Living after addiction has its ups and downs, it is never a straight line. Relapse does not mean failure, you can continue your recovery journey. A rehab aftercare program provides continued support after substance abuse treatment to help keep you sober. A rehab aftercare program will help you develop a relapse prevention plan.
What is a Relapse Prevention Plan
A relapse prevention plan is a written contract with yourself about how you will work at avoiding relapsing or returning, to drug or alcohol use. Each person will have a plan that is slightly different because every situation is unique. In general, the plan includes:
- Identifying what your goals are and how you want to reach them. Include ways to avoid situations where relapse may be a danger.
- Identify possible triggers and make specific plans on how you are going to manage those triggers.
- Decide what self-care entails and make a plan for including everything you need to be healthy and get stronger, both physically and mentally.
- Identify your support system and make a plan for communicating with the members of this system when you reach a certain point that you will also put in writing.
- Describe how you will be accountable for your plan.
The Rules of Relapse Prevention
A relapse prevention plan provides structure to help you remain sober after successful addiction treatment. These relapse prevention programs are based on four main concepts:
- Helping the client recognize the early stage of relapse is of utmost importance.
- The recovery process isn’t straight-forward but consists of a number of milestones along a path of personal growth.
- The goal is to change negative thinking and teach healthy coping skills. This is done by utilizing cognitive-behavior therapy and mind/body relaxation techniques.
- Most relapses can be prevented by following a few basic rules that are incorporated into every relapse prevention plan. These rules are: avoiding situations where relapse may be possible, don’t lie about the possibility, don’t be afraid of asking for help, practice regular self-care, and keep in mind the rules are not meant to be bent, let alone broken.
What Triggers Relapse During Recovery
The relapse prevention plan needs to take into account that recovery takes place in three stages and there are different things that can trigger relapse during each stage. The stages vary in length from one person to the next. These stages and triggers are as follows:
- Abstinence — This stage normally lasts 1-2 years. During this period, the most dangerous triggers are physical cravings.
- Repair — This stage occurs when the individual begins to start repairing the damage that their addiction caused. This damage includes unstable relationships, the self-esteem of the individual, their career, and finances. During this stage, you must begin to overcome guilt and learn to forgive yourself. You must also come to terms with the fact that some things can’t be fixed. The things that are most dangerous during this time include not going to groups and not practicing proper self-care.
- Growth — This stage involves counseling to learn the tools necessary to avoid what led you to substance abuse in the beginning. During this time, you must learn new coping skills and how to set boundaries, with yourself and others. This may involve mental health treatment for disorders such as anxiety or depression. During this time, the biggest trigger is walking away from your basic support system, whether it be your family, counseling, or groups.
Rehab Aftercare Programs
A rehab aftercare program provides continued support through rehab alumni events and other rehab alumni program events. Addiction therapy programs are available after rehab treatment to help you remain sober. Addiction therapy programs include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Dialectical behavior therapy program
- EMDR therapy program
- Equine therapy program
- Exercise therapy program
- Expressive therapy program for addiction
Get Help Today
Reach out and ask for help rather than trying to go it alone. Do it now, while the idea is strong. You can get past this.