5 Relapse Risk Factors in Addiction Recovery

Learning how to live a new life in recovery can take time, and for each person, the different challenges that arise will vary. Because there is no cure for addiction, and there is no clear way to guarantee that relapse will not occur, a great deal of research has been devoted to increasing our understanding of the nature of relapse and the different issues that can contribute to a relapse event.

Though everyone is different, and thus the issues that contribute to the risk of relapse are different as well, there are a handful of factors that have been identified as potentially increasing the chance of relapse. Here are just a few.

Stress

Studies have shown that brain changes result when chronic alcohol use is a factor. Specifically, changes in brain volume and function concerning the biological stress response have been noted among people who drink heavily. These changes have contributed to an increased experience of cravings and a higher risk of relapse in recovery.

This can translate into:

• Higher anxiety and stress levels when relaxed
• Higher anxiety and stress when experiencing emotional distress, alcohol cue exposure, and cravings for alcohol
• Increased physiological reaction to stress events
• Decreased ability to regulate normal stress and little to no ability to manage acute, high stress

All of this adds up to high levels of stress at all times as well as higher than average stress responses to acute stress – all of which can contribute to an increased risk of relapse.

How to Manage Stress:

• Get good sleep.
• Eat healthfully.
• Talk to a mental health professional.
• Surround yourself with positive people.
• Learn stress management techniques (e.g., aromatherapy, regular yoga practice, meditation, etc.).

Age

There is evidence to suggest that the later people begin using drugs, the more likely it is that they will relapse in recovery. In fact, Science Daily reports that there is an increased risk of 10 percent for every years of increased age.

However, the older that a person is when entering a drug rehab program, the less likely it is that that person will relapse, according to a report published in Substance Abuse Research and Treatment.

How to Manage Aging:

Of course, you cannot control how old you are or when you first began using drugs. It is also not a good idea to postpone entrance into drug rehab until you are older based on the idea that you may better avoid relapse. The fact is, no matter how the numbers fall, relapse may or may not occur under any circumstances. If you are living with addiction, the time to enter treatment is now.

Insomnia

For those who are in the first months of recovery from addiction, insomnia may up the chances of relapse, according to a report published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine. Unfortunately, researchers also found that insomnia was five times more common among people in early recovery than among those in the general public. Additionally, insomnia is an issue that is not easily overcome; many struggle with the problem for months or years, says MedicalXpress. Especially for those who used alcohol or drugs to sleep at night, insomnia can be an especially formidable issue in early recovery.

Dr. Nicholas Rosenlicht of the University of San Francisco was a coauthor of the study. In a news release, he said: “Treating sleep disturbance in early recovery may have considerable impact on maintenance of sobriety and quality of life.”

Managing Insomnia:

• Stay actively engaged with treatment for mental health issues, like anxiety and depression.
• Avoid stimulating activities in the hours before bed (e.g., smoking, working out, using electronic devices, etc.).
• Practice meditation and restful yoga before bed.
• Create a sleep-inducing environment (e.g., cool, quiet, dark, white noise, etc.).

Loneliness

The inclination toward isolation is common both in addiction and in recovery. There are extreme emotions, mood swings, and uncertainty that can characterize the first months in sobriety. For those who choose to try to wade through these issues on their own, loneliness can be pervasive, and loneliness, in turn can increase the likelihood of relapse.

Managing Loneliness:

• Do not isolate. Precisely when you feel most inclined to hole up and hide away, push beyond your comfort zone and hit a 12-Step meeting, call a friend in recovery, or connect with someone who is compassionate toward your goals of sustained abstinence.
• Have a “home group.” When you routinely connect with a support group each week, you have a level of accountability that can help you to avoid relapse.
• Work with a therapist. Talking to a professional can ensure that you continually make progress in dealing with underlying mental health issues, have assistance in facing acute stressors, and learn coping mechanisms for general stress levels.
• Reach out to positive people for friendship. The more people you have around you who are supportive of your recovery and understand what you are going through, the more comfortable you will feel with yourself.

Imbalance

When you feel “off,” you are more likely to experience cravings and thus be more likely to relapse. The little things that seem insignificant can add up to relapse if you do not identify them early and address them.

Managing Imbalance:

• Do not allow yourself to get hungry. Eat small, protein-based meals throughout the day, and have healthy snacks handy in a pinch.
• Get good sleep. When you are tired, you are more likely to allow the little things to get to you and make decisions you otherwise would not.
• Take a deep breath. If you feel upset or irritated, avoid responding in the heat of the moment. Cool off before making any decisions.
• Avoid judgment. Judging yourself harshly – or anyone else, for that matter – will only increase your stress levels. Instead, consider learning more about practicing mindfulness and allow things to pass without reaction of any kind if they would otherwise cause you discomfort.