Categories: Relapse Prevention

Creating a Plan for Relapse Prevention

Planning for relapse prevention must be part of any rehabilitation strategy. It is not enough for you to get clean and to break your habits. You also have to find a way to prevent the relapse from occurring. Otherwise, you will be in a constant cycle of abuse and pain - one that can harm both you and your family. We can help you to get clean and sober and then help you to stay that way.

Tips for Relapse Prevention

When you visit our clinic, we will work with you to identify a comprehensive plan. In the meantime, here are some suggestions.

#1 Identify what your triggers are and avoid them.

All addicts have certain triggers things that make them want to use or that make it easier for them to do so. There are obvious examples like going to the bar or going out to the club. In these situations, you are likely to be surrounded by triggers. However, many triggers are actually far more subtle. For example, you may have emotional triggers. There may be certain holidays that trigger painful emotions that have always made you use. There may even be certain songs that remind you of partying with your friends. You have to be able to make plans to avoid both physical and emotional triggers so that you are not tempted to relapse when it can be avoided.

#2 Plan for how you’ll deal with triggers.

There are times where you simply cannot avoid coming in contact with one of your triggers. In this event, you need to know how you are going to deal with the situation ahead of time so that instead of thinking about it, you can instantly activate your plan. This may involve calling one or two support people, leaving the situation for a safe place like the park or church, going to eat your favorite pizza and more.

#3 Create balance in your life.

The more consistent, steady, and balanced your life is, the less likelihood of you being tempted to relapse. A healthy balance includes managing stress and maintaining good overall physical and emotional health. For example, if you are not getting enough sleep, you are going to feel run down physically, irritable, emotional, and may be more likely to use. However, if you are getting sleep, eating healthy, exercising, and maintaining a work-life balance, you will be happier and more content in general and less likely to look for alternatives. Relapse prevention should be proactive by taking steps to improve your overall life.

#4 Deal with things immediately.

It's not healthy for you to bottle up your emotions inside. If you are feeling stressed or anxious or angry, you need to deal with it, and having a therapist you can speak with is an important step in the process. During therapy, you will be safe and not judged, so you can freely express whatever is bothering you.

#5 Identify your support structure.

You also need an established support structure of people who love you and do not use drugs or alcohol. These people are going to be your confidante, support, and help you to live a life free from abuse.