{"id":1171,"date":"2020-03-27T20:21:51","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T20:21:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newjerseyaddictioninterventions.com\/?page_id=1171"},"modified":"2021-09-10T17:10:05","modified_gmt":"2021-09-10T17:10:05","slug":"relapse-prevention-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/newjerseyaddictioninterventions.com\/relapse-prevention-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Relapse Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/span>Relapse Prevention<\/span><\/h2>\n

Relapse prevention is one of the most important parts of drug and alcohol rehab aftercare programs. After completing addiction treatment, you may face unexpected challenges and triggers. Seeking help and getting sober is only the first step towards recovery. Although most people have the best intentions of staying sober, accomplishing that isn\u2019t always easy. In fact, the <\/span>National Institute on Drug Abuse<\/span><\/a> (NIDA) reports that 40-60% of people with addiction relapse. However, by taking the suggestions of professionals and adhering to certain measures, you can prevent relapse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Everyone in recovery is different and has unique needs. It\u2019s important to work with an addiction specialist to determine what the best approach to treatment is for you. A key component of your treatment plan should be relapse prevention so you are prepared to cope with and manage a sober life in the future. Like other chronic diseases, there is no cure for addiction, but it can be treated effectively. Not sure where to start? Our New Jersey intervention specialists are here to help you find treatment and create a relapse prevention plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>How Does Relapse Happen?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

For many people, relapse is just another part of recovery. Relapse simply indicates that a person\u2019s treatment or recovery program needs to be re-evaluated and adjusted. The meaning of the term, however, changes from person to person. Some people consider picking up one drink or drug as a relapse, while others refer to relapse as a return to a pattern of drug or alcohol abuse. Here are some of the most common causes of relapse.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Poor Coping Skills<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

There are many different causes of relapse – some accumulate over time and some may occur instantly. For example, stress is an extremely common trigger that leads many people to relapse. Although everyone feels stress from time to time, people who don\u2019t have a way to cope with stress and let it build up are more susceptible to returning to drug or alcohol use. Furthermore, more than <\/span>50% of people<\/span><\/a> who suffer from addiction also experience a mental health condition. Mental illness, when left untreated, can drive people to self-medicate their emotions, and ultimately lead to a dangerous pattern of relapse.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Failure to Complete Treatment<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

Another reason some people return to their old habits is that they fail to complete their entire treatment program. Leaving rehab against medical advice is never a good idea. After all, therapy and counseling are the sole contributors to new coping mechanisms and life skills that support long-term sobriety. If you choose to leave your treatment program before your clinician thinks you are ready, you may find it hard to stay sober. In fact, the longer you can stay in treatment and take advantage of the resources that rehab has to offer, the better. Studies actually show that people who complete at least <\/span>90 days of treatment<\/span><\/a> have significantly lower relapse rates than those who participate in shorter programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Lack of Follow-Up Care<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

Lastly, some people don\u2019t participate in comprehensive aftercare programs or support groups. Recovery isn\u2019t over after rehab – for many, it\u2019s a life long process. Aftercare programs help people make the challenging transition from residential treatment into regular life. These programs are important because the most critical time in recovery is the first few months after treatment – the time that most people who relapse tend to do so. Similarly, support groups hold a special place in recovery programs. Support groups are free and are meant to encourage long-term participation. These groups provide accountability, emotional support, and a sense of belonging that helps people maintain their sobriety.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>How Do I Prevent Relapse?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

There is no single, fool-proof way to prevent relapse. However, there are things you can do to protect your sobriety and continue growing as a sober person. These include, but are not limited to:<\/span><\/p>\n