After undergoing medical detox and working through an addiction treatment program, individuals need to make sure they have a plan for addiction relapse prevention. Although it may not be at the top of your mind, it’s vital to your long-term success. In fact, the rate of addiction relapse for drug users is approximately 40 – 60 percent.
Fortunately, Santé Center for Healing offers all clients that come to us and complete our substance use disorder treatment programs options to manage their sobriety. We offer alumni programs that provide a community and support network individuals in recovery can find the resources they need when stressed or confronting triggers.
Why It’s So Important to Have an Addiction Relapse Plan
Relapsing once you’ve gone through rehab doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that you cannot be successful long-term. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug use is similar to any other chronic health condition. Without treatment and maintenance, a person stands the chance of relapsing.
For example, if a person with hypertension did not maintain their regimen prescribed by the doctor, then relapse is probable. In other words, the person would need to continue exercising, eating low sodium, not smoking, reducing stress, and so on, or the blood pressure would rise. It’s a continual maintenance effort once the blood pressure is where it’s supposed to be. The same relates to drug addiction. The person needs to follow the prescribed relapse prevention plan to maintain sobriety.
If you have been drug-free for a period of time, then suddenly relapse and take drugs, the consequences may be direr than you realize. Your body is not adjusted to any drugs in them anymore. That means only a small amount will affect you. However, you may be thinking about the amount you did the last time you did drugs and accidentally do too much. This could lead to an overdose! This makes addiction relapse prevention so crucial.
Steps to Relapse Prevention
If you have a close family unit, then they will be a good support system for you. However, you can’t expect loved ones always to know when you are feeling tempted or triggered. It’s up to you to understand your weakness, triggers, and challenges. Participating in ongoing therapy is instrumental in your prevention plan. Some of the therapies that are helpful for relapse prevention include:
In addition to therapy, education is another foundational component to a strong recovery. Educational training that is helpful includes:
- Maintaining proper boundaries
- Co-dependency workshop
- Trauma workshop
- Life skills therapy
Some people find it helpful to participate in an aftercare program through rehab. This allows them to maintain their recovery. In an aftercare program, they will also be involved in group therapy, providing them with real-life information from those in varying recovery stages.
Find Hope for Relapse
At Sante Center for Healing, our evidence-based therapies are proven to help people who are struggling with drug addiction. Find the help to become sober and stay sober through our programs. Some of the programs we offer include:
- Family therapy: Here, individuals can deal with the issues they face that arise and impact their family members. Similarly, family members can work through their own behaviors to learn how to be supportive in a healthy manner.
- Art and yoga therapy: Holistic approaches to addiction treatment have been proven to give individuals the freedom they need to imagine and make real a sober life.
- Music therapy: Learning a new skill and expressing oneself through music therapy has numerous benefits.
Don’t wait for addiction relapse to overwhelm your life. Take action to overcome your addiction. Once you complete rehab, keep in touch with us at 866.238.3154, and stay on the road to recovery.
