A large percentage of people with addiction suffer a relapse. That’s not a sign of failure or weakness. Rather, it’s a sign of the need for more or a different type of treatment. By building relapse prevention into your treatment plan early on, it’s possible to reduce some of that risk. Addiction relapse prevention starts with formal therapy and programs with your counselor, but there are other things you can do personally to enable your success. United Recovery Project offers solutions to make that possible.
You’ll Learn Relapse Prevention Strategies in Treatment
Addiction relapse prevention begins in your substance abuse treatment program. You’ll learn strategies for avoiding relapse as well as recognizing the signs of risk for it. Most people develop a list of triggers that put them at risk for relapse and then create ways to avoid or deal with these programs should they occur. This work is done in individual and group therapy and continues to be one of the most valuable parts of long-term recovery.
Creating a Relapse Prevention Plan at Home
At home, you’ll use the strategies and plans created in addiction therapy to help you avoid relapse. However, there are a few additional strategies to consider and remember now that you’re home.
- Connect with your support team often. You’ll have a team of friends, mentors, and others who are there for you when times get tough. Make it a point to reach out to them at least once a week.
- Initially, avoidance is key. Don’t put yourself in a position of failure. That means avoid locations where you used, people you used with, and scenarios that created high stress.
- Going back to work can be hard. Be sure to set up a counseling session with your therapist for a day or two after your first day back to talk about what’s happening.
- Always remember you don’t have to tell people anything. Privacy is a big part of the recovery process for many people. Avoid telling people more than you want to right now.
- Go to the local recovery support groups often. Even if you feel okay, there is someone in those programs right now that could benefit from your help. Helping them helps you to avoid relapse, too.
React When You See the Drug Relapse Warning Signs
Your plan for relapse prevention also has to include the ability to react to warning signs. These are some signs you may be at risk for relapsing:
- Thinking about using often
- Reminiscing about past use, especially in a positive light
- Feeling intense stress
- Being unable to focus and struggling with emotional health
- Feeling cravings or an increasing need to find relief from stress
In these situations, it’s critical to react. Follow the steps created in your relapse prevention plan to reach out to a mentor or your therapist. Don’t put this off for even a day.
Embrace Addiction Relapse Prevention with Us
Relapse prevention is one component of the recovery process at United Recovery Project. If you are using again or feel at risk of doing so, utilize our programs to help you get back on track to a healthy future. The process requires a phone call to our team to learn more about each of our programs, including:
- Residential treatment program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Outpatient rehab treatment
- Sober living
Call United Recovery Project to Find Your Best Solution
Addiction relapse prevention is critical to long-term health and recovery. Preventing relapse means paying close attention to your current mental health. If you’re struggling, know you’re not alone. Our team at United Recovery Project offers the support you need in any form necessary. Call us now at 888-960-5121 or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment.
