Understanding The Concept Of Relapse Prevention

Many patients will achieve the ultimate goal of recovery, but nothing is ever perfect. As humans, we are capable of making mistakes every single day. Relapse is one of those things that can’t always be prevented, no matter how hard you try to avoid temptation. Progress can be imperfect, and it’s important to forgive yourself when slip ups happen. Recovery is all about getting better. Becoming sober will give patients the freedom to regain control of their lives. There are many factors present in our daily lives that tempt patients to relapse. While relapse can be discouraging, our team at Southeast Addiction works with our patients in creating a relapse prevention plan, to help them stay focused and disciplined in achieving their goals.

What Causes Relapse?

Relapse is caused by a variety of factors. It’s important to remember that relapse doesn’t make you a bad person nor does it mean that you’ve lost sight of your goals and ambitions to stay committed to recovery. Some research has even suggested that relapse is a normal component of the recovery process. Factors that can influence relapse include mental health issues, manifestation of negative thoughts, trauma, stress, and people who enable the erratic behavior. All of these stressors can contribute to relapse. 

The following are explanations as to why these ailments cause relapses in many patients:

•  Mental Health: Those who are afflicted by substance abuse disorder will also suffer from some sort of mental illness. This term has been dubbed as “co-occurring disorders”. Essentially, when the body falls prey to injury, it can become sick and weak as a result. In order for you to regain strength and rejuvenation, the body will need sufficient time to recover. Just like the body, the mind can be subjected to the same difficulties and setbacks. Mental health injuries can trigger a relapse.

• Manifestation Of Negative Thoughts: Simply put, people that retain pessimistic thoughts will not have much success in attracting results. It takes time, but coaching yourself to harbor a positive mindset will yield much more prosperous outcomes for your life. 

• Sustained Trauma: Trauma is another term that floats around when it comes to pitfalls associated with addiction, recovery, and relapse. In most scenarios, trauma is any situation that overloads what our minds and bodies are able to handle. A situation can occur and we may try to move past it, but the agony of the memory can resurface and cause much physical and emotional distress. Unrealized trauma is very real and its symptoms can include irregular sleep patterns, nausea, dietary changes, flashbacks, to name a few. 

• Enabling: When someone becomes sober, it doesn’t mean they will stay sober the whole time, given everything we’ve discussed. Long-term recovery means evaluating the relationship that brings meaning to your life vs the ones who don’t. Stronger relationships will encourage recovery, while others will act as a hindrance for progression. Enablers may have the best of intentions, but they are contributing to your dependency for substances. 

The Importance of Aftercare For Relapse Prevention

For every level of substance abuse, there is a treatment regimen that is centered around treating it. Not all people in recovery will require the same treatment protocols. What every person seeking treatment will need is a routine that hones in on the fundamental qualities of consistency and discipline. Aftercare programs represent the least restrictive choices for treatment. 

At Southeast Addiction, our aftercare program provides clients with much freedom, independence, and responsibility. This study discusses relapse prevention and the stages of recovery at length. Once the aftercare regimens have been introduced, the patient will require very little supervision. It’s on the patient to demonstrate self-control and responsibility for maintaining their routines. Examples of aftercare include individual therapy, group therapy, sober living programs, peer support, and 12-step programs. 

Creating A Relapse Prevention Plan

Now that you’ve acquired a better understanding of relapse, it’s time to utilize the steps to prevent it from occurring. Whatever plan you create, be sure to stick with it. Keep it simple, don’t make it too strenuous and use one of the aftercare programs as part of your prevention plan. Find a routine and stay the course. If you’ve achieved success with your regimen, then you can gradually introduce the methods of other aftercare options.

Staying Grounded In Your Relapse Prevention Plan

Our team at Southeast Addiction works diligently with every patient to ensure that he or she has the tools to be successful in this lifelong endeavor of health and wellness. We offer a variety of programs for all kinds of substance abuse issues. To learn more about our process, you can contact us today to finalize your involvement!