Relapse is a threat to everyone with an alcohol or substance use disorder.
Recovery isn’t just about overcoming addiction; it’s about equipping yourself with the tools to navigate life’s challenges without succumbing to old habits. At The Ridge Ohio, we prepare individuals to face triggers, cravings, and difficult situations while maintaining their commitment to sobriety. Grounded in evidence-based practices and personalized care, our relapse prevention program empowers clients to build resilience, foster healthy coping mechanisms, and thrive without the use of drugs and alcohol.
Reach out to our compassionate team to learn more about the relapse prevention methods we use to prepare individuals for lifelong sobriety.
The Reality of Relapse: Know the Signs for Relapse Prevention
Relapsing, the recurrence of substance use after a period of abstinence, is a complex and often disheartening part of the recovery journey. Despite sincere efforts and a strong commitment to sobriety, you may find yourself grappling with the allure of substances, old habits, or overwhelming emotions, leading to a return to use of drugs and alcohol. It’s important to understand signs that you are in the early stages of relapse to take action and seek help. Some common signs of relapse include:
Signs of Relapse:
- Not going to support group meetings
- Not asking for help
- Poor eating habits
- Poor sleep habits
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Mood swings
- Associating with friends that remind the addict of using
- Going back to places where drugs and alcohol are common
- Anxiety
- Intolerance
- Anger
- Defensiveness
- Isolation
- Glamorizing substance use
- Fantasizing about using
- Planning to use it again
Don’t ignore these signs: if you see them in yourself, call your sponsor or get to a meeting as soon as you can. If you see them in a loved one, talk to them about what you see, and encourage them to seek support from recovery peers or from a professional counselor or therapist.
Is Relapse Common in Recovering Individuals?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that 50-80 percent of people who enter treatment for addiction experience relapse – a percentage similar to the relapse rates of other chronic illnesses, like type 1 diabetes, hypertension and asthma. Just as with these other illnesses, the risk of addiction relapse decreases among those who carefully manage their disease and stick with their designated treatment plan.
Relapse prevention is a large part of addiction treatment. Anyone who goes through rehab and is determined to live a sober life must have a plan in place to maintain that sobriety.
What Is Involved In A Relapse Prevention Program?
Our relapse prevention programs are led by expert providers who work with you to create a comprehensive plan before your treatment ends. A relapse prevention plan spells out things you can do when you feel you’re at risk of relapse, and the ways you can manage or avoid your most powerful triggers.
In addition to creating a prevention plan, we also encourage clients to build healthy coping mechanisms and strong relationships with sober peers. Participation in an alumni program and support group activities, learning how to deal with triggers, and learning how to implement lifestyle changes are essential factors to address during treatment, before returning to life out in the world.
What If I Relapse?
Of course, relapse happens. But you can manage relapse and return to a life free from substances. People who relapse find that with help, they can get back on their feet, and back on track to sobriety again. Relapse, while unfortunate and something to be avoided, is not a setback on your journey. As long as you seek the appropriate level of support, relapse is not the end of sobriety: it’s an important lesson on your recovery journey.
What Do You Do If You Relapse?
If you do relapse, don’t panic.
Tell someone and get back to treatment. You might need to re-enroll in a residential program, or you might need a refresher outpatient course. Then, when you’re back on your own again after treatment, you know how important it is to stick to your relapse prevention plan. Attend support group sessions regularly, practice habits that are sober-friendly, and surround yourself with positive, sober people. Don’t let relapse take away your motivation or belief in your recovery: you’re strong, resilient, and capable of restoring and maintaining your sobriety.
The Role of Community in Relapse Prevention
The support and camaraderie of a community play a pivotal role in relapse prevention by providing encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging. At The Ridge Ohio, we prioritize community relationships and encourage recovering individuals to connect with peers through group activities and therapy. Some of our relapse prevention group activities include:
- Share 2-3 weird or funny things about yourself with the group
- Educational group lectures on addiction and substances that facilitate discussion
- Open dialogue about stress and stress management in which members are encouraged to share their healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms
- Practice mindfulness and meditation together and share feelings or thoughts that may come up
Our relapse prevention group therapy offers a safe space for recovering individuals to share their struggles, triumphs, and aspirations without fear of judgment. Through shared experiences and mutual support, individuals feel less isolated and more empowered to navigate the ups and downs of recovery. Verify your insurance and contact our team today to learn more about how group therapy works to prevent future relapse.
Work Towards Lifelong Recovery at The Ridge Ohio
Relapse is a challenging yet common part of the recovery journey. Our relapse prevention programs work to help clients understand triggers, warning signs, and stages of relapse, and ensure that a plan is in place to mitigate harm. By acknowledging the challenges of relapse and proactively addressing them, anyone can emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient on their path to long-term sobriety.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about the role of relapse prevention in our addiction treatment programs.
