If you’ve been through a substance abuse treatment program, you know that one of the most challenging steps occurs after leaving treatment. Once you reemerge into everyday life, all of the strategies and skills you may have learned in outpatient treatment, group therapy, or individual therapy are put to the test. Sometimes, no matter your best efforts, you may relapse and begin to use again.
The Baltimore Detox Center team wants to know that relapse is not a failure, nor is it a reason to feel badly. Relapse is part of the recovery process and is just a chance to start over with a clean slate. If you need to re-enter any of our programs, such as outpatient treatment, support groups, group therapy, or individual therapy, we are happy to help you find the right addiction therapy treatment plan for your needs. We have found that one of the most effective tools for long-lasting sobriety is our relapse prevention therapy program.
What Causes a Relapse?
While the reasons for relapse may vary from person to person, but some of the most common causes are:
- Stress – Stress can cause you to use drugs or alcohol to cope.
- Negative emotions – Negative emotions can cause a downward emotional spiral, which can cause you to turn to drugs or alcohol.
- Not changing old patterns – When you continue to be around people or places where you used to engage in drug or alcohol use, you will most likely fall back into old patterns.
- Complacency – If you ease off your commitment to recovery, it can cause you to slip up and fall back into addiction.
- Depression – When you experience depression, it can lead to relapsing to numb the pain.
What Are Some Strategies to Avoid a Relapse?
There are many ways to avoid a relapse, which you will learn in our relapse prevention therapy program. Some of the most effective methods include:
- Identify your triggers – Once you can label the people or places that make you want to use drugs and alcohol, it’s easier to resist them.
- Fill up your free time – If you are busy with activities you enjoy, you won’t have time to think about using drugs and alcohol.
- Always have a backup plan – If you find yourself in a situation where drugs and alcohol are present, make sure you have a way to remove yourself from that temptation.
- Put your self-care first – Be sure to focus on your self-care by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
- Improve your relationships – Now that you are free from the influence of drugs and alcohol, you can repair relationships with family and friends that may have been damaged due to your addiction.
- Stay in contact with your support system – If you feel the need to use drugs or alcohol, reach out to people in your life that are supportive of your recovery.
What Types of Therapy Can Prevent a Relapse?
The therapeutic approaches that are most effective in remaining drug and alcohol-free include:
- Group therapy – Group therapy allows you to share your emotions and become more aware of your triggers for relapse.
- Individual therapy – During your one-on-one sessions with a therapist, you can develop skills and strategies to help you refrain from drug and alcohol use.
- Support groups – Support groups are a valuable resource of encouragement and understanding, which will solidify your continuing recovery.
Strengthen Your Recovery with Our Relapse Prevention Therapy Program
At Baltimore Detox Center, we want to prepare you with the skills and strategies that you need to remain free from drugs and alcohol. Our relapse prevention therapy program is designed to prepare you for success in recovery. It’s possible for you to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and we want to help. Reach out to our team today by calling [Direct] or completing our confidential online form to learn more about our relapse prevention therapy program.
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