Alcohol and Drug Relapse Prevention

What Is Relapse Prevention?

Alcoholism or drug addiction left untreated will destroy your health, personal relationships, financial security and career. Overcoming alcoholism and drug addiction requires specific addiction treatment. Alcohol and drug addiction treatment without a drug and alcohol relapse prevention plan is not likely to be effective.

Alcohol and drug relapse prevention plans give you the tools to handle triggers, daily stressors or anxiety. If you have stopped drinking and/or using drugs and suddenly pick up a drink or drug again, you are in the midst of a relapse. But relapse behaviors can emerge even before a drink or drug is consumed. The severity of the alcohol or drug relapse is different for everyone and it is imperative that you have a relapse prevention plan. Research shows that the ability for both drug addicts and alcoholics to avoid relapse is strengthened with the skills learned in relapse prevention programs, as well as a healthy, supportive social circle, including family, friends and others who are in recovery.

If you are looking to sustain your recovery from addiction, choose an alcohol rehab or drug detox that includes a comprehensive drug and alcohol relapse prevention program. Alcohol and drug relapse occurs when you are not properly prepared.

Relapse Prevention Programs in Treatment

After you complete alcohol and drug rehab the work does not end. An individual who has suffered from alcoholism and/or drug addiction requires lifelong awareness to remain sober. Fortunately, with the right education, a quality alcohol and drug rehab and a relapse prevention program, lifelong sobriety is attainable.

Remember, you do not have to experience a relapse, but it can happen. After alcohol and drug rehab, you may return home too quickly, return immediately to familiar settings, hang out with friends who use drugs or alcohol or participate in addictive behavioral patterns. A relapse prevention program helps you avoid and be prepared for most triggers you may face after treatment. Oftentimes, people will go to a halfway house or sober house immediately following treatment to avoid being in dangerous situations as part of their relapse prevention plan.

All addiction treatment and relapse prevention plans should be individualized to address each patient's needs. Therapists versed in drug and alcohol relapse prevention techniques can provide you with the best coping strategies. Addiction treatment should be provided by certified addiction professionals in a licensed and accredited alcohol and drug addiction treatment center. Recovery Connection only works with accredited drug rehab facilities that offer relapse prevention programs. Call us at 800-993-3869 and find out if you qualify for treatment today!

What Is a Relapse Prevention Plan?

A relapse prevention plan takes the skills you acquired in treatment and applies them to your daily life. You can use your plan to handle triggers, daily stress, and uncomfortable emotions in a way that fosters healthy growth and provides safety in special circumstances. A good relapse prevention plan will be comprehensive.  It will include an aftercare plan, coping strategies to deal with life stressors, emotions, and social circumstances, vocational guidance and healthy leisure activities. 

In the relapse prevention plan, a carefully prescribed routine of medical and psychiatric services, counseling and self-help programs will be formulated based on your needs.  A strong aftercare plan will also include housing options.  A safety plan should also be part of a comprehensive relapse prevention plan.  A safety plan includes day-to-day or even minute-to-minute instructions to the recovering addict or alcoholic on the steps to take when certain circumstances or feelings arise. 

Recovery is not meant to be rigid, but to have a foundation of balance. Thus, the relapse prevention plan should be altered during the course of recovery to fit one's current needs. These alterations are best done by the drug addict or alcoholic in conjunction with a sponsor, physicians and counselors.  It can mean the difference between continued recovery and returning to a life of drug use.

Individualized relapse prevention plans designed by certified addiction professionals can help:

• Identify triggers
• Establish healthy boundaries
• Avoid people, places and things associated with drug use
• Structure daily exercise and healthy eating

Alcohol and Drug Relapse Prevention Is Essential for Long-Term Sobriety

Drug relapse is not necessarily a sign of failure. Setbacks can happen. It is estimated that almost two-thirds of those recovering from alcoholism or drug addiction will relapse. But, it has also been shown that half of those experiencing a relapse eventually manage to enjoy long-term recovery.

Alternatively, there are those who relapse and have severe negative outcomes such as social or legal issues, medical issues or even death. To avoid further damage, make sure you attend a drug rehab center that specializes in helping you create a relapse prevention plan. Recovery Connection can help you find the best drug rehab centers that provide relapse prevention programs. Call us at 800-993-3869 to begin your journey of clean and sober living.

 A relapse prevention plan translates into a better chance to enjoy long-term sobriety. The structure, supervision and support that a plan offers are necessary components of allowing yourself to learn and make changes to prevent relapse in the future.

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• Living Sober
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  Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Support Groups
  Years of research indicate that recovery is not achieved in isolation. Support groups help maintain abstinence.

• Relapse Prevention: Don’t get caught off guard
  Recovery requires constant vigilance. A relapse prevention plan is a key component of aftercare.