How to Prevent Relapse

Get Help Now 800-934-1582 Sponsored

According to SAMHSA, recovery is a “process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.” Unfortunately, relapse is a type of setback many individuals experience as they leave their drug addictions behind. However, for those who do relapse, know that setbacks are natural and often caused by triggers beyond our control. Staying resilient is a key component of recovery.

We can help you find treatment. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) toll free anytime.

Attending Treatment

Although there’s no guarantee that an individual can prevent relapse whenever temptation strikes, it’s still important to undergo treatment offer as they’re beneficial to one’s overall recovery.

Most people who get into and remain in treatment not only stop their drug use but also improve their lifestyle by decreasing criminal activities to pay for drugs and get their careers and personal lives back on track. Treatment provides many tools to help individuals prevent the possibility of relapse, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy and other types of therapeutic treatments
• Pharmacological treatments
• Resocialization and other types of beneficial social supports
• Transitioning into an aftercare program
• Encouragement for making positive changes

Once an individual has successfully completed a treatment program, however, this doesn’t mean they’ve done everything they possibly can to prevent relapse.

Building a Strong Social Network

Spend time with people who support your sobriety.

Reaching out to supportive friends and family members during recovery is one of the most important things an individual can do to help prevent the possibility of relapse. Social pressure, including both direct verbal or nonverbal persuasion and just hanging around others who are imbibing, can influence you to do the same. This includes taking drugs or other participating in self-harm.

Those who understand what an individual is going through when they decide to seek treatment for substance abuse are wonderful resources to lean on when it comes to preventing relapse and other setbacks, both large and small. Individual who are supported in their endeavor and their decisions are reinforced by sympathetic friends and family members have a stronger chance to avoid relapse. In addition, those who experience depression and other issues associated with recovery and withdrawal can reach out to these individuals instead of returning to the harmful substance.

We can help you find treatment that works for you. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) toll free anytime.

Attending Aftercare Programs

Almost all treatment facilities set up an aftercare program for an individual who has finished their treatment, but it’s essential that those in recovery attend this supplemental program after treatment has ended. Some programs of this type may include:

• Sober living homes
• Halfway houses
• Support groups/12-step groups
• Individualized drug counseling

Depending on the individual and their specific needs, certain types of aftercare programs may be more beneficial than others. However, regardless of the program, keep in mind that the possibility of relapse is strongest during early recovery. Attending one or more of these programs will help recovering users continue to practice the skills they’ve learned in treatment and remind them that they’ll need help from time to time, no matter the stage of recovery.

Narcotics.com is user supported. We receive a commission fee from purchases made through BetterHelp links. Learn More