Relapse Prevention with SecondNewLife
At SecondNewLife, we know that the journey to recovery is not just about overcoming addiction. But also about building a sustainable life that promotes long-term wellness. One of the most critical features of maintaining recovery is relapse prevention. Relapse prevention techniques are the path to continuing sobriety after completing treatment for your substance abuse. SecondNewLife teaches people how to effectively apply relapse prevention techniques to maintain their sobriety during and after recovery.
Understanding Relapse Prevention (RP)
Relapse prevention is an expert cognitive behavioral method that requires patients and their Specialists to determine situations that put the person at more risk for relapse.
Relapse is a return to substance use or addictive behaviors after a time of sobriety or recovery. The relapse approach is going back to using after you’ve been self-controlled for a while. It is an ever-present threat when you’re trying to recover. In relapse prevention, the Specialist and patient work first to evaluate future outcomes that might lead to drinking or using other substances. These situations, such as social pressures and emotional states that could lead to thoughts about using substances, and eventually to cravings and urges to use.
Stages of Relapse
While the relapse may appear sudden, it is usually caused. Diagnosing the early signs can help you take the initiative to prevent falling back into bad habits. Here is a list of stages of relapse following:
Emotional Relapse: During this phase, people commonly experience an emotional relapse. Where their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors start to shift in a way that might make relapse more likely. Signs of emotional relapse are increased stress, anger, or fear of facing life’s challenges. During this stage, people may experience a range of emotions, including:
- Feeling overcome or stressed
- Undergoing mood swings & irritability
- Feeling hopeless and powerless
- Back away from social interactions or activities
- Engaging in self-destructive behaviour
Mental Relapse: In this phase, if emotional relapse goes uncontrolled, it can cause a mental relapse. You are thinking about the people and places associated with using, and the good times you had when you were drinking or using drugs, and lying to yourself about the consequences that come with it. They may also be going through:
- Cravings or the desire to use substances
- Ideas about using substances or interest in addictive behaviors
- Explaining or justifying substance use
- Minimizing the consequences of substance use
Physical Relapse: This is the phase when you start using again. It begins with one lapse, the first drink or pill, and returns to regular use.
Relapse Prevention Plans at SecondNewLife
Preventing relapse needs proactive measures, commitment, or building healthy routines that support your new lifestyle. At SecondNewLife, we focus on providing individuals with the tools to handle stressful situations, stress, & emotional challenges. Our relapse prevention program is designed to provide you with an extensive approach to staying sober, no matter what barriers life may throw your recovery way.
Here are some proven relapse prevention plans that SecondNewLife recommends for your addiction journey:
Build a Strong Support System:
One of the most important factors in long-term recovery is staying connected to a community. We know your struggles & celebrate your successes with you. In case the, through therapy, support groups, or recovery meetings like 12-step programs, social support is needed for preventing isolation & promoting a sense of belonging.
Develop Healthy Daily Routines and Habits:
Add healthy habits into your daily life to build your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When you feel strong or confident, you are less likely to be moved back by the desire to use substances.
Create or Follow a Relapse Prevention Plan:
A relapse prevention plan is a personalized plan that lays out specific steps to take when faced with triggers or cravings. This plan may include coping strategies for managing stress. A list of support people to reach out to in a crisis, or specific actions to take in high-risk situations.
Learn How to Manage Stress:
Stress is a major cause for relapse, so learning effective ways to manage. It is essential for long-term recovery.
Begin Your Journey- SecondNewLife
Recovery is not the end-it’s just the beginning of the addiction journey. With our Aftercare Planning services, SecondNewLife offers the purposeful direction, support, and tools you need to thrive long after treatment ends.