Some people use the term “relapse” to describe when a person with a substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD) returns to using drugs or alcohol after a period of abstinence. If addiction treatment is about getting sober, recovery is about learning how to stay sober. The early months following treatment are a time of unique challenges and choices. It happens in definable, recognizable and preventable stages with telltale emotional patterns and other indicators. With some effort and practice, we should be able to detect the smallest and earliest signs of a potential relapse. Then we can address the issues as they arise and find a healthy way forward.

• Participating regularly in a support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provides support, accountability, education, and the ability to meet peers who understand what you are going through.
• The American Psychological Association emphasizes the importance of avoiding judgment and blame, as these can make individuals far less willing to be transparent, hindering the recovery process.
• By understanding these stages, you can better equip yourself to identify the early warning signs of relapse and take proactive steps to protect your sobriety.
• Relapse prevention is an umbrella term that refers to strategies that help reduce the likelihood of relapsing.
• Notice if you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges or struggling to cope with stress in healthy ways.

Following Through with Treatment

People can move on from the relapse with a stronger commitment to avoiding future relapses by avoiding or managing triggers before they occur. For example, someone who had completely stopped drinking for a period of time, say six months, would be experiencing a relapse if they began drinking in an unhealthy manner. If they had just one drink, they might be considered as having a “slip,” but not a full relapse.

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Notice if you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges or struggling to cope with stress in healthy ways. Increased anxiety and a tendency to isolate yourself from social situations can also be warning signs. Addressing the potential for relapse is crucial in addiction treatment; it prepares your client to recognize warning signs and reinforces their commitment to recovery. A relapse can undo much of the hard work your client has put into their recovery, but with the right strategies, they can stay on track and continue building a healthier life. Relapse prevention workbooks encourage participants to reflect and self-report on their journey, helping them identify potential triggers and develop personalized strategies to avoid relapse.

Relapse Prevention Strategies and Techniques for Addiction

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, CBT can reduce relapse rates by up to 60 percent when compared to traditional treatment methods. The findings reveal, in short, that individuals who have experienced trauma are more susceptible to relapse, underscoring the importance of addressing trauma in addiction treatment. In addition, relapse often ties back to past trauma, particularly when attempting to combat addiction without expert guidance. Stay connected to your recovery journey by attending support group meetings, therapy sessions, or other forms of treatment.

Then we can attach a desired behavior or routine to the things that trigger us. Every time we confront a known trigger, we will thereafter have a hot cup of tea and read a book (or whichever routine you like most). This way, we can create grounding rituals and coping routines for each of our stressors and triggers. Maintaining sobriety after addiction is challenging, and some conditions can make it even harder. It might start with just one time, but it can quickly become a bigger problem if you don’t get help. 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.

Communicating Boundaries to Your Support Network

You can also encounter any negative thoughts you have about your ability to control your cravings. Have someone on call for weak moments when you might slip back into your old habits. A good friend can talk you down and remind you of all the wonderful things in your life worth protecting by staying off drugs and alcohol. Eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.

• One of the best ways to manage this is by simply choosing not to attend the event; however, this is not always possible.
• The purpose of the follow-up sessions across these four relapse prevention interventions/tools was to encourage compliance and provide social support if needed.
• There are a vast array of relapse prevention tools one can implement into their daily routine to help prevent relapse.
• However, this distinction may be detrimental to some individuals by helping them to minimize the impact of a lapse.
• Together, you can help them build a stronger foundation for a healthier, addiction-free life.
• Moreover, staying connected helps individuals stay accountable to their recovery goals, as they are more likely to seek help and support when facing triggers or temptations.

Stress relievers that might help you manage acute and long-term stress include yoga, deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness practices. Good treatment programs plan ahead for the possibility by including relapse prevention as part of the process. Despite the fact that relapse is a well-recognized aspect of recovery from an addiction, many people attempting to quit an addiction will feel they have failed if they relapse. They might abandon their efforts, feeling that quitting is too difficult for them.

Specific Strategies for Alcohol Relapse Prevention

The study by Wright et al. (2000) focussed on adults who had formerly received bibliotherapy for panic attacks. It examined the effect of a relapse prevention programme that utilised a seven-chapter manual for participants to practice independently for six months. The program comprised information about the booklet, hypothetical scenarios, examples of multiple relapse prevention techniques and exercises. Participants were encouraged to focus on the most relevant techniques/exercises and received brief telephone calls across six months to enhance treatment compliance. The Relapse Prevention Plan Worksheet will help your client maintain their recovery journey and provide them with a clear and actionable plan to manage their triggers and avoid relapse.

Online Therapy Can Help

For example, say “I feel overwhelmed when we talk about drinking at parties, and I need us to focus on other topics,” instead of accusing or blaming them. A relapse may look different for each person, depending on how much they use and the circumstances surrounding the relapse. When an addicted person acts on their craving, a surge of neurotransmitters causes them to feel pleasure.

• At Infinite Recovery, we understand the challenges of addiction and staying sober.
• In this article, we’ll give you practical tips to help you prevent relapses.
• During this phase, a person may experience intense difficulty with conflicting thoughts and desires.

Remember that they are still a person with likes, dislikes, opinions, and desires. This approach fosters respect and acknowledges their humanity, which is crucial for building trust. The creation of personalized recovery plans is a cornerstone of sustainable relapse prevention skills recovery. These plans are tailored to meet the unique challenges and needs of each individual. By recognizing the personal, relevant, and unique aspects of one’s journey, a coping plan becomes a powerful tool for managing triggers and maintaining progress.