Support systems can provide both amphetamine addiction treatment emotional and practical assistance, which can reduce the risk of relapse during substance use disorder recovery. Additionally, they can help individuals sustain positive behavior change and promote an overall sense of well-being. The cornerstone of relapse prevention is developing a solid plan. This isn’t just a vague idea of “staying clean” or “feeling better.” It’s a detailed roadmap that outlines potential triggers, coping strategies, and support systems.
- Individuals and treatment programs that take this view are more successful, and in the long run, those who accept and work to try again after a relapse are more likely to overcome their addiction eventually.
- You could also try daily meditation or deep breathing techniques.
- It’s as if the emotional thermostat is broken, unable to maintain a stable temperature.
Psychological Factors
Medication-assisted treatment involves the use of medications in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a comprehensive approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. Support groups such as 12-step programs and other mutual support groups can also play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from a relapse and prevent future relapses. Developing and employing effective relapse prevention skills coping strategies are important steps to equip individuals better on their recovery journey. Some key strategies for preventing relapse include identifying triggers, practicing self-care, and seeking professional help from experts at an institution like Lantana Recovery. Various risk factors, including psychological disturbances, tension, and inadequate assistance, can contribute to relapse into drug abuse. To better understand and prevent relapse, it is crucial to explore the role of mental health, stress, and support systems as contributing factors.
Private outpatient treatment
During treatment, clients will learn why they relapsed and take steps to prevent another relapse in the future. The recovering brain is susceptible to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Using drugs or alcohol can seem like the easiest way to feel happy or normal. Loneliness and a lack of social support can also make alcohol or drug use more appealing. The best way to prevent relapse is to practice coping behaviors consistently, build a support system and avoid risk factors. Individuals who cut back on support group meetings, stop practicing coping behaviors and begin to think they can control their drinking or drug use increase their chances of relapse.
How we can help you on your journey
It can be difficult to fully disengage from people who use drugs or alcohol in various settings, which can become triggering for someone recovering. If this person is around people or situations with substances, it can become increasingly more difficult to stay in recovery if there is peer pressure to participate in drug or alcohol use. This guide will explore the stages of relapse, common triggers, and effective treatment strategies to support long-term sobriety. Many different philosophies about recovery and relapse exist, often with opposing tenets, which can leave you confused about which is correct.
People are at risk of relapse if exposed to different risk factors. For those seeking addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one, our calls are confidential and are available for 24/7 help. The next stage is mental relapse, in which the patient has an internal struggle between the desire to stay sober and the desire to return to drinking or drug use. Some relapses start with lapses that become more prolonged or frequent until the individual returns to uncontrolled substance use. Another form of relapse is a “lapse.” A person lapsing may have one or two drinks then return to sobriety.
In fact, at some point, if you don’t use the substance, you may feel worse. It can bring on feelings of shame, frustration, and often cause someone to feel as if they are incapable of changing their behavior or achieving their goals. Research shows that social support indicates long-term success, while peer pressure and unsupportive relationships can lead to relapse. If a person is in therapy during emotional relapse, the focus of therapy may pivot towards reinforcing the importance of self-care. Learning various acronyms can help a person identify when they need to improve their self-care, such as HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired).
Relapse & Slips: Warning Signs, Triggers & Prevention Plan
It reflects the difficulty of resisting a return to substance use in response to what may be intense cravings but before new coping strategies have been learned and new routines have been established. For that reason, some experts prefer not to use the term “relapse” but to use more morally neutral terms such as “resumed” use or a “recurrence” of symptoms. A relapse prevention plan is a document designed specifically to help people maintain their sobriety following addiction treatment. It’s something that you’ll develop during treatment, but anyone who wants to avoid falling back into an addictive behaviour. People who attend therapy learn skills and strategies for preventing relapse.
