Relapse Prevention Programs in Cape Cod, MA
Addiction is a disease that must be continuously managed throughout life. Even with treatment, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 40 to 60 percent of those who recover from substance abuse will relapse at least once. The good news is that relapse doesn’t have to mean the end of recovery, and that it is possible to minimize the risk of relapse through relapse prevention programs.
What Are Relapse Prevention Programs?
Because the risk of relapse is of genuine concern, effective professional drug and alcohol treatment programs must incorporate relapse prevention programs. While their specific features may vary widely based on individual needs, the ultimate goal of relapse prevention programs is to provide those who have completed drug and alcohol treatment with tools and strategies that greatly reduce the likelihood of returning to past behaviors and abusing drugs and alcohol again.
Understanding Relapses
A relapse occurs whenever a person who suffers from addiction resumes drug or alcohol use after a period of abstinence. There are three stages to relapse:
1. Emotional relapse, when negative feelings like anger and depression start a person in recovery down the path of addiction again
2. Mental relapse, when a person begins to start thinking about returning to drugs and alcohol to rid himself or herself of the negative feelings
3. Physical relapse, when a person seeks out drugs and alcohol and begins abusing substances again Fortunately, relapses can often be halted with rapid intervention that includes counseling and other therapies.
About Relapse Prevention Programs
Relapse prevention programs are customized plans that may include a broad range of interventions that continue after drug and alcohol addiction treatment ends. Depending on the individual, the program may include ongoing individual and group therapy, selfimprovement classes, hobbies, exercise and peer support. Through relapse prevention programs, people who have undergone treatment for drug addiction or alcoholism: . Learn to deal with situations that would ordinarily have posed a high risk for drug or alcohol abuse without resorting to substance use
. Become aware of the signs of the stages of relapse and what to do when they occur to
avoid progressing to physical relapse
. Develop a written plan that spells out steps to follow in the event of emotional, mental or
complete physical relapse, so that help can be obtained as quickly as possible
. Adopt new habits and behaviors that support a clean and sober lifestyle . Build a support network of trusted individuals that can be relied upon during the weeks and months after treatment ends and in the future during times of adversity
At drugtreatmentcenterscapecod.com, relapse prevention programs are a standard part of our holistic treatment plans for drug and alcohol addiction. We help to set those in the final stages of recovery up for success, so that they can continue to abstain from the use of drugs and alcohol over the long term. For more information about relapse prevention programs and drug and alcohol addiction treatment in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, call Drug Treatment Centers Cape Cod.