Recognizing and responding to early warning signs is an essential step towards preventing relapse. By identifying these signs, individuals can take proactive measures to avoid a full-blown relapse. Instead of waiting until it’s too late, recognizing the early warning signs can lead to timely intervention that can prevent a relapse altogether. Identifying and utilizing family strengths is a crucial aspect of the family-centered approach to relapse prevention. We know how addiction feels, and we can show you how to get your life back. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is another valuable professional support resource, as it has been proven to provide the lowest relapse rates for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. MAT assists individuals in discontinuing opioid and alcohol use with minimal physical distress. Some steps in creating a relapse prevention plan include identifying triggers, developing coping strategies, establishing a support system, and learning relaxation techniques. Consistent routines are not…

Read more

One area of interest is how the consumption of alcohol impacts blood pressure. However, even drinking small amounts of alcohol may contribute to high blood pressure. “Alcohol is certainly not the sole driver of increases in blood pressure; however, our findings confirm it contributes in a meaningful way. Limiting alcohol intake is advised, and avoiding it is even better,” Vinceti said. Drinking more than one or two drinks in a sitting has been directly linked to a rapid rise in blood pressure, which in someone with very high levels of hypertension can lead to stroke. To understand how much alcohol is too much, it may be helpful to know what excessive drinking means. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. The vagus nerve is a component of the parasympathetic nervous system and is largely responsible for regulation of the heart rate at rest. One study found…

Read more

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) involves withdrawal symptoms that persist past the detox period. Such symptoms are often related to mood and may include irritability, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and fatigue. Lasting recovery requires lasting effort, but relapse is not failure or weakness; it takes more than willpower to maintain sobriety. Depending on the severity of your drinking problem and resulting behavior, some bridges may be forever burned. Some people may want nothing to do with you, no matter how much you change. In fact, here’s a little secret – anyone who is charming drunk can be charming sober. After you’re more secure in your sobriety, you’ll find that you’re actually MORE charming than “drunk you” could ever be. What you do NOT want to do is let your fear about what MIGHT happen with your friends in the future dictate what you do to take care of yourself in the present. With…

Read more

3/3