Why You Should Have a Relapse Prevention Plan
You may have heard professionals in the drug rehab industry discussing ‘relapse,’ but what exactly is it? Relapse is a return to drug use after beginning recovery. It can happen for many reasons: stress, peer pressure, exposure, etc. Because relapse can be an extreme demotivator during recovery, it’s important to come up with a relapse prevention plan during your time in a drug rehab facility.
Is Drug Rehab All I Need?
Some people believe that after going through treatment after a drug rehab facility that they’re set for life. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Recovery is an ongoing process that requires constant monitoring and mindfulness. The thing you can do in drug rehab is make a plan for the future and develop strategies to manage stress prevent a drug relapse.
Your path to recovery is waiting
and we’re here to help.
Our admissions specialist are available 24/7 to listen to your story and get you started with next steps.
Why call us?
A relapse prevention plan is a set of skills and strategies that you develop in order to counteract any risk factors that may cause a relapse. For example, since stress can often cause a relapse, it’s important to learn how to handle stressful everyday situations with healthy, effective relaxation techniques.
How Do I Make a Relapse Prevention Plan?
The first step in creating a relapse prevention plan is determining what might cause a relapse for you. As mentioned, stress is a big player for many people. Instead of managing stress by using substances, try other relaxation techniques such as meditation, exercise, or picking up a hobby. These relapse prevention coping skills can help you better process these stressful situations and prevent relapse.
For some people, relaxation techniques aren’t enough. Those with mental illnesses have to take into account the ways their mental health can trigger a relapse. Continuing treatment for mental disorders, such as attending therapy and taking medication, is paramount in a relapse prevention plan for people in those situations.
Above all else, maintaining open communication with your support network, physician, family, friends, and yourself is key to a relapse prevention plan. Sometimes, going through family counseling with those you love can drastically improve your recovery. Understanding how your recovering is going and knowing when to get help will keep you on the path of sobriety. Recovery is not a journey you have to make alone as long as you let others help you.
Relapse Is Part of Recovery
Relapse prevention is just one part of recovery from substance addiction. Recovery is an ongoing process and once you start the process, you’ll be in it for life. While it may seem like a daunting task, it will allow you to live a fuller, healthier, and happier life.
At Serenity Lodge, a healthy and happy life of recovery is what we want for you. Our comprehensive treatment programs work with Clients to evaluate their options after treatment and help them develop strategies that they can use for the rest of their lives.
If you or someone in your life is ready to take the step towards sobriety, call us today at (855) 932-4045. You don’t have to face recovery alone and we’re ready to support you along the journey.
Leave a reply
