At Beach House Center for Recovery, we offer a comprehensive continuum of care for people recovering from substance use disorders. 

With a dedicated team of medical clinicians, psychiatric providers, and addiction care specialists, we proudly offer innovative tools for overcoming and managing addiction disorders and their co-occurring conditions.

Relapse, also called recurrence or return to substance use, affects a significant percentage of people treated for addiction.

Substance use disorder is a chronic condition that requires continual management. Nevertheless, even vigilant adherence to outpatient care protocols sometimes doesn’t prevent relapse. Substance misuse can permanently alter brain chemistry, making impulse control more challenging, if not impossible, in some circumstances.

Relapse is most likely to occur when fundamental health and wellness measures are disregarded, but even those who take every precaution can still be at risk. 

It’s important to recognize that relapse does not necessarily indicate that treatment has failed or doesn’t work. When relapse occurs, it is an indication that supplementary therapeutic attention is necessary.

Relapse is scary, but it doesn’t mean recovery has been permanently derailed. 

At Beach House, we offer a personalized relapse prevention program in Florida that empowers patients with the resources they need to recover from relapse quickly and recognize the triggers that generate the impulse to use substances.

Continue reading to learn more. 

What Is Relapse Prevention?

Participating in a treatment program longer than 30 days can reduce the likelihood of relapse by more than 70%.

Relapse prevention programs are forms of coping psychotherapy and post-treatment education. The goal is to teach specific skills that help people with addiction disorders cultivate effective strategies for avoiding recurrent substance misuse.

Beach House Center for Recovery’s relapse prevention program is based on the following four concepts

  • Relapse after recovery is an incremental process. It doesn’t happen suddenly, so recognizing any gradually accumulating stresses is critical.
  • Recovery is a journey of personal growth encompassing more than substance misuse.
  • Relapse prevention requires relaxation of the mind and body and continual therapeutic support.
  • Relapses are typically the result of predictable emotional responses that can be managed through regular support, self-care, and emotional honesty.

Our team works with every patient to create an individualized aftercare plan after the residential phase of treatment concludes. We encourage patients to design a support system including beneficial community services, supportive family members, counselors, and sponsors.

Beach House Center for Recovery offers multiple levels of inpatient care, from a detox-only stay to 45 days or even more. 

Additionally, patients are encouraged to participate in intensive outpatient treatment after the conclusion of their inpatient programs. Research indicates that longer treatment correlates with better patient outcomes.

Common Reasons People Relapse

Relapse, the return to substance use or addictive behaviors after abstinence, can be a complex and challenging aspect of substance use disorder recovery. 

Several factors can contribute to relapse, and these reasons can vary from person to person. 

The most common reasons why people may relapse include

  • Environmental, emotional, or situational triggers, especially exposure to people, places, or situations associated with past drug or alcohol use
  • Stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions
  • Lack of coping skills
  • Peer pressure and influence from friends or social circles that continue to use substances or engage in addictive behaviors
  • Feeling overly confident in one’s ability to stay sober can lead to complacency and a belief that one can use substances or engage in addictive behaviors without consequences.
  • A lack of fulfilling activities or a sense of purpose 
  • Chronic physical pain or unresolved emotional trauma 
  • Revisiting familiar routines and habits associated with substance use or addictive behaviors 
  • Self-sabotage
  • Lack of support
  • Denial and rationalization

It’s important to recognize that relapse is not a moral failing. It’s a common and challenging aspect of recovery. Relapse does not mean that a person cannot achieve long-term sobriety. 

How To Prevent Relapse

Preventing relapse is a critical aspect of long-term recovery. 

While relapse is a common challenge, there are various relapse prevention strategies you can take to reduce the risk of returning to substance use or addictive behaviors, including

  • Building a strong support system
  • Engaging in outpatient, after-detox services
  • Prioritizing self-care
  • Identifying and managing triggers
  • Learning and applying coping skills
  • Setting realistic goals
  • Utilizing relapse prevention worksheets regularly
  • Practicing relapse prevention techniques
  • Staying connected to your recovery program and peers
  • Developing healthy hobbies and interests
  • Creating a plan using a relapse prevention worksheet
  • Seeking professional help when needed
  • Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness

Supporting Someone in Recovery

At Beach House, we understand that substance use disorder affects more than just the person diagnosed with it. Alcohol and substance use disorders and their co-occurring mental health conditions can affect friends and family.

Some essential ways to provide support to someone in recovery include

  • Educating yourself about addiction, relapse, and recovery
  • Offering non-judgmental support
  • Encouraging treatment and professional help when needed
  • Understanding setbacks and providing healthy encouragement
  • Respecting their boundaries 
  • Practicing active listening
  • Avoiding enabling behaviors
  • Creating a sober environment
  • Joining a support group or program for families of those recovering
  • Celebrating milestones
  • Assisting with practical needs
  • Maintaining honest and open communication
  • Encouraging healthy hobbies and activities

If you’re loved one is living with substance use disorder, your support is instrumental in helping them reach long-term sobriety. 

Beach House Center for Recovery: Effective Relapse Prevention Therapy

Long-term recovery is possible. It starts with focused relapse support and prevention,

Beach House Center for Recovery offers a full suite of evidence-backed, innovative treatment programs designed to address addiction and its contributing causes. 

From customized inpatient treatment programs to our alumni aftercare program, we are passionate about helping patients achieve freedom from addiction. That’s why we offer extensive relapse prevention plans.

To learn more about our treatment programs or to gain access to a relapse prevention template, please contact our compassionate admissions counselors today.