Relapse Prevention in Elizabeth NJ
Relapse prevention systems and techniques play an important role in drug treatment programs. Implemented during residential or aftercare treatment, relapse prevention helps people to recognize triggers and avoid high risk situations.
Get help looking for rehab centers today by calling Drug Treatment Centers Elizabeth at (877) 804-1531. We want to help you find the best centers to choose from!
Relapse Prevention Steps
Relapse is both an outcome and a transgression of the recovery process, with most treatment systems viewing relapse as a number of individual stages.
The first stage is known as emotional relapse, with patients not yet thinking about using drugs again but still at risk of possible substance abuse in the future. This phase can be recognized by a general unhealthy emotional state.
Common signs of emotional relapse include anxiety, depression, intolerance, defensiveness, mood swings, anger, frustration, isolation, not asking for help, poor sleeping habits, and poor eating habits. Many of these signs are difficult to recognize in the early stages, which is why it's so important for patients to stay engaged with the treatment process.
Mental relapse is the second phase. This can be an incredibly difficult and confusing time for recovering addicts, because they are still engaged in the treatment process but starting to think about the possibility of relapse.
Common signs include thinking about old situations and people, glamorizing past drug use, lying to yourself and others, fantasizing possible future drug use, spending time with old friends, thinking about the possibility of using again, and planning drug or alcohol use scenarios.
While the patient is generally aware of their transgressions during this phase, they may not have the psychological skills to make healthy lifestyle choices. Mental relapse will quickly develop into physical relapse if left untreated, marking a breakdown of the recovery process.
Relapse Prevention Techniques
Based on cognitive behavioral principles and practical support systems, aftercare helps people to make healthier lifestyle choices on a long-term basis. If you are suffering from a substance use disorder and think you're at risk for abusing drugs or alcohol, it's important to make contact with a specialized treatment center as soon as possible.
Therapists and counselors work with patients to develop specific aftercare techniques. Common examples include talking to other people when unhealthy urges arise, distracting yourself until urges subside, waiting for a set time period before making any concrete decisions, and taking each day at a time.
Relapse prevention techniques are sometimes built into existing behavioral therapy programs, with some treatment centers also holding dedicated aftercare regimes following formal treatment. Many of the techniques used are based on basic mindfulness principles, where patients are taught how to recognize unhealthy thoughts and emotions before they transform into impulsive and compulsive responses.
Practical Support
While behavioral therapy and mindfulness form the basis of many aftercare systems, some programs also focus on practical support. Recovering drug addicts and alcoholics are much less likely to relapse if they have access to stable accommodation and income, something that has been recognized by many treatment centers and community groups.
Practical aftercare programs may help patients to find jobs and accommodation, with some programs also providing access to low-interest loans and income support. Family therapy may also come into play during this stage of recovery, with friends and family members often able to support patients once they have left the formal treatment environment.
If you or anyone you know needs help with a substance use disorder, it's important to reach out for help. Call Drug Treatment Centers Elizabeth for help finding drug rehab centers to choose from at (877) 804-1531. We want to help you in your search!