Relapse Prevention

There are many treatment centers that have relapse prevention programs. 

Developing a drug addiction can be easy, but breaking that addiction is tough. The first step toward sobriety is admitting the drug addiction exists. Denial can prevent an addict from going to get the treatment he needs to begin the detox process. Detox is great, but the road to recovery does not end there. The hard part is remaining sober. Relapsing can, and does, happen. The desire to remain sober is entirely up to the recovered addict, but relapse prevention programs are available to help him stay focused and drug-free.

What Are Relapse Prevention Programs

When a drug addict admits she needs help, family and friends can sign her up at a drug treatment facility. At this time, doctors, nurses and other qualified staff surround the addict while she begins detoxing. Some drug addicts choose to self-detox, which can be a bad idea. It is not impossible, but it is not recommended if an addict wants to remain sober permanently. After the addict has detoxed, she can enroll in a relapse prevention program to help remain sober. She is under the care of drug counselors and trained staff that can help her develop strategies and techniques that are necessary to recover. The purpose of the relapse prevention program is to remove any outside distractions a recovering addict may face. Relapse prevention programs are long-term solutions to a problem that does not stop once a recovered addict leaves a drug treatment facility. These programs continue the sobriety process, and give recovering addicts a shoulder to lean on when times get tough, and even when a relapse does occur. The programs developed ensure that the problem is identified, solutions are created, and the recovery plans work out.

How do Relapse Prevention Programs Help Patients to Remain Sober

Relapse prevention programs help a drug addict develop a plan that will help him remain sober throughout the remainder of his life. First, staff identifies warning signs of what causes the recovered addict to relapse. Stressful environments, skipped meals, abandonment, negative influence are different types of situations that could cause the drug relapse. Prevention plans are prepared to help the recovering addict recognize these warning signs, and how he can remove himself immediately, before he jeopardizes his sobriety. Some plans advise recovering addicts not to skip a meal, or how to avoid places where drugs will be, and how to distance themselves from family and friends who are addicted to drugs. Relapse prevention programs also provide recovering addicts with the opportunity to attend group meetings. These group meetings give recovering addicts the ability to come and discuss their sobriety, and talk about any desires to relapse that they may be struggling with.

Benefits of Relapse Prevention Programs in Treating Drug Addiction

Recovering addicts benefit a great deal from relapse prevention programs. Being healthy is the biggest benefit from these types of programs. Abandoning drug use and dependence can improve the quality of life for an individual, and possibly lower her health care costs. Relapse prevention programs teach recovering addicts that giving up is not an option, and that although drug addiction is a hard battle, the issue can be treated. Adjusting to the outside world can be difficult, especially if the recovered addict never worked, dropped out of school, or has no survivor skills. The relapse prevention programs provide clients with those life, career and learning skills necessary to find work, finish school and return to the outside world sober and ready for their next chapter of life to begin!