Relapse is an all-too-common occurrence among people recovering from addiction. Safeguarding against relapse is, in some ways, a lifelong pursuit. Recognizing this, many addiction treatment providers offer specialized relapse prevention programs that extend beyond the scope of an inpatient or outpatient round of treatment.
Engaging in a relapse prevention program in West Palm Beach, Florida, can ensure that you or a loved one establish a firm foundation for long-term recovery. In no way is experiencing relapse inevitable. Careful planning, timely intervention, and ongoing support can ensure that when you get sober, you stay sober.
Learn more about addiction treatment programs near you by calling (561) 272-0800.
STAGES OF RELAPSE
Before discussing the details of a relapse prevention program, it’s worth defining what exactly relapse is and how most people experience it. Put, relapse is when someone attempting to remain sober goes back to using a substance. While relapse culminates in an instance of drug use, most professionals view it as a much lengthier process that builds up to a return to drug use.
With this in mind, relapse has three recognized stages: emotional, mental, and physical. The emotional stage involves the outlook and emotions of someone in recovery. Maybe they stop wanting to attend recovery meetings, begin withdrawing from key social supports, or begin slipping back into unhealthy lifestyle habits related to their addiction.
People begin to fantasize about using a drug again at the mental stage. They also experience cravings and may even plan out future drug use. The third stage is physical, which ultimately means returning to using a drug. Seeking additional help or therapy while still in the emotional or mental stage of a relapse can enormously benefit from not losing ground. Nonetheless, reaching the physical stage in no way negates the possibility of long-term recovery.
RELAPSE PREVENTION PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Olympic Behavioral Health in West Palm Beach, Florida, is an expert in the addiction treatment space. Substance abuse treatment options range from an intensive outpatient program to partial hospitalization, detox treatment, and mental health services. All of this is bolstered by the presence of a relapse prevention program.
Addiction brings numerous ups and downs. It can, at times, feel like the most unwanted rollercoaster ride. Every lurch and obstacle causes a yearning for more stable footing. Building a relapse prevention plan with Olympic Behavioral Health in West Palm Beach, Florida, may be the ticket off the rollercoaster. The evidence-based relapse prevention program offered at Olympic Behavioral Health is grounded in medical expertise and predicated on providing a therapy-driven, community-based approach to combating relapse.
Beyond therapeutic interventions, you can expect the following in the relapse prevention program:
- Mentorship and mentoring opportunities with others experiencing addiction
- Sober events, activities, and meet-ups to encourage healthy social interaction
- Family services that engage your loved ones in recovery
- Education and resources designed to set you up for success following treatment
CREATING A RELAPSE PREVENTION PLAN IN WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
The highly-trained professionals at Olympic Behavioral Health are well-equipped to help you create a relapse prevention plan designed to meet your specific needs. One of the building blocks to long-term recovery is understanding the biology behind addiction and how addiction impacts the brain. In this case, knowledge is power. The more you understand how addiction has changed you and how you can work to undo its damage, the more likely you will avoid falling back into addiction in the future.
Relapse prevention programs also focus on commitment and goal-setting when creating a comprehensive plan. Having something to work toward and look forward to is essential. Attainable, realistic goals kept top of mind can go a long way toward avoiding the pitfalls inherent to recovery.
Another key focus is actual behavior modification and lifestyle changes. Most people have undergone addiction treatment before attending a relapse prevention program. They have likely experienced therapy in cognitive-behavioral therapy or contingency management. Therapy continues during a relapse prevention program and builds upon the therapy delivered during a round of inpatient or outpatient treatment. Greater focus may be placed on building coping strategies, forming healthy eating and exercise habits, and other lifestyle changes beyond simply having achieved initial sobriety through detox.
Reach out to (561) 272-0800 to ensure you or a loved one has the tools and support necessary to avoid relapse.
