The Importance of a Relapse Prevention Plan

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Addiction is a complex yet preventable disorder. It can be an intricate, life-altering experience that affects all areas of a person’s life—emotional, physical, and mental well-being, as well as personal relationships. Despite the potential for relapse, there are proven strategies to help individuals prepare for challenging circumstances and promote sustained sobriety. An important part of recovery is creating and following an addiction relapse prevention plan that equips an individual with tangible tools to successfully navigate potential triggers while sticking to the goals they have set out on their journey towards lasting recovery and health.

How Relapse Happens

Relapse doesn’t happen immediately. It is a process that can happen over time, building up from one relapse warning sign to another and eventually leading to the actual relapse act. In order for relapse prevention tools to be successful, it’s important for individuals in recovery to understand the components of relapse and what leads up to relapse.

Often relapse begins when an individual stops attending support groups or therapy sessions and engages in old relationships that involve drinking or drugs. Once relapse happens, the individual will often experience intense emotions such as guilt or shame, which can further perpetuate relapse.

Stages of Relapse

Relapse can happen in three phases: emotional relapse, mental relapse, and physical relapse:

  • Emotional relapse is characterized by a person’s negative emotions, such as anger, isolation, and low self-esteem, that can lead to destructive behavior. At this stage, it is important to recognize any mood swings, problems with communication, or difficulty managing emotions and seek help from a therapist or support group.
  • Mental relapse is marked by increased thoughts or cravings associated with substance use. This could include persistent fantasizing about using substances, thinking about old contacts from the past who used substances, or romanticizing previous drug-using experiences. It is important to recognize these triggers before they become too powerful and lead to relapse.
  • Physical relapse occurs when an individual acts on their relapse thoughts and feelings and returns to substance abuse. At this stage, it is important to get help immediately and seek out professional support in order to prevent further relapse.

The relapse prevention process begins with a commitment to recovery. Individuals should be ready to identify negative thought patterns and relapse triggers, as well as make changes in their lifestyle that support sobriety. Professional addiction treatment will provide an individual with the insight needed to identify high-risk situations and create an individualized relapse prevention plan.

What Is Relapse Prevention?

Relapse prevention is an evidence-based approach to relapse that focuses on the individual’s ability to recognize and manage triggers. It can help individuals create strategies for recovery, such as identifying personal risk factors, developing a relapse prevention plan, and maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends.

The relapse prevention plan should include strategies for building relapse resistance skills and maintaining sobriety. It could also include activities such as coping skills training, support groups, stress management techniques, lifestyle changes that promote sobriety, and long-term planning.

For example, individuals can create a list of “sober goals” that are focused on progress in recovery rather than perfectionism. This could include simple things such as getting adequate amounts of sleep each night, eating nutritious meals, attending 12-step meetings or therapy sessions regularly, setting aside time to practice mindfulness meditation or yoga, and connecting with supportive family and friends. Additionally, relapse prevention plans may involve creating an emergency contact list (including individuals who can be called in moments of crisis) and developing relapse warning signs so they can be addressed quickly before they lead to relapse behaviors.

Common Triggers

Triggers are external and internal cues that can reactivate cravings for drugs or alcohol. Triggers can be anything from intense emotions and environmental factors, such as being in a certain place or seeing an old friend, to relapse behaviors, such as isolating oneself from family and friends. It is important to recognize relapse triggers and develop strategies to manage them before they lead to relapse.

Stress

When faced with stress, individuals may turn to substances as an escape, or they may relapse due to poor coping skills. It is important for individuals in recovery to develop effective ways of managing stress, such as exercising, journaling, and spending time outdoors.

Boredom

Boredom can be a relapse trigger, as individuals may turn to substances out of habit or to fill their time. Individuals in recovery must find healthy activities that can help pass the time and prevent relapse.

Social Pressure

Social pressure from peers who still use drugs or alcohol can be difficult for someone in recovery. It helps significantly for these individuals to bolster their support system with positive influences and create an environment that encourages sobriety.

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety can be relapse triggers, as individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with these feelings. If you are in recovery and experience mental health issues like depression and anxiety, please seek professional help immediately.

Physical Pain

Physical pain can be a relapse trigger, as individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of managing the discomfort. It is important for individuals in recovery to learn how to manage physical pain without relying on substances, such as by talking to their doctor or practicing holistic and safe home remedies.

Celebrations or Holidays

Celebrations and holidays can be relapse triggers, as they often involve alcohol or activities that remind individuals of past drug use. It is important for the individual in recovery to plan ahead and find sober activities and celebrations that will still allow them to enjoy the holiday season.

Trauma or Loss

Experiencing a traumatic event or loss can be a relapse trigger, and it is important to take extra care of oneself during these difficult times. It is beneficial to reach out to supportive family members and friends, join support groups, engage in regular therapy sessions with a mental health professional, and practice mindfulness or relaxation exercises.

Professional Guidance on Relapse Prevention in Pulaski, TN

Magnolia Ranch Recovery is committed to helping individuals find their personal plan for relapse prevention in Pulaski, TN. Our highly experienced and compassionate team of addiction specialists provides comprehensive services that are tailored to the unique needs of each individual. By working together with our clients, we can help them develop relapse prevention strategies and cultivate a supportive recovery community that will help them stay on track. Contact us today for more information.

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Picture of Esra Ahmed - MS, NCC, LPC, MHSP
Esra Ahmed - MS, NCC, LPC, MHSP

Experienced Clinical Director with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Skilled in Anger Management, Healthcare, Medicine, EMDR, and Life Transitions. Strong healthcare services professional with a Masters Degree focused in Psychology from The University of Memphis.

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