Essay On Relapse Prevention

733 Words3 Pages
Relapse Prevention Union City One of the most difficult parts of recovering from drug addiction is the aftermath of abstinence. Once the withdrawal symptoms have subsided and the recovering addict has returned to their former environment, how to stay clean and sober is something that they will contend with for the rest of their lives. Relapse is a reoccurrence of drug or alcohol use after a period of abstinence; and fear of relapse is experienced by every former user. Relapse prevention is fundamental in a drug or alcohol treatment programs. Relapse prevention techniques educate and train addicts in the stages of relapse, tools to use to avoid triggers and how to deal with them, how their environment can unwittingly create stressors, and how the addict can self-sabotage their own recovery. “Statistics show that 40%-60% of addicts relapse at some point.” What are the stages of relapse? Relapse happens in stages that start before the actual…show more content…
In treatment, addicts are educated and trained in the stages of relapse and how to avoid the perilous act of self-sabotaging their own recovery efforts. Relapse prevention gives the patient the skill-set to detect wrong thinking on their part, be mindful of stressors and triggers, surround themselves with supportive and understanding people, and to work the program. Aftercare programs are available to the patient and offer continuing relapse prevention resources, as well as ongoing support and guidance. Community-based support is encouraged, as is the need for the recovering addict to build a network of social peers, and a sponsor, that will be important to their recovery efforts. Continued counseling, therapy, and regular attendance at AA or NA meetings is recommended. Relapse prevention techniques: • Family therapy and education • Addressing addiction triggers and recognizing relapse

More about Essay On Relapse Prevention

Open Document