Relaspse Prevention Counseling

Relapse prevention counseling is an important factor to ensure long term sobriety. A relapse can occur at any time during recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Relapse is possibly the most misunderstood concept in the treatment of substance abuse.

The majority of alcohol and drug addiction counselors realize that the possibility or probability of relapse must be considered as part of the drug and alcohol addiction treatment framework. While most substance addicts and their family members are terrified of the concept of a relapse, they should know and understand the realities of relapse. Unfortunately, outcome studies indicate in many instances, along the road recovery, relapse does occur.

Before most relapses occur, there are certain recognizable signs that must be brought to the surface. It is crucial to remember that relapse does not begin with the act of taking a drug or having a drink. Rather, relapse first takes place in the mind of the addict.

Relapse begins with a thought, which precedes the physical act of relapse. As a result, many addicts may not actually relapse on their drug of choice, the drug that they have become addicted to , rather they often substitute it for another mood-altering substance. For example, an alcoholic might switch to marijuana or a cocaine addict will rationalize that a beer or two is completely acceptable. But the end result will invariably be the same patterns of self-destructive behavior.

As a result, relapse prevention counseling is a critical component of substance abuse treatment. A qualified relapse prevention counselor or therapists can educate the addict as to the triggers, feelings/emotions, and other considerations that most frequently lead to drug use, following treatment.