Author: In Balance Counseling

how to avoid relapse in addiction

How To Avoid Relapse In Addiction: Top Tips

Did you know that roughly 50% of people recovering from addiction are statistically likely to relapse? If you or a loved one are in recovery, consider the following tips on how to avoid relapse in addiction. 

If you or a loved one are struggling in addiction recovery, you can find local intensive counseling in Tucson, AZ. Never hesitate to contact knowledgeable addiction recovery professionals for more guidance in your recovery journey.

Ten Relapse Prevention Tips

A substance use disorder is a chronic condition that has no cure. However, you can take proactive steps to prevent relapse.

#1 Recognize Common Triggers

Triggers can include internal or external experiences or situations that may influence a person to begin using substances again. Examples of triggers include negative emotions like boredom, anger, or reminders of past drug use.

#2 Build a Support Network

Support groups, sponsors, and new friends can reduce the risk of relapse. These social ties prevent isolation. They also encourage accountability and education.

#3 Exercise Regularly

Becoming more active is another helpful tip for how to avoid relapse in addiction. Regular physical activity releases mood-regulating endorphins.

#4 Reflect by Using a Journal

By writing down your feelings and experiences each day, you can learn more about yourself. Self-introspection often leads to the realization of potential goals and interests. For instance, it can help you plan steps to pursue a career.

#5 Explore Hobbies and Interests

New or old hobbies and interests are excellent tools in preventing idleness. Exploring new activities can fill the time, deterring boredom and other unwanted urges.

#6 Seek Individual Counseling

The recovery process is a lifelong journey with many milestones. Individual counseling can help you understand your impulses and work through specific issues privately.

#7 Structured Self-Care

Addiction recovery often involves dealing with insomnia and fatigue. These symptoms can act as triggers to use substances again. Therefore, a healthy self-care routine includes setting a schedule for healthy meals, regular exercise, and quality sleep—and sticking to it.

#8 Grounding and Meditation Techniques

Grounding and meditation techniques are valuable tools for avoiding relapse into addiction. Mindfulness and self-awareness help you overcome negative thoughts and build self-control. Explore various mindfulness techniques to find the ones that work best for you.

#9 Consider the Consequences

If you find yourself in a situation that tempts you to relapse into old habits, it’s advisable to “play the tape.” That is, consider the long-term consequences or results of using an addictive substance again.

#10 Get Professional Help

If you are struggling with avoiding relapse, you can work with a long-term treatment program to help you overcome the obstacles you are facing. Such a  program will motivate you to face specific challenges. You will receive exceptional support through the challenging recovery process.

We know these tips on how to avoid relapse in addiction recovery are just a small part of the process. Learn more about the intensive outpatient program at In Balance Counseling in Tucson, AZ. You can also call (520) 722-9631 today.

signs you need therapy

Eight Signs You Need Therapy That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Unfortunately, many people neglect their mental health. They wait so long to get help that by the time they come for a counseling service in Tucson, it takes them a long time to parse through their mental health issues.

Don’t neglect your mental health. Let’s look at the eight signs you need therapy and should consider mental health treatment from In Balance Counseling.

1. You’re Consistently Overwhelmed

Being overwhelmed is the worst. As mental health conditions go, it’s challenging to overcome because it feels like you’re fighting a losing battle, negatively impacting your long-term health. However, you don’t have to go through it alone!

2. Your Anxiety Is Taking Over

Whether you’re overwhelmed or not, anxiety feels like you’re constantly drowning and can’t come up for air. It creates intrusive thoughts that undermine your confidence and cause you to worry about every little thing you do. Fortunately, behavioral therapy can help!

3. You’ve Stopped Caring About Things

One of the first signs of clinical depression is apathy. Research shows that therapy and routine counseling can help treat the symptoms of clinical depression. It is crucial to seek out help before the depression worsens.

4. You’re Eating Habits Have Changed

Overeating and undereating are both serious health concerns that can cause lasting damage to your mental and physical health. A change in eating habits could be symptomatic of a more significant mental health issue. Therapy is the best way to find the underlying cause.

5. Your Sleeping Habits Have Changed

Like food, sleep is vital for your health. Loss of sleep usually comes from stress, anxiety, or depression; however, excessive sleep is also a sign of depression.

One of the most prominent signs you need therapy is constantly sleeping late or refusing to get out of bed in the morning.

6. You Experienced Major Trauma

If you lost an influential family member or recently experienced another traumatic event, you need to find some way to express that discomfort. Bottling it up is the worst thing you can do for your health. Grieving is healthy as long as you do it the right way and in the company of others.

7. Your Social Life Has Dwindled

Self-isolation is a significant health concern for mental health professionals. People are naturally social, so isolating yourself is a cause for concern. Find someone with whom you can have healthy conversations, and consider scheduling a therapy session.

8. You’re Coping by Using Substances

Many people try to dull their feelings with alcohol or drugs. However, the pain never disappears, and the drugs or alcohol eventually stop working. 

If you’re going through something, don’t try to do it alone. It’s better for you to share your problems with another person because it makes them easier to bear. No matter what types of therapy you need, we are here to help you!

If any of these signs you need therapy apply to you, please call the mental health professionals of In Balance Counselling at (520) 722-9631. You can set an appointment to learn more about our intensive outpatient program and get the help you need.

counseling myths

Debunking the 7 Most Common Counseling Myths

If you’re considering professional mental support, you may have heard some counseling myths and be wondering if they’re true. This article will debunk seven of the most common counseling myths and show why counseling can be beneficial to anyone. Read on, and then schedule helpful counseling in Tucson, AZ, at In Balance Counseling.

Debunking Common Myths About Counseling

Myth #1 – Professional Counseling Is Unnecessary

While having friends and family to talk to is nice, you might not always feel comfortable being completely honest with them. Unlike those with firmly established views of who you are, a professional counselor will remain objective and will never judge your thoughts or feelings.

Myth #2 – Professional Counseling Is a Quick Fix

Many think they will only need one or two sessions to work through their issues. The fact is that there is no quick fix or one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mental health.

Professional counseling will help you better understand yourself and allow you to work on your strengths, weaknesses, and worldviews for improved mental health.

Myth #3 – Seeking Counseling Indicates Personal Weakness

You might have heard that seeking professional counseling is a sign of weakness, but this simply is not true. The fact that you understand you need some outside help shows that you are brave and have the inner strength to recognize that need.

Myth #4 – Counseling Harms My Future Work or Academic Opportunities

You might think having or treating a mental illness will negatively impact your future opportunities. However, the truth is that you are showing initiative and emotional intelligence by acknowledging that you need assistance with your mental health issues, and institutions will see that.

Myth #5 – Once I Start Professional Counseling, I Won’t Be Able To Stop

This misconception often prevents individuals from seeking counseling, even when they know they need assistance to improve their mental health. You will not be stuck with a lifetime of counseling sessions if you begin seeing a counselor. Rather, you and your counselor will work together to evaluate your progress as you go, and you may reach a point where you no longer need counseling.

Myth #6 – Counselors Only Listen Without Helping

Counseling is a constructive process that aims to help you help yourself. Counselors do much more than just listen to you to vent about your problems. Your counselor will ask questions to clarify details, identify problematic thought patterns, and collaborate with you to help you define and reach specific goals.

Myth #7 – Seeking Counseling Means I’m Failing to be Independent

You don’t have to try to identify and solve the issues in your life alone. Seeking an expert in mental health will help you become more knowledgeable about yourself and the problems you are facing in life so that you can overcome obstacles more effectively.

Learn More About Scheduling Counseling

Now that you know those counseling myths aren’t true, you can begin your journey into mental health with professional counseling sessions at In Balance Counseling in Tucson, AZ. Learn more about the programs we offer, and call us today at 520-722-9631

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