Navigating Return to Use
Facing addiction means knowing people don’t have to be perfect in the journey. The path to recovery is different for everyone, but it will include a return to use or relapse for many people. Recognizing it as a common challenge in the recovery journey rather than a sign of failure is vital in the healing process.
Triggers and Warning Signs
Identifying triggers and warning signs that can contribute to a return to use is a crucial step in the recovery process. These triggers can include everything from stress and social isolation to environmental cues and emotional distress. Learning about what could contribute to a possible return to use can help people develop strategies to manage and avoid them. And they shouldn’t go it alone—having supportive friends and family or being part of a recovery group can make a big difference. Additionally, it’s important to emphasize the significance of collaborating with medical experts to assess elements such as medication-assisted treatment and determine its optimal role in the recovery process.
After a Return to Use
Following a return to use, take a proactive stance to reignite staying healthy. A return to use or slip can be disheartening, but it’s important not to let it permanently derail the overall recovery journey. Seek out professional help and reconnect with support systems to help recalibrate and reignite the recovery approach. Remember that for many people, setbacks are a natural part of life. The recovery journey can get back on track by analyzing the circumstances surrounding a return to use and adjusting strategies appropriately.
Strategies for Success
Preventing a return to use requires a realistic multi-faceted approach encompassing recovery’s physical, psychological, and social aspects. Healthy habits like regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep can contribute to overall well-being. Developing mindfulness and stress reduction techniques like meditation or yoga can bolster emotional resilience and may even help manage triggers more effectively. It’s important to remember that a return to use does not negate the progress made; instead, it offers an opportunity to learn and refine one’s strategies for long-term recovery.
Contact the NCWR Addiction and Recovery Clinic at OSU at 918-561-1890 to schedule an appointment. In case of a medical emergency, please dial 911. For immediate and confidential emotional support, please call 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.