Relapse Prevention Programs in Columbia, SC (877) 804-1531
Relapse prevention is a vital aspect of drug treatment programs. Relapse occurs when a recovering addict returns to substance abuse after a period of abstinence. Relapse prevention is essential to equip the patient with the necessary tools to maintain their recovery. Proactive relapse prevention should be the focus of any effective treatment program. Statistics show that 40%-60% of addicts relapse at some point. Relapse prevention is the key to successful, long-term recovery.
Drug Rehab Columbia is here to offer people seeking drug treatment help. Call (877) 804-1531 to get help locating a treatment center.
Stages of Relapse
The initial thought when considering what constitutes relapse is the physical occurrence of the act of using, but relapse evolves in stages that begin far before the physical act of relapse occurs. There are three stages of relapse; emotional, mental, and physical.
- Emotional Relapse - In this initial stage there is no conscious thought of relapse, but social and environmental cues and unconscious triggers may be present that spark the emotions of the addicted person, and may be setting the stage for an episode. Signs and symptoms at this stage may include anxiety, anger, isolation, mood swings, loss of appetite, and sleep deprivation.
- Mental Relapse - Emotional triggers have begun to influence mood and behavior, and eventually there are conscious thoughts of using. Emotional and psychological cravings exist and "wrong thinking" takes over. Past drug use is glamorized. The thought of "one last fix", is a possibility. Isolation and avoidance are worrisome signs in this stage. These signs suggest a depth of the contemplation of resuming use and should be promptly addressed.
- Physical Relapse - Upon resuming use of the additive substance, there may be a period of heightened pleasure and a sense of well-being. The progression of the disease will soon become apparent, and the addict's behavior may get defensive and aggressive. Still, they should be re-entered into treatment as soon as possible.
The Goal of Relapse Prevention Programs
The goal of a recovery aftercare program is to educate and train the recovering addict to identify high risk situations and triggers that endanger a path to recovery, to understand the stages of relapse, and how to avoid the danger of self-sabotaging their recovery efforts.
Treatment and prevention provide the patient with the necessary skills to detect warning signs and apply techniques to take control of the situation. Resources are utilized to reach out for help, meetings, sponsor communication, continued counseling, and various therapies such as yoga, music, or art are recommended.
Essential recovery aftercare techniques include:
- Proactive healthcare and proper rest
- Physical exercise
- Good nutrition
- Attend counseling sessions and NA/AA meetings
- Know the signs of the stages of relapse
- Communicate with your family, your sponsor, and your therapist
- Daily journal
- Seek resources and peer groups for support
- Avoid old habits, triggers, and environments
Drug treatment centers incorporate recovery aftercare into their treatment and aftercare programs for the patient's best chance for overall successful recovery. Detoxing from drugs or alcohol, managing withdrawal, and attending to the psychological and behavioral components of addiction is only the beginning. In order to maintain sobriety and experience life-long recovery, a complete model of change that includes the benefits of recovery aftercare and aftercare is essential.
If you or anyone you know needs help, please call Drug Rehab Columbia at (877) 804-1531 to locate a treatment facility.