SUBSTANCE ABUSE RELAPSE PREVENTION

Substance abuse relapse prevention is crucial to lasting sobriety and durable recovery from substance abuse. Substance abuse relapse prevention includes a comprehensive plan and subsequent commitment to following that plan. There are numerous relapse warning signs, therefore a key part of any relapse prevention plan is being honest with oneself about which thoughts, actions, activities, etc. are likely to trigger a relapse, and then utilize the preventative plan.

People aiding the addict's recovery effort, such as a counselor or sponsor in a 12-step program, can be involved in assessing potential relapse "triggers" and the appropriate response to them. Successful recovery almost always requires the help of others. Successful relapse prevention is perhaps the best example of that.

Relapse Triggers

Substance abuse relapse triggers are multitudinous. They include significant, difficult-to-handle emotional events such as a divorce or the death of a loved one, etc. Oftentimes, however, relapse triggers are more subtle and can include depression, anxiety, anger, irritability, mood swings, isolation, and even poor eating and sleeping habits. Emotional and behavioral triggers also become more powerful when they are left unaddressed. For example, poor eating and sleeping habits might lead to exhaustion, which can then prompt the desire to escape reality, which can then lead to thoughts about using drugs or drinking alcohol, again.

Relapse prevention

Substance abuse relapse prevention is always needful and important to the healing process. Numerous addicts relapse and never find their way back to sobriety. Most often the journey from addiction to recovery is very difficult, so maintaining sobriety is essential.

Relapse prevention plans and Family Addiction Relapse Prevention

Substance abuse relapse prevention plans often involve people connected to the addict, including family, sponsors, counselors, among others.A supportive family often makes all the difference between recovery and relapse.Ultimately, full recovery is the addict's responsibility, but family members who seek their own counseling or who attend 12-step groups such as Alcoholics-Anonymous (for friends and family members of problem drinkers) can also learn the best way to help the addict.

When formulating a substance abuse relapse prevention plan, it is not enough to simply identify possible relapse "triggers." The plan also needs to address support opportunities, such as counseling, 12-Step groups, outpatient programs, among others.