Many addictive substances can be challenging to quit, even when a person has decided they want to be free of them. Getting to the root of one’s reasons for substance abuse and finding a lasting avenue to sobriety are often best undertaken in a formal treatment program. Here you can benefit from an expert understanding of substance use disorders, enjoy peer support, and skill build in advance of your return to everyday life. If you or a loved one is in need of rehab that features a quality relapse prevention program in the northwest Florida area, reach out to Gulf Breeze Recovery. The knowledgeable practitioners at our center know that relapse prevention is essential in the scope of treatment and are committed to assisting you throughout your journey. Call us at 833.551.2304.
Why Is Relapse Prevention Necessary?
When a person tries to quit a highly addictive substance such as opioids or alcohol on their own, the discomfort of withdrawal itself is a frequent reason for relapse. Symptoms such as upset stomach, body aches, trembling, poor sleep, and depression are all common in drug withdrawal. During detox from some substances, such as alcohol, withdrawal may even occasionally be hazardous or deadly. Beyond reducing the risk of early relapse, it’s thus also a great idea to undergo withdrawal with supervision to increase safety and comfort. This gives you access to medical intervention if you need it, quality nutrition and hydration, and a safe, drug-free environment.
Relapse prevention therapy during rehab can help clients create a solid plan for engaging with their life after treatment. Sadly, in many cases, relapse happens after treatment because a person is insufficiently prepared to handle the stressors their life presents them. Talking to a therapist to identify these triggers and make plans to avoid them or at least modify interaction with them is a game-changer in early recovery.
Relapse prevention can also come in the form of dual diagnosis care. Many people return to drug use even after completing rehab programs because of untreated mental health concerns. In a treatment center that recognizes co-occurring disorders, you’ll have a much better chance of lasting recovery since treatment staff will work to identify all the major needs you present on entry. This means, for instance, that if you are both abusing alcohol and struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, both conditions will be treated simultaneously. Moreover, your therapist will help you explore the links between the two, allowing you to gain insights and increase self-compassion.
What Kinds of Activities Will I Do When Forming My Relapse Prevention Plan?
In rehab, relapse prevention can incorporate a range of components customizable to your individual needs. That said, here are a few common avenues you may explore with your therapist during this portion of rehab:
- Discussing triggers such as people, places, or situations that you know increase your chances of relapse and brainstorming strategies to avoid them during early recovery
- Role-playing with your therapist so you have some experience navigating tricky situations involving nearby drug use before they occur
- Learning anxiety-management techniques like progressive muscle relaxation or deep breathing to help you manage cravings when they occur
- Establishing a relationship with a sponsor or coach whom you can call on for support if an urge to use drugs feels overwhelming
- Practicing cognitive reframing, in which you identify self-defeating thoughts and rephrase them to more positive, self-affirming iterations
Get Answers About Preventing Relapse by Calling Gulf Breeze Recovery Today
While relapse is a common phenomenon among those who attempt to quit drugs or alcohol on their own, with adequate support, it need not be your outcome. Getting through the first weeks and months following a quit can be the hardest time and proper care makes all the difference in the world.
Contact Gulf Breeze Recovery today for help with relapse prevention planning and other key recovery goals. We’re available at 833.551.2304 or via our secure online contact form, and our beautiful center is located just south of Pensacola, Florida. Reach out to us to get your inquiries addressed or start enrollment.
