What is Relapse Prevention?
Relapse prevention helps individuals to develop techniques to avoid using drugs or alcohol after treatment. Beach House’s programming includes the development of healthy coping mechanisms that will replace initial instincts of drinking or using again.
After a person leaves treatment, it is inevitable that they will encounter some sort of triggering obstacle, including people, places, and things affiliated with their time in active addiction. A relapse prevention plan can help them to overcome the most common triggers of relapse including withdrawal symptoms, poor self-care, intense emotions, isolation, and boredom.
There are four main components to relapse prevention:
- Relapse is a gradual process, not a sudden one, and it is preventable.
- Recovery is a process that involves personal growth and its own milestones.
- The main tools to prevent relapse are cognitive therapy and mind-body relaxation.
- Most relapses can be explained by basic rules, meaning that individuals in recovery should focus on making life changes, being honest, asking for help, and practicing regular self-care.
Why Long-Term Treatment Matters
At Beach House Center for Recovery, we offer several different levels of residential care, ranging from seven days to three months. Regardless of which path each person chooses, we encourage ongoing involvement in outpatient or aftercare programming. This is because research shows that a positive correlation exists between the length of time spent in treatment and positive outcomes.
Over the course of evidence-based addiction treatment, individuals are able to identify potential triggers and create relapse prevention plans to avoid them or overcome them. At Beach House, we equip people to protect their recovery from potential triggers and stressors in the future. If you or someone you love could benefit from a relapse prevention plan, we encourage you to reach out to our helpful admissions team today by calling (855) 548-8260.
