If people already know where it is coming from, they could duck, shield themselves, or completely avoid the situation where they could get hit, thus preventing any problems at all. Knowing the potential stumbling points along the way to recovery could save people quite a bit of trouble, as this shows where the problem is coming from. This is far better than just having the trigger come out and catch the person completely unaware and unable to react to it properly.

Whereas before we responded to the mortgage payment with drinking or irritability, we would now replace it with a new routine like calling our sponsor or going for a run. The benefits and rewards of healthy routines will naturally arise and reinforce our new behavior. If we cannot find the benefit or reward, it’s time to look at a new response or routine. Over time, these habits will quicken our calm and support our sobriety. This includes things like eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

Individualized, evidence based treatment, to fit your needs.

With a solid relapse prevention plan, support groups, and other strategies, you can take control of your drug addiction and get on the path to recovery. That’s why part of an substance abuse treatment involves relapse prevention strategies. The person should be equipped with coping strategies on how to avoid high-risk situations leading them to drug or alcohol use once again. This is the secret to long-term recovery and avoiding relapse.

It should not be considered a failure, but after treatment, the goal should be to prevent relapse as much as possible. During treatment, you’ll utilize a relapse prevention plan template to help you develop a solid strategy to maintain recovery. A relapse prevention plan is comprised of measures, techniques, and many different tools to avoid falling back into bad habits. A relapse is using drugs or alcohol again after a period of abstinence. Since recovery is not a linear process, it has its ups and downs, and relapse can be one of them. Another important step in creating a relapse prevention plan is developing a support system.

Improve Overall Health and Wellness

Taking better care of yourself is essential to prevent feeling mentally or emotionally drained to the point you return to substance use. For instance, eating correctly and getting enough sleep can prevent exhaustion and the craving to drink or use substances. Some people might experience a range of emotions when seeing old friends and loved ones, which can cause them to desire a drink. Others may feel stressed or pressured to perform at school or work and become tempted to misuse stimulants.

• It’s also important to remember that you will get professional help during treatment in creating your written plan, so there’s no need to worry about missing a step.
• If you or someone you know has substance use disorder, Gateway Foundation can help you through relapse prevention training.
• Additionally, finding supplemental sources of information on substance abuse can be extremely helpful in maintaining sobriety.
• Experiencing a relapse does not equate to the end of your recovery.

In addition to this, a relapse prevention plan also helps you to overcome common misconceptions about the mental health effects of alcohol and drugs. It can also help you overcome some of the physical challenges that addiction creates by teaching you strategies to manage those complications. A large number of people who work through addiction recovery relapse. That doesn’t mean they failed nor that the treatment they received wasn’t good enough. It simply means their brain and body needed more time to heal and overcome the addiction. The goal of relapse prevention is to gain access to tools and resources that can keep you on the right path moving forward.

Developing A Relapse Prevention Plan

Mark has been instrumental in building healthy communities and providing access and quality healthcare to underserved populations. His service in the community is a testament to his passion and selfless dedication to the cause of eradicating addictive disorders and stigma. Aside from daily business oversight, Mark invests in his staff and helps build their professional development. His commitment to his colleagues and employees toward advancement and inclusiveness helps them achieve goals, builds connections, and provides a competitive advantage in the healthcare field.

The more detail you add to your relapse prevention plan, the more helpful it will be during various events and high-risk situations. Writing down your plan and going over your set goals often can increase its effectiveness. Follow this step-by-step guide when creating your relapse prevention guide. When people think of relapse, they think of the physical activity of drug or alcohol abuse after a period of abstinence. As part of developing solid relapse prevention strategies, you’ll need to understand the warning signs for each stage and develop coping skills for each one. Understanding the different stages of relapse is key to maintaining sobriety and getting help if needed at any point along this journey.

Our new national name, TruHealing Addiction & Mental Health Treatment, will eventually replace Amatus Recovery Centers. Contact Bayview Recovery to join https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/relapse-prevention-plan-how-it-can-help-you-stay-on-track/ our judgment-free, uplifting and supportive recovery environment. We will give you an assessment to understand what will be the best course of action.

Through effective coping skills, clients can increase their confidence to handle challenging situations without drugs or alcohol. Have these on hand so you can easily access them when you need someone to talk to. These can include a mentor or sponsor, members of 12 Step meetings, family members, recovering individuals, others in sober living, or even your substance abuse treatment center. However, when a person stops focusing so intently on these things, relapses do occur. If you aren’t sure how to go through the recovery journey, creating a relapse prevention plan is the first step. Be sure to watch out for the relapse warning signs that follow.

It’s important to remember that most cravings only last for a short time. If you can distract yourself for 15 to 30 minutes, you can beat a potential relapse. Reach out to our experienced staff when you are ready to make a change in your life. However, with the help of our team, you can begin to rebuild your life. Contact Midwest Detox Center by filling out the secure form below. Recovery is a rough road to walk through, full of turns and ups and downs.

The mental relapse stage can feel like an internal battle going on in one’s mind. If a relapse does occur despite your best efforts, it’s important to have a support system available. This could be family members or friends who understand your struggle and are willing to help you through tough times.