What is Relapse Prevention?
Relapse prevention is a structured approach to maintaining sobriety that involves identifying personal triggers, developing effective coping strategies, and creating a comprehensive plan to prevent a return to substance use. At STR Behavioral Health, we integrate robust relapse prevention strategies into our treatment programs as a cornerstone of successful long-term recovery. We believe that equipping our clients with personalized relapse prevention plans and evidence-based techniques provides them with the essential tools needed to navigate challenges and maintain their sobriety journey, even when faced with difficult situations or emotions that previously led to substance use.
Understanding Relapse in Recovery
It is estimated that up to 50% of those who successfully complete addiction treatment may relapse at some point.
Overview
The most vulnerable period for relapse is often during the first month of independent recovery. Since relapse can pose a significant threat to addiction recovery, it is crucial to focus on preventing relapse during addiction treatment. At STR Behavioral Health, we recognize this risk and help our clients by providing relapse prevention therapy, which includes creating a personalized relapse prevention plan, training, and education on relapse prevention strategies.
Preventing Relapse From A Drug or Alcohol Addiction
Many people relapse because they only address the physical aspect of their addiction. To achieve lasting sobriety and complete recovery, it is also essential to address the addiction’s root cause. At Steps to Recovery, we provide relapse prevention therapy that involves treating any underlying mental health conditions that may be contributing to the addiction.
It’s important to acknowledge that, in some cases, addiction may stem from underlying mental health conditions. Therefore, addressing, understanding, and resolving these illnesses is crucial to help clients begin meaningful recovery from addiction. Additionally, trauma therapy can be highly beneficial to some clients, as it can help resolve past traumas and become an essential part of relapse prevention in addiction recovery.
Healthy Ways to Manage Stress?
Many people resort to using substances as a coping mechanism for managing their stress levels. Even those who do not have a substance abuse problem may turn to alcohol after a long and challenging day. Unfortunately, individuals who are in the early stages of recovery may find it difficult to manage their stress without relying on their previous coping mechanisms. Therefore, it is crucial to have a well-planned strategy for healthy stress management as part of relapse prevention tactics. Managing stress plays a significant role in our relapse prevention program. Some stress relief comes from talking to a friend or attending group therapy. Others find it helpful to keep themselves occupied and physically active. At Steps to Recovery, we provide different recreational activities, such as gardening, yoga therapy, outdoor activities, and social events, to help clients alleviate stress during treatment.
Building a Support Network for Ongoing Recovery
Having a relapse prevention plan that includes building a supportive network is important. At Steps to Recovery, we help individuals struggling with substance abuse by holding them accountable and providing support throughout their treatment. However, when they transition from a structured environment to living independently, they may lose a significant amount of support and may not have someone to hold them accountable. That’s why it’s essential to be proactive and build a support network during residential addiction treatment. Our team at STR Behavioral Health assists every client in building their support network during treatment.
Relapse Prevention Tips for Social Settings
As part of our relapse prevention program, we offer relapse prevention therapy sessions to our clients. These sessions include practical strategies to help our clients avoid peer pressure and learn to say no to temptations in social settings. In group settings, our clients get to practice the responses they’ll use when they’re offered drugs or alcohol in the future. This might seem simple, but saying the words out loud can help boost their confidence and equip them to move forward.
Warning Signs of a Relapse
After completing a treatment program, identifying triggers is crucial to prevent relapse. The part of the brain that addiction affects is responsible for many different thought processes, including:
- Logical Decision Making
- Self-awareness
- Empathy
- Connecting with Others
When an individual’s thought processes are affected, it can pose a serious threat to their well-being. Without self-awareness and the capacity to make sound decisions, they are more likely to relapse. Furthermore, maintaining sobriety can be an uphill battle when one struggles to form meaningful connections with others.
It is often the case that individuals who relapse experience a gradual process that could start weeks, months, or even days before the actual relapse. It is essential to be mindful and recognize the warning signs of relapse to prevent it from happening again. While the warning signs can differ from person to person, they may include the following:
- Depression
- Isolating from support groups
- Lying
- Romanticizing drinking alcohol or drug use.
Individuals in recovery must acquire relapse prevention tips and techniques to help them overcome their struggles. This is why creating a relapse prevention plan is crucial in addiction treatment.
