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Oct 2024
1 h

1016-Preventing Relapse in Addiction, An...

DR. DAWN-ELISE SNIPES
About this episode

Introduction

Understanding Relapse

  • Definition of Relapse:
  • Relapse is the return to a problematic behavior or symptom that was previously under control or in remission.
  • It can occur in various contexts, including psychosis, mood disorders, addictions, and chronic pain.
  • Multi-Dimensional Nature:
  • Relapse can occur physically (e.g., fatigue, pain), interpersonally (e.g., unhealthy relationships), emotionally, cognitively, environmentally, and spiritually (e.g., loss of meaning).

Warning Signs and Vulnerabilities

  • Early Signs:
  • Relapse begins long before the behavior or symptom reappears; early signs may include stress, sleep deficits, nutritional deficiencies, and HPA axis dysregulation.
  • Vulnerabilities:
  • Factors like sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, chronic pain, and interpersonal conflicts increase vulnerability to relapse.
  • Emotional vulnerabilities include dysphoria, anger, grief, and even euphoria (which can lead to overconfidence and neglect of recovery behaviors).

Preventing Physical Relapse

  • Mindfulness:
  • Regular self-check-ins are crucial to recognize early signs of relapse and address them before they escalate.
  • Evening mindfulness helps reflect on the day, acknowledge successes, and learn from challenges.
  • Healthy Habits:
  • Maintaining physical health through proper sleep, nutrition, exercise, and medication adherence is vital to prevent relapse.
  • Avoiding environments or triggers that are linked to past episodes is essential for relapse prevention.

Interpersonal and Emotional Relapse

  • Interpersonal Dynamics:
  • Returning to unhealthy relationships or isolating from supportive ones can signal interpersonal relapse.
  • Emotional relapse may involve negative emotional states like anger or overconfidence, leading to poor decision-making.
  • Addressing Emotional Triggers:
  • Identifying and managing triggers for emotional distress (e.g., unresolved anger, anxiety) is key to preventing relapse.
  • Developing emotional intelligence and distress tolerance skills helps manage emotions more effectively.

Cognitive and Environmental Relapse

  • Cognitive Distortions:
  • Cognitive relapse includes unhelpful thinking patterns like all-or-nothing thinking, personalization, and pessimism.
  • Addressing these thoughts early through cognitive restructuring can prevent a downward spiral.
  • Environmental Factors:
  • Reintegrating into environments or situations that triggered past issues (e.g., keeping alcohol at home for someone recovering from alcoholism) can lead to relapse.
  • It's important to create and maintain a supportive environment that reinforces positive behaviors.

Developing a Relapse Prevention Plan

  • Daily Mindfulness:
  • Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines, both in the morning and evening, helps manage vulnerabilities and stay grounded.
  • Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses:
  • Reflecting on past relapses can provide insights into what triggered them and how to prevent future ones.
  • Focusing on strengths and building resilience through positive experiences and realistic goal-setting are key to long-term success.

Conclusion



Chapters:

00:00:00 - Relapse Prevention for Mental Health and Addictive Issues

00:06:16 - Vulnerabilities in Recovery

00:12:48 - Physical Health and Relapse Warning Signs

00:19:37 - Coping Strategies for Depression

00:26:28 - The Importance of Asking for Help

00:33:28 - Preventing Interpersonal Relapse

00:40:13 - Emotional Relapse and Pain Management

00:46:59 - Managing Negative Emotions and Cognitive Relapse

00:53:27 - Coping with Stress and Preventing Relapse

01:00:03 - Importance of Hydration for Mental Health

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