One of the most important strategies you will learn during recovery for alcohol addiction is how to cope with stressful situations or situations which may trigger relapse. For most people in recovery relapse occurs when they are one of four things:
- Hungry
- Angry
- Lonely
- Tired
Commonly described by the acronym HALT, learning to cope in these situations can help someone in recovery avoid relapse and continue on their path to sobriety. Learning to cope is not something that happens overnight. It can take a person years or even a lifetime to learn to cope in difficult situations which may tempt a person to drink.
Recognizing Triggers and Temptations
Part of a successful coping strategy is learning to recognize the types of situations which may trigger relapse or the desire to consume alcohol. In addition to the situations described by HALT, some people may be triggered by stress or sadness. If you are going through a difficult time such as the loss of a loved one, you may want to consider surrounding yourself with your support team. Talking about grief, stress or any other trigger is a great way to help cope as well. Do not isolate yourself or try to go it alone. You have a support system in your care team and your friends and family that want you to succeed and will help you with any situation.
Many people find that the more control they have over their emotions and reactions, the better they can cope in stressful situations. Tools that may help you control your reactions include meditation, exercise and learning to relax.
Addiction is rarely a standalone issue. There may be mental health issues to consider or a number of other factors that contribute to alcohol dependence. Understanding the underlying factors that led to addiction are important and may help you throughout your recovery. The more you know about your addiction, the better you can deal with situations or people that may trigger relapse.