Meditation for Relapse Prevention

Meditation for Relapse Prevention Silicon Valley Recovery Blogs Oct 03

The path to recovery is a courageous and transformative journey. It requires determination, resilience, and often a comprehensive set of tools to navigate the challenges that come with overcoming addiction or destructive habits. One such powerful tool is the practice of meditation. Meditation not only deepens self-awareness and inner peace but can also be a formidable ally in relapse prevention. In this article, we explore how the practice of meditation can support individuals in maintaining sobriety, fostering emotional well-being, and fostering a strong foundation for lasting recovery.

The Foundations of Relapse Prevention

Before diving into the transformative potential of meditation, it is essential to understand the foundations of relapse prevention. Relapse occurs when an individual returns to a previously destructive behavior or substance use. To prevent relapse, it is crucial to address various aspects that contribute to its occurrence, including physical, emotional, and environmental triggers. By cultivating effective coping mechanisms, individuals can minimize the risk of relapse and build a sustainable foundation for recovery.

The Profound Impact of Meditation

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years across various cultures for its remarkable therapeutic benefits. When integrated into a relapse prevention strategy, meditation can significantly enhance an individual’s ability to navigate cravings, stress, and emotional triggers, thereby reducing the likelihood of relapse. By fostering a strong mind-body connection, meditation equips practitioners with invaluable tools to develop inner calm, self-awareness, and emotional resilience.

Here are some key ways meditation can empower individuals in their journey to relapse prevention:

Emotional Regulation and Self-Awareness

Meditation cultivates emotional regulation by promoting self-awareness and mindfulness.
By engaging in regular meditation practice, individuals gain insight into their emotional landscape, learning to recognize and navigate triggers effectively.

Alleviation of Stress and Anxiety

The practice of meditation activates the body’s relaxation response, reducing stress and anxiety levels.
By embracing meditation as a coping mechanism, individuals can find solace in the present moment, untangling themselves from the overwhelming grip of stress.

Increased Resilience and Coping Skills

Through the practice of meditation, individuals develop resilience, enabling them to remain composed in the face of adversities.
Meditation equips practitioners with effective coping skills, allowing them to respond rather than react to challenging situations, thus reducing the vulnerability to relapse triggers.

Heightened Focus and Cognitive Clarity

Regular meditation practice improves cognitive function and attention span, enhancing focus and decision-making abilities.
By sharpening mental acuity, individuals can better evaluate potential risks and make informed choices, minimizing the chances of relapse.

Enhancing Connection and Social Support

Meditation fosters a sense of inner connectedness, leading to enhanced relationships and supportive networks.
By cultivating compassion and empathy through meditation, individuals strengthen their support systems, making them more resilient and less susceptible to isolation-induced relapse triggers.

FAQs about Meditation for Relapse Prevention

Is meditation suitable for everyone in recovery?

Yes, meditation can be beneficial for individuals in all stages of recovery. It is important to find a meditation style that resonates with your preferences and needs.

How often should I practice meditation for optimal results?

Consistency is key. It is recommended to practice meditation for at least 10-20 minutes daily. However, any amount of regular practice can contribute to the desired benefits.

Can meditation replace other relapse prevention strategies?

No, meditation is most effective when used in conjunction with other evidence-based relapse prevention strategies, such as therapy, support groups, and healthy lifestyle choices.

I find it challenging to quiet my mind during meditation. What should I do?

It is normal to experience a busy mind during meditation. The key is to observe thoughts without judgment and gently bring your attention back to your chosen meditation focus, be it the breath or a mantra.

Can meditation help with physical cravings?

While meditation may not directly eliminate physical cravings, it can help individuals develop inner resilience and coping skills to navigate cravings in a more conducive manner.

“I can’t begin to express how instrumental Silicon Valley Recovery was and still continues to be in my battle with addiction. They truly take on a holistic approach and make you feel like you are part of a family while you are in treatment there. I had been in other in-patient programs prior to coming to SVR and it was a much different experience. The staff is exemplary and 110% dedicated to your well-being and recovery. From the CEO Sonja to her amazing staff including Johnny, Sam, Jastine, etc. The list goes on. I relapsed and needed to come back to SVR and I was shown nothing but love and encouragement. I still feel now I can pick up the phone and call someone if I need support. Thank you SVR. Your the best!!” – Nicole Du Plessis

Nurturing Lasting Recovery Through Meditation

In the battle against addiction or destructive habits, relapse prevention is of paramount importance. The practice of meditation holds the transformative potential to strengthen and safeguard individuals’ journey to lasting recovery. By cultivating emotional regulation, alleviating stress, enhancing resilience, sharpening cognitive abilities, and fostering connections, meditation becomes an indispensable tool for relapse prevention. Embrace the power of meditation to fortify your path, tap into your inner strength, and discover a life of sustained well-being and recovery.

Silicon Valley Recovery is a safe, relaxing environment where you can comfortably experience authentic healing. Our highly-trained staff for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment is dedicated to helping you find freedom from your addiction and discover a greater sense of self and purpose. We help you do this with personalized care and evidence-based practices. This heart-centered and scientific approach is tailored to meet each person’s needs. Being in treatment doesn’t need to feel like being in treatment.

6 Relapse Prevention Strategies for Substance Abuse

Tips to Prevent Relapse in Substance Abuse Recovery

Substance abuse is a complex and challenging condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide and relapse prevention is key since 75% of subjects relapsed within 1 year of treatment. Achieving and maintaining recovery from substance abuse requires a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of addiction, including physical, psychological, and social factors. Recovery is a lifelong process that requires dedication, patience, and effort. One of the most significant challenges individuals in recovery face is the risk of relapse.

Relapse is the return to substance use after a period of abstinence. It’s common for individuals in recovery to experience relapse, and it can be devastating for their progress. However, relapse is not a sign of failure, and getting back on track is possible. Understanding the factors that contribute to relapse and developing relapse prevention strategies is crucial to maintaining sobriety.

Relapse prevention strategies for substance abuse include identifying triggers and high-risk situations and developing coping strategies to manage them. Triggers can include people, places, or things associated with substance use. High-risk situations can include stress, social events, or emotional turmoil. Developing coping strategies such as exercise, meditation, or seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can help individuals manage triggers and high-risk situations.

Understand Your Triggers

Understanding your triggers is crucial in preventing relapse. Triggers are events, situations, or people that make you want to use drugs or alcohol. Identifying your triggers can help you avoid or manage them. Some common triggers include stress, boredom, social pressure, and emotional distress. If you’re unsure what your triggers are, try to journal your thoughts and feelings when you’re tempted to use drugs or alcohol.

Develop Coping Mechanisms

Developing healthy coping mechanisms is essential in preventing relapse. You can use coping mechanisms to deal with stress and negative emotions without turning to drugs or alcohol. Some effective coping mechanisms include meditation, exercise, therapy, and support groups. Find activities that make you happy and that you enjoy doing, and incorporate them into your daily routine.

Build a Support Network

Building a support network is crucial in preventing relapse. Surround yourself with people who support your sobriety and understand what you’re going through. Support can come from family, friends, therapists, support groups, and sponsors. Having a support network can help you stay accountable and motivated and provide you with the help you need when you’re struggling.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is an essential part of preventing relapse. Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally can help you stay on track. Make sure to eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Engage in activities that make you happy and reduce stress, such as reading, gardening, or listening to music. Taking care of yourself can help you feel more confident, positive, and in control of your life.

Avoid Triggers

Avoiding triggers is an essential part of preventing relapse. While it’s not always possible to avoid all triggers, there are things you can do to minimize your exposure to them. For example, if you know that being around certain people or going to certain places will make you want to use drugs or alcohol, avoid them. Make a plan for handling situations that might trigger cravings, and have a backup plan in case your first plan doesn’t work.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals is crucial in preventing relapse. Goals can help you stay motivated and focused on your recovery. However, it’s essential to set goals that are achievable and realistic. Setting goals that are too ambitious or unrealistic can lead to disappointment and frustration, increasing the risk of relapse. Start with small, achievable goals, and gradually work your way up to bigger goals as you progress in your recovery.

Take Action Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to seek professional help. At Able to Change Recovery, we offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs that can help you overcome addiction and maintain sobriety. Our programs include a partial hospitalization program, an outpatient program, and extended care support. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and to take the first step toward a healthier, happier life. Remember, recovery is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone, especially when it comes to relapse prevention.

Did the Pandemic Cause People to Relapse on Opioids?

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many adverse effects, even outside the virus itself. Since the start of the pandemic, life has been upended for nearly everyone, including people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction.

COVID-19 and Drug Addiction

Researchers observe increases in substance use and drug overdoses in the U.S. since COVID-19 was declared a national emergency in 2020. There are distinct challenges for people who have substance use disorders and are recovering.

Some of the reasons the pandemic has affected people with addiction or led to an increased likelihood of relapse on opioids and other substances include:

People have been dealing with anxiety about COVID itself for several years. There are worries about getting sick yourself. People also worry about their loved ones and their COVID-19 risk. With hundreds of thousands of deaths in the U.S. alone, many people know someone who has become seriously ill or died because of the virus. These are things that create negative mental health effects. When someone is dealing with anxiety, fear, or depression, they may turn to coping mechanisms like drugs and alcohol. These are also feelings that could trigger a relapse if someone struggles with positive coping mechanisms.
The pandemic led to shutdowns and disruptions in normal life and routines, along with fears about the virus itself. When someone uses substances or is in recovery, something disruptive to their routine can lead to a drug craving, drug-seeking behavior, increased usage, or relapse.
Since there were shutdowns, many people lost their jobs due to the pandemic. Job loss and economic worries and contributors to alcohol and drug relapse. Stress-induced relapse is an enormous problem for so many right now.
Social distancing required that people not see their friends, family, and perhaps their recovery support network. For a period of time, many support and recovery groups weren’t meeting in person.
Health care wasn’t as accessible or available as it usually is, including mental health care. Telehealth options became more common during the pandemic, but they weren’t necessarily readily available at the beginning of COVID in the U.S.
An opioid use disorder or another addiction may raise the risk of severe illness with the virus that causes COVID-19. The use of opioids can slow breathing on its own. If you were sick and had respiratory symptoms, these could get worse with opioids. Like many other medical conditions, a substance use disorder makes you high risk.

Before the pandemic, the treatment infrastructure was strained and faced limitations. Now, even more, comprehensive services are needed.

Increases in Substance Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

According to the National Institutes on Drug Abuse, data shows significant increases in many types of drug use in the United States and among people with substance use disorders.

Researchers point to increases in the number of positive urine drug screenings ordered by legal systems and health care providers as evidence. In these reports, doctors are finding positive screens for cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from past years.

Studies show that people in the U.S. are increasing their use of alcohol and cannabis. This is especially true among people with depression and clinical anxiety and people dealing with COVID-19 stress.

Record-Breaking Overdose Deaths in 2020

There was progress in the fight against the opioid epidemic before the pandemic. Overdose deaths were trending down for the first time in many years. Then, the pandemic happened, and all that progress seemingly vanished.

According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, there were an estimated 100,306 overdose deaths in the U.S. during 12 months, ending in April 2021. The increase was 28.5%, from the 78,056 deaths during the same period the previous year.

The CDC’s data shows opioid overdose deaths increased to 75,673 in those 12 months. Fentanyl deaths went up, as did deaths from psychostimulants like methamphetamine. Cocaine deaths increased, and deaths from natural and semi-synthetic opioids like pain medications rose.

Deaths due to overdose went above a million for the first time since the CDC started collecting data more than two years ago. A recent study released by the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the CDC, found 932,364 people died in the U.S. from a fatal overdose from 1999 through 2020. That doesn’t include the more than 100,000 deaths in 2021.

These deaths have gone up fastest among young and middle-aged adults.

The age group in particular with the highest rates is adults 35-44, and in that age bracket, drug overdose deaths went up 33% from 2019 to 2020. Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 saw the largest year-to-year increase in fatal overdoses. Deaths in this age group were up 49% in 2020.

Alcohol Use During the Pandemic

It’s not just drug relapse rates and the links between covid-19 and drug addiction that worry addiction professionals. Alcohol use soared during this time as well, among other addictive behaviors.

Researchers estimate a one-year increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic will lead to 8,000 additional deaths from alcohol-related liver diseases.
They estimate it will contribute to 18,700 cases of liver failure and 1,000 cases of liver cancer by 2040.
Excessive drinking among adults in the U.S. went up by 21% during the pandemic.
When an emergency was declared in the U.S., alcohol sales went up 54% during the initial week.
Excessive drinking stems from boredom and social isolation to using it as a coping mechanism.
Addiction specialists warn that a drinking problem doesn’t just mean excessively consuming alcohol. Other signs of problematic drinking can include having alcohol when you didn’t otherwise plan to, or in situations where you wouldn’t normally drink.

Warning signs also include alcohol impacting your work performance, your ability to take care of your household or family, or adverse effects on your relationships.

What Can Be Done?

For someone who experiences a relapse on opioids or other substances, the most important thing to do is get help right away. The longer you wait after a relapse, the more likely complications and negative outcomes will occur.

Most treatment centers and mental health facilities reopened, and support groups are meeting again, so there are opportunities to receive help.

There are also telehealth platforms where people can get help for addiction or relapse.

If you experience a relapse, you may need to go through treatment again to regain your footing on your recovery path.

If you’re experiencing new symptoms of a substance use disorder, you aren’t alone. There are so many factors contributing to substance abuse among people who maybe didn’t have problematic use habits before the pandemic.

If you’d like to learn more about specific steps you can take to combat substance abuse while we adapt to “the new normal,” please contact Silicon Valley Recovery at 408-547-4089.

Relapse Triggers: Ways to Avoid Relapse

In the context of treating addiction, relapse is the act of a recently abstinent addict returning to use of their addictive substance or behavior. In everyday language, relapse is commonly used interchangeably with the term “relapse into substance abuse,” which is considered the more general definition for returning to addictive behavior. Thus, addiction relapse may be a more appropriate term since not all addicts will return to abusing a specific drug or self-destructive behavior.

Addiction relapse results from the brain returning to addictive patterns of behavior that were overcompensated for in the past. Addiction relapse often occurs when a smoker begins associating situations and feelings with potential triggers for smoking, such as being in stressful situations during addiction recovery. Such stimuli can be reminders of past addictions, for example, drugs or alcohol. Once the brain develops patterns around the common relapse trigger and associates them with smoking, it may fall into old habits.

The process of relapse typically occurs in three stages:

Emotional relapse
Mental relapse
Physical relapse

What are the Common Addiction Relapse Triggers?

Substance abuse triggers are internal and external cues that cause a person in recovery to crave drugs and often relapse or lapse. A trigger for relapse is an emotional, environmental or social situation that drags up memories of drug or alcohol use in the past.

If you’re an addict or alcoholic reading this, you have probably gone through a relapse before. You know the signs, and you know how it feels. The potential for relapse is always there. It’s essential to learn about what addiction relapse triggers are if you want to avoid them so that you can remain sober in the future.

What are Internal and External Triggers?

External triggers are certain activities, locations, people, objects, images, situations, and events that can make you want to use drugs or drink alcohol.
Internal triggers are thoughts or emotions that make you want to use drugs or alcohol.

Relapse is a significant component of staying clean and sober. Relapse can be defined as the return to drug or alcohol use after a period of abstinence. Closely about one-third of people relapse within one month, more than half relapse by six months, and virtually all relapse within a year.

Having an understanding of why addiction relapse occurs may help you to keep from the risk of relapse. Here are five of the most common and often seen relapse triggers and ways to avoid triggers in recovery:

1. HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired

The HALT acronym is one of many simple tools we can use to improve our quality of daily life when facing addiction. Identifying situations that cause us to put ourselves in emotional discomfort helps us be more effective in handling them effectively. For instance, if we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, we become vulnerable to poor decision-making and relapse.

Naming the sensation allows us to take action that may help prevent a situation from turning into one with negative consequences.

2. Emotional Stress

Preventing relapse is a crucial part of the addiction recovery process; however, many individuals may not be fully prepared to cope with the common relapse trigger and temptations they encounter daily. These emotions can serve as reminders of a person’s history and former coping methods, inciting negative feelings of helplessness. When they feel like they are winning the battle against their drug addiction, a perceived negative emotion can lead them to use drugs or alcohol in the first place.

Anxiety is a symptom of relapse. Feeling powerless can trigger a potential relapse. Blaming others for your problems promotes relapse. Never being able to tolerate any discomfort puts you at risk for relapse.

3. Overconfidence

Reach the highest highs and the lowest lows. There’s no greater high than recovery, but that doesn’t mean you should get overconfident about your recovery. Overconfidence in recovery puts you at risk for relapse. Being optimistic about your new life as a sober individual is necessary, but becoming overconfident crosses a line from healthy confidence to self-satisfaction and addiction risk.

4. Social Isolation

Although your reliance on drugs or alcohol may have initially been your desire to fit in and feel part of a group, this reliance can easily lead to feelings of social isolation and loneliness over time. If you lack a support system to turn to when times are tough, or you’re feeling down, it can become easy to convince yourself that you need a drink or a drug of choice to help you through.

Social support is crucial to long-term recovery. To combat feelings of isolation, contact your nearest Narcotics Anonymous group or other 12 Step fellowship, and ask to be put in touch with a sponsor. Get involved in meetings and activities. This will help you build a recovery network and ease your loneliness.

5. Reminiscing

A major red flag that you have not truly accepted your addiction is when you reminisce about times from the past when you used it. This type of nostalgia is a way to romanticize your addiction, especially if you overlook all the suffering your addiction caused.

It’s important to remember that each drink or drug use was its separate incident with its consequences, emotions, and learning opportunities. These memories can stir up strong emotions that lead to the impulse to use a substance again. Objects in an individual’s everyday life may induce illicit drug cravings.

Holiday parties involving social drinking may be tricky. Avoid high-risk situations and locations. Some of the other people who may be triggering include former drug dealers, co-workers, employers, neighbors, spouses, or partners. Positive feelings can also serve as internal triggers.

Addiction is a chronic brain disease with a relapse rate similar to that of other chronic conditions like diabetes. Addiction is a ruthless master, always finding ways to trick the addict into believing that their behavior isn’t addictive. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 40 to 60 percent of people who are treated for substance use disorders will relapse at some point.

If you start to rationalize your addictive behaviors by viewing them through rose-colored glasses, then you are becoming an enabler to your addiction. Focus on the pain your addiction caused you and others. This is what will help keep you on the path to sobriety.

Family dynamics may influence an individual’s substance use abstinence self-efficacy. If you find yourself stuck in a cycle of addictive behavior and are looking for a way out, complete recovery from the relapse process is possible. First, it’s essential to seek help and treatment from a professional specializing in substance abuse or mental health disorders.

Getting Help

Since many individuals with substance use disorder also suffer from co-occurring disorders, seeking help from an expert who can assess and treat any underlying condition that may have contributed to your addictive behavior is crucial.

At Silicon Valley Recovery, we provide individuals with a comprehensive treatment plan to avoid the common triggers for relapse. We use a combination of professionally supported 12-step meetings, balanced medical care, and evidence-based therapy to give patients a relapse prevention plan that they need to avoid relapse and achieve long-term sobriety. our substance abuse treatment aims to help individuals recognize the early warning signs of relapse and develop healthy coping skills to thwart a possibility of relapse.

Give us a call today at 408-547-4089 and start the recovery process. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment programs to help you fight negative behaviors.

Meditation for Relapse Prevention

The Foundations of Relapse Prevention

The Profound Impact of Meditation

FAQs about Meditation for Relapse Prevention

Nurturing Lasting Recovery Through Meditation

6 Relapse Prevention Strategies for Substance Abuse

Tips to Prevent Relapse in Substance Abuse Recovery

Understand Your Triggers

Develop Coping Mechanisms

Build a Support Network

Practice Self-Care

Avoid Triggers

Set Realistic Goals

Take Action Today

Did the Pandemic Cause People to Relapse on Opioids?

COVID-19 and Drug Addiction

Increases in Substance Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Record-Breaking Overdose Deaths in 2020

Alcohol Use During the Pandemic

What Can Be Done?

Relapse Triggers: Ways to Avoid Relapse

What are the Common Addiction Relapse Triggers?

What are Internal and External Triggers?

1. HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired

2. Emotional Stress

3. Overconfidence

4. Social Isolation

5. Reminiscing

Getting Help

We Accept Most PPO Insurances

Take A Tour

Help is Here

TREATMENTS

Locations We Serve

Contact Us

Our Accreditations

The Foundations of Relapse Prevention

The Profound Impact of Meditation

FAQs about Meditation for Relapse Prevention

Nurturing Lasting Recovery Through Meditation

Tips to Prevent Relapse in Substance Abuse Recovery

Understand Your Triggers

Develop Coping Mechanisms

Build a Support Network

Practice Self-Care

Avoid Triggers

Set Realistic Goals

Take Action Today

COVID-19 and Drug Addiction

Increases in Substance Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Record-Breaking Overdose Deaths in 2020

Alcohol Use During the Pandemic

What Can Be Done?

What are the Common Addiction Relapse Triggers?

What are Internal and External Triggers?

1. HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired

2. Emotional Stress

3. Overconfidence

4. Social Isolation

5. Reminiscing

Getting Help

We Accept Most PPO Insurances​

Take A Tour

Help is Here

TREATMENTS

Locations We Serve

Contact Us

Our Accreditations

We Accept Most PPO Insurances