How to Prevent Relapse

Addiction is a disease, and maintaining sobriety requires constant support and management. Relapse can happen even among people who complete extended rehab programs. However, there are several ways that they can prevent relapse. At the very least, having a plan can help those who relapse get back on track.

Understand the Stages of Relapse

Relapse doesn’t occur in a matter of minutes or hours. It’s a process that develops over weeks to months. Understanding the stages can help people recognize the potential for relapse so that they can get support.

The emotional stage comes first, during which people’s behaviors and feelings set them up for future relapse. They might feel anxious, have mood swings or develop poor eating and sleeping habits. It’s easier for them to pull out of this stage than the following phases. For this reason, being able to recognize the problem is essential to prevent relapse.

The mental phase is next and involves thinking about alcohol or drug use. The thoughts might start as fleeting moments and turn into stronger ideas or desires. People might fight within themselves because part of them wants to use, while the other part knows the risks. They could even start lying to loved ones, hanging out with other users or planning how to use drugs.

At this point, it’s hard to stop the relapse process. Without help, the final stage of physically using drugs or alcohol is likely to occur. Using a substance once or twice is more of a slip that people may overcome with support. However, more detox and rehab is necessary when they start regularly using again.

Make Behavior and Lifestyle Changes

To prevent relapse from fully developing, people in recovery need to change their behaviors and lifestyles. Avoiding places where they used drugs or where others still do is one of the most important strategies. Some examples of places to avoid include dance clubs, bars, and raves.

It’s also important to stop seeing friends with whom they used drugs, especially if those friends still use. People in recovery might need to change their phone numbers and block old friends from contacting them through social media. To fill the gap, they can make new friends at support groups or other sober events. Participating in a new hobby could lead to new, healthier friendships as well.

Practicing good self-care can make a world of difference for people in recovery too. This tactic might involve going to a spa to relieve stress. They could even reward themselves in some way for completing goals and staying sober. The overall objective is to avoid feeling like they need to escape so that they don’t want to use drugs.

Get Help Now to Prevent Relapse

Do you want help with addiction and relapse? Beaches Recovery offers several supportive services, including relapse prevention planning. Some of the programs and therapies that we provide that could help you include:

• Outpatient rehab
• Trauma therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Anger management
• Fitness therapy
• Mindfulness-based treatment
• Sober living

Fight back against addiction so that you can enjoy the rest of your life. Use every resource available to prevent relapse and avoid using again. Reach out to Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532 for help today.