Challenge this justification: "I had a bad day, I deserve to use/drink."
- Today was actually a good day but a "bad" thing happened
- A relapse will not make today better
- I can reward myself in other ways
This is a safe, benign, life saving medication use to reverse opiate overdose and is available without a prescription at most pharmacies.
Narcan (Naloxone)
What is an external trigger?
Events, places, things, or specific times that you associate with substance use
SMART goals are goals that are...
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time Oriented
Thinking you've got everything under control, no longer fearing your addiction, feeling that you don't need to work on recovery anymore
Over-confidence
Challenge this justification: "I can use ______ because it's not my drug of choice."
- Drinking/using another substance may lead to a relapse on my drug of choice
- There are negative consequences to using any drug
This number can be called at anytime, 24/7, and offers information and education about addiction, referrals, assessments, peer and family support, outpatient linkage, and follow-up.
The Addiction Open Access Hotline
(716) 831-7007
What is a sensory trigger?
The senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch that remind you of drug use.
The goal of recovery is to...
Make your life better
Thinking everything is okay (positive or negative), "forgetting" about negative consequences, "giving in"
Complacency
Challenge this justification: " I am ____ months/years sober, therefore I do not need to go to treatment/self-help or reach out to sober supports anymore."
- Recovery is life long and ongoing
- Not practicing recovery may lead to a relapse
- Practicing my recovery makes me feel happy/health/proud/etc.
What other continuing programs does SOBA provide?
PHP w/housing
IOP
mental health track
How do triggers lead to relapse?
Triggers lead to thoughts, thoughts lead to cravings, cravings lead to relapse.
Define coping skills
Set of skills that a patient uses in order to avoid and deal with triggers and cravings