As you know, there is no cure for the chronic disease of addiction. Therefore, occasional reoccurrences of symptoms are common. Drug and alcohol relapse prevention therapy provides tools for recognizing the signs of relapse and implementing appropriate preventative strategies. Counselors and loved ones will usually recognize the shift in attitude before the “slip” actually occurs. The goal of drug and alcohol relapse prevention therapy is to minimize the frequency and severity of the symptoms of addiction.
The Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the University of Washington has provided excellent material on Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) for addiction, incorporating cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness meditation to prevent relapse.
Depression, anxiety, and hopelessness generally follow unhealthy behaviors, which is why drug and alcohol relapse prevention is crucial. Some people leave treatment and everything seems to be going well. As a result, they feel cured and—absent any of the above symptoms—find themselves at a party or event where alcohol or drugs are available. The consequences of relapse don’t come to mind. Then, the first drink or drug initiates the entire cycle that brought them to treatment in the first place.
Staying sober in the protected environment of rehab is relatively easy. At Discovery Transitions, we want to ensure that you have the skills to maintain long-term sobriety outside of rehab. Our relapse prevention for addiction program will help you gradually change self-defeating behavior. When you leave our outpatient drug rehab in the Los Angeles area based program, we want you to be prepared to lead a lifestyle that supports your well-being and your recovery.
How Common is Relapse After Leaving Rehab?
It’s important to know the statistics about relapse so that you can understand how easily it can happen and that the mental and physical effort to stay clean must become a priority after leaving rehab. It is estimated that roughly 40 percent and 60 percent of all alcoholics and addicts will inevitably relapse.
However, don’t let that make you feel hopeless. Once you understand the high probability of relapse and have the right tools to maintain sobriety, you have a fighting chance to stay on track — and that is what we are here for. You are not alone.
The Importance of Learning Relapse Prevention in Addiction Skills
Stopping the domino effect concept for business solution, strategy and successful intervention
Addiction can have a devastating impact on your ability to maintain coping skills. After in-house rehab, it’s important to redevelop skills that can help you navigate triggers successfully. Some of the most common triggers that lead to relapse include relationship problems, health issues, financial concerns, stress, boredom, fear, and falling back into old patterns.
Some of the most useful life skills to learn include:
- Learning self-care and compassion
- Mindfulness meditation and deep breathing
- Knowing your triggers
- Join a support group
- Learning grounding techniques
- Draw up an emergency contact list
- Imagining what will happen when you use it again (play through the consequences)
- Knowing when to ask for help
Relapse Doesn’t Always Have to Be a Part of Recovery
A partial or full-blown relapse is so common that it is often viewed as part of the recovery process. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. When you learn healthy behaviors, you can protect yourself from a relapse.
We understand that facing the world with all of its problems and triggers can feel overwhelming, and that’s normal. That is why, at Discovery Transitions, our experienced team is ready to make sure that you get through the day and get the most out of life with drug and alcohol relapse prevention.
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