When you are discharged from a rehab program, it is essential to have a relapse prevention plan in place. This plan will help you stay sober after leaving rehab and avoid relapse. Many relapse prevention programs are available, but not all are effective.
Keep reading to discuss the importance of aftercare and relapse prevention programs and how they can help you maintain your sobriety!
Contact us today to learn more about South Florida addiction treatment options.
What is a Relapse?
A relapse occurs when you return to using drugs or alcohol after abstaining for some time. It can occur after detox, treatment, or any period of sobriety. In fact, relapse can happen suddenly, even after many years of sobriety.
What Are the Different Types of Relapse?
Several types of relapses can occur with substance abuse. These include:
- Mental Relapse: This relapse occurs when you start to crave or think about using drugs or alcohol.
- Emotional Relapse: This relapse occurs when your emotions become more potent than your rational thoughts, and you act on them without thinking of the consequences.
- Physical Relapse: This relapse is the return to the actual use of drugs or alcohol after abstaining for a while.
Are Relapses Common?
Relapse is a common occurrence among those recovering from addiction. The relapse rate for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is estimated to be between 40-60 percent, a relapse rate that is higher than other chronic illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension.
How Do You Recognize a Relapse?
People who relapse may experience a variety of triggers, such as stress, boredom, depression, anxiety, or peer pressure.
Symptoms of relapse may include:
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Lying to family and friends
- Self-destructive behavior
- An increase in risky situations
Why Do People with Addiction Relapse?
People relapse for a variety of reasons. Common relapse triggers include feeling overwhelmed or stressed, not having access to support systems, engaging in high-risk activities such as using drugs or alcohol with friends, and even trying to “control” their cravings by relapse.
Other relapse triggers can be family problems, relationship issues, work stressors, or changes in a person’s environment.
Why Are Drug and Alcohol Relapses Dangerous?
Relapse during addiction recovery can have severe and potentially deadly consequences.
Alcohol relapse is associated with an increased risk of car accidents, accidental overdose, alcohol poisoning, and suicide attempts.
Alcohol and drug relapse can lead to a return of drug use disorder or mental illness symptoms, overdosing on drugs or other substances, and an increased risk of using unsafe injection methods or sharing needles with other people.
What Should You Do If You Relapse?
If you relapse, it is essential to reach out for help. Seeking professional help from a therapist or addiction specialist can help you develop relapse-prevention strategies and find the support you need to stay sober.
It is also important to embrace the thought that relapse does not mean failure; relapse is an opportunity for growth and learning.
What Is Relapse Prevention?
Relapse prevention is an integral part of successful recovery from addiction. Relapse prevention strategies help people with addiction identify relapse triggers, develop coping skills to manage stress and cravings, and find support from family and friends.
What Is the Importance of Relapse Prevention Programs?
Once relapse triggers are identified, prevention programs can help people practice relapse prevention strategies to maintain their sobriety and avoid future relapses.
What Should You Look for in an Aftercare Program?
When looking for an aftercare and relapse prevention program, finding one that best meets your individual needs is crucial.
The program should provide relapse prevention strategies, such as identifying relapse triggers and developing healthy coping skills.
It should also provide access to support systems, such as peer support groups and therapy. Additionally, a good aftercare program will help you build relapse prevention plans that are tailored to your individual needs.
What Are the Different Types of Relapse Prevention Programs?
There are many different prevention programs available, including inpatient and outpatient prevention programs.
Inpatient Programs
Inpatient prevention programs provide a safe and supportive environment for those in recovery to focus on relapse prevention strategies without the distractions of everyday life.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient prevention programs allow individuals to continue their daily activities while learning relapse prevention strategies and receiving support from family, friends, and relapse prevention specialists.
Principles Recovery Center is a Relapse Prevention Program in South Florida
Principles Recovery Center offers relapse prevention programs that help you stay sober.
Our program is tailored to each individual’s needs and provides relapse prevention strategies, such as identifying relapse triggers and developing healthy coping skills.
We also provide access to support systems, such as peer support groups and alumni relapse prevention groups. Reach out to us today to learn more about our aftercare, alumni program and other relapse prevention services!
With our relapse prevention program, you will have the support and guidance you need to relapse-proof your recovery.
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