In addiction treatment, relapse refers to a return to the addictive behavior following a period of sobriety. Addiction is a complicated disease, and relapse is a common part of recovery. A relapse prevention therapy program is an integral part of overall addiction treatment. Creating a relapse prevention plan does not guarantee that you will not experience a relapse at some point in your recovery, but it can help you be better prepared.
At Harmony Hills, a relapse prevention plan is one of the many tools we utilize to provide clients with the best possible outcomes for recovery. To learn more about relapse prevention therapy or enroll in one of our substance abuse treatment programs, contact us by calling 855.494.0357.
What is Relapse Prevention Therapy?
Relapse prevention therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy aimed at helping you limit or prevent relapse by teaching you how to anticipate situations that could potentially trigger your addictive behaviors. In relapse prevention therapy, you will learn about the acronym BHALT: bored, hungry, angry, lonely, tired. These are the most common feelings that serve as relapse triggers. Relapse prevention therapy will teach you not only how to be observant of these feelings but to have a plan for how to cope with them when they arise.
Relapse does not occur suddenly but is a progression through three distinct phases:
- Emotional Relapse. The first stage, emotional relapse, is the hardest to recognize. While you are not yet thinking about using drugs or alcohol, you are starting to engage in behaviors that might lead you to relapse. You are likely not relying on the coping mechanisms you learned in treatment. You might be starting to isolate, breaking away from your support groups, and struggling to acknowledge or share your feelings.
- Mental Relapse. During this phase, you start thinking about the “good times” you had while using without remembering the adverse effects. You might reach out to old friends or return to familiar places where you used. You are having cravings and fantasizing about using again.
- Physical Relapse. The final stage where you actively use drugs or alcohol.
Relapse can occur at any time, but it is especially likely within the first few months of recovery, which is why the 12-step model encourages 90 meetings in 90 days following a treatment program. Often relapse occurs when a person feels safe in their recovery and starts to abandon their recovery practices. Keeping in touch with your relapse prevention plan can help you stay alert to the warning signs of relapse.
What Is a Relapse Prevention Plan?
A relapse prevention plan is a written plan that you will create with your treatment team before leaving your residential treatment program or intensive outpatient treatment program. The plan’s goal is to help you recognize the signs of relapse, avoid triggers, and prevent the return to using alcohol or drugs. A relapse prevention plan should be a working document that can change and evolve as you do by design.
A relapse prevention plan is based on individual needs and circumstances; therefore, each one will look slightly different. However, a strong plan will include a few key elements:
- Time for self-assessment and reflection
- Goals for maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Meetings and sober supports
- A list of reasons you quit using
- A plan for dealing with cravings and temptations
- People who know your plan
Life happens. While you should do your best to avoid people, places, and things strongly associated with your substance abuse, you cannot prevent regular day-to-day stressors. A relapse prevention plan will help you be prepared.
Reach Out to Harmony Hills for Relapse Prevention Therapy
At Harmony Hills, our relapse prevention therapy program will provide you with information and tools to help you achieve success in recovery. To learn more about the benefits of relapse prevention therapy, or any other evidence-based, holistic treatment options, reach out today by calling 855.494.0357.