Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention is a multi-faceted process that includes both education and continued emotional support during the recovery process. The educational aspect of relapse prevention helps to teach those who are recovering from addiction what the warning signs of relapse are, and what situations could trigger a relapse, while the supportive aspect of relapse prevention works to reinforce the positive behaviors taught during the recovery process.
For any individual who is seeking recovery from drug or alcohol addiction the concepts taught through relapse prevention are essential to a successful recovery. Relapse is a constant threat to those who do not have effective support following their time in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment center. For those individuals who do experience a relapse, they must understand that this is not a reflection of themselves, and their ability to “stay clean,” but simply an indicator that there is something wrong with the program that they are using.
Some of the principles taught through relapse prevention include: accountability, it’s your responsibility to stay clean; how to avoid situations, environments, and people that promote encourage substance use (bars, night clubs, etc.); how to encourage positive thinking and positive behaviors; learning how to self-manage emotions and stressful situations which could trigger a relapse; and how to promote positve self esteem and develop a higher moral reasoning.
