Relapse Prevention

The first stages of an addiction relapse happen long before the drug or drink again enters the body. It starts when the addict returns to their old ways of thinking and coping. It may be weeks or even months later before the addict actually uses again.
This means that there is almost always time for successful relapse prevention. Relapse prevention is a part of all of the programs we offer.

What is relapse prevention?

Relapse prevention includes both planning and a commitment to following that plan. Because there are numerous warning signs before a relapse occurs, a key part of a relapse prevention plan is being honest with yourself about what events might trigger a relapse, and determining how to respond – ahead of time.

Going over potential relapse "triggers" and the appropriate response is something that should include those who are aiding the addict's recovery effort, such as a counselor or sponsor in a 12-step program. Successful recovery requires the help of others, and relapse prevention is perhaps the best example of that.

What are relapse "triggers"?

Lots of things can trigger a relapse, including difficult-to-handle emotional events such as a divorce or death of a loved one. Often times, however, it is more-subtle things that work to bring on a relapse. These include anxiety, anger, irritability, mood swings, isolation, and poor eating and sleeping habits. These emotional and behavioral triggers grow more powerful if left unaddressed. For example, poor eating and sleeping habits can lead to exhaustion, which can prompt the desire to escape, which can then lead to thoughts about using again.

Wes, an inmate at Utah County Jail trying to overcome addiction, had this to say to the Desert Morning News after attending an inmate treatment class focused on relapse prevention:
"I need to realize I caused this upon myself. I blamed others my whole life. I thought my problem was drugs. My problem was my whole way of thinking."

Why is relapse prevention necessary? I can enter treatment again after my relapse, right?

In theory, yes. But there are plenty of addicts who relapse and never find their way back into sobriety. The journey from addiction to recovery has often been described as a trip to hell and back. After escaping from hell, do you really want to go back there again, and risk not finding your way home?

How does a relapse prevention plan work?

First, it involves those around the addict, including sponsors/counselors and the addict's family. A supportive family can make the difference between recovery and relapse. Ultimately, recovery is the addict's responsibility, but family members who seek their own counseling or attend 12-step groups such as Al-Anon (for friends and family of problem drinkers) can learn how to best help the addict stay clean.

Second, it is not enough to just identify possible relapse "triggers," the addict must also alter how he or she responds to them. For example, an alcoholic can avoid bars or parties that trigger the desire to resume drinking. If work-related stress is a relapse trigger, an addict can learn how to say no to extra projects, limit their total workweek to 45 hours, or try meditation and relaxation exercises to unwind.

Third, and perhaps most important: When you need help, ask for it.

I've recently relapsed. What now?

Although you may feel upset about using again, don't let yourself become bogged down in guilt or self-pity. Lots of recovering addicts relapse at one point. The goal of recovery is progress, not perfection.

Should you decide to enter drug rehab or alcohol rehab, Treatment Solutions Network can refer you to the facility that best fits your needs. Call us at 877-417-6237. We are not affiliated with any one rehab provider – our goal is simply to get you into the best care possible.

An important part of recovery is learning from relapses.

A relapse is an indication that something is wrong with the addict's recovery program – it DOESN'T mean the addict can't stay clean. But there is a problem here, and that problem must be identified and fixed.

In his monthly "Sober Talk" column, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor Tom Lipa once wrote "Clients will come in and say ‘What happened? I relapsed all of a sudden.' But a review of the previous weeks will reveal triggers for the relapse. It is essential to do this because if it happened once, it will happen again.'"

No matter your insurance, be it Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross / Blue Shield (BCBS), Assurant, Unicare, United Health Care, Anthem, Carefirst, Asuris Northwest Health, Golden Rule, Celtic Insurance, Fortis, Health Net, Kaiser, Vista, Shelter, Wellpoint, Tri Care, Accordia or even Medicare, and state insurance – we can help you with relapse prevention. We also offer many affordable self pay options as well as luxury drug rehab