Healthy Coping Skills to Prevent Relapse

Second, recovery is a process of personal growth with developmental milestones. Third, the main tools of relapse prevention are cognitive therapy and mind-body relaxation, which change negative thinking and develop healthy coping skills . Fourth, most relapses can be explained in terms of a few basic rules . Educating clients in these few rules can help them focus on what is important. Relapses are often a part of the recovery process over the course of a person’s illness.

They don’t seem quite as big and you don’t feel as alone. As advocates of mental health and wellness, we take great pride in educating our readers on the various online therapy providers available. MentalHelp has partnered with several thought leaders in the mental health and wellness space, so we can help you make informed decisions on your wellness journey.

What Are Some Relapse Prevention Techniques That I Can Try On My Own?

Acknowledge that recovery is a difficult process and you’re doing the best you can. During this phase, you’re not thinking about using, but your thoughts and behaviors are setting you up for a relapse. You’re isolating yourself and keeping your emotions bottled up. Hasking P, Lyvers M, Carlopio C. The relationship between coping strategies, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ alcohol expectancies, drinking motives and drinking behaviour. They think it is almost embarrassing to talk about the basics of recovery. They are embarrassed to mention that they still have occasional cravings or that they are no longer sure if they had an addiction. Online therapy can help you with long term addiction support.

You can discuss healthy alternatives to cope with addiction that won’t lead you back to relapse. Providing yourself with self-care is imperative during the recovery process. This often includes learning how to care for yourself physically and mentally, staying in touch with friends and family or creating new connections and support systems. These relapse prevention skills are often seen as preventive measures during the recovery process. Your doctor or an addiction treatment center has treatments to control withdrawal symptoms.

Early Relapse Prevention

Addiction relapse begins before the actual act of drinking or using drugs again happens. When you stop your self-care, don’t exercise, don’t go to your meetings or skip other daily commitments to yourself, you have already mentally relapsed. When you allow yourself to think about substances or your past, even if it is to convince yourself not to do it again, you have emotionally relapsed. Mental and emotional relapses precede the physical relapse, so it is important to guard your recovery vigilantly.

It has been shown that the way to get the most out of 12-step groups is to attend meetings regularly, have a sponsor, read 12-step materials, and have a goal of abstinence . A treatment facility paid to have their center promoted here. Our supportive admissions navigators are available 24/7 to assist you or your family.

Marlatt’s Model of Relapse Prevention

This happens when you lose your coping skills and begin to drink alcohol or use a drug after a period of abstinence. Although relapse is very average in the recovery process, it can be dangerous and even fatal, mainly if you use a drug in the same quantity you did before stopping. Because your body is no longer tolerant of the drug, you might overdose. Ask your treatment center if cognitive behavioral therapy is a treatment they offer. If relapse prevention relapse prevention skills is a big concern of yours, you may even be better off finding a drug and alcohol treatment center that specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Understanding some triggers and statistics regarding relapse may help you be prepared when faced with this aspect of being in recovery. If you find yourself considering giving in to your drug and alcohol cravings again after a substance abuse treatment, follow these techniques to keep yourself sober.

They often enter treatment saying, “We want our old life back — without the using.” I try to help clients understand that wishing for their old life back is like wishing for relapse. Rather than seeing the need for change as a negative, they are encouraged to see recovery as an opportunity for change. If they make the necessary changes, they can go forward and be happier than they were before. It forces people to reevaluate their lives and make changes that non-addicts don’t have to make.

February 20, 2020 by Burning Tree Programs in

Some treatments, including certain medications, can take time to fully take effect. You can document your wins, your challenges, and have something to look back on to remind yourself of where you were—and how that compares to where you are today. From here, you can learn from the experiences of others. Preparing for those scenarios beforehand will give you the tools ahead of time to protect your sobriety. Consider what your best game plan will be in different scenarios. To block the path of relapse; experts suggest incorporating Relapse Prevention Skills during rehabilitation. Relapse is the biggest barrier in the path of recovery and getting sober.