Information regarding the year of development for the staying well resources (OxCADAT, n.d.) was not available. One study (Wright et al., 2000) was conducted in the United States whereas the two peer-reviewed publications and three other resources were conducted and produced in the UK. The three published studies examined a total of 164 different participants between the ages of 19–83 years. One study (Wright et al., 2000) explored panic disorder, two studies (Lucock et al., 2018, 2021) focussed on depression and the additional resources did not specify whether they focussed on anxiety or depression alone or both.
Relapse Prevention Treatment: An Overview
If certain social settings are triggers, they can limit their exposure or develop strategies to navigate these environments safely. Relapse prevention skills are paramount in addiction recovery because they can safeguard the progress made and maintain sobriety. Relapse relapse prevention skills can be a severe setback, disrupting one’s recovery journey and posing physical, emotional, and psychological risks. It can lead to guilt, disappointment, and despair, making it vital to have a toolkit of skills that can effectively mitigate these risks.
Ohio Mental Health Statistics
- If you’re not sure how to move through the recovery process, follow one of the relapse prevention plan models that are available.
- Excluding the Staying Well booklet (OxCADAT, n.d.), the other three relapse prevention interventions used follow-ups to assess the effectiveness of the intervention and collect outcome measure data.
- This may involve distancing yourself from certain individuals or places or avoiding situations where substances are present.
- By combining these approaches, individuals can develop a proper toolkit for managing triggers and preventing relapse.
These findings corroborate a previous systematic review exploring how interference using a range of psychological therapies following recovery from depression can help reduce the risk of relapse (Clarke et al., 2015). Nonetheless, findings from this scoping review look promising due to the effects reported from two relapse prevention interventions for patients with anxiety or depression treated in short-term, low-intensity care. Stress management is also essential in maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse. Developing healthy coping strategies to manage stress, such as mindfulness techniques or deep breathing exercises, can help you navigate challenges without resorting to substance use.
- Engaging in productive activities and hobbies can provide a sense of purpose, promote healthy habits, and reduce the risk of boredom or stress-induced substance use.
- Many triggers can come from environmental, mental, and emotional sources.
- Regularly evaluate your support system and make adjustments as needed to ensure you have the resources and connections that best support your sobriety.
- Alcohol use disorders, in particular, present unique challenges when it comes to relapse prevention.
- Drug or alcohol relapse can occur for various reasons, including exposure to triggers, stress, and a lack of effective coping strategies.
What is a Relapse Prevention Plan?
Self-awareness enables individuals to recognize and understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in relation to their recovery journey. By developing a deep understanding of their triggers, vulnerabilities, and early warning signs of relapse, individuals can proactively address potential challenges before they escalate. By building a reliable support network, you can find the encouragement and stability you need to prevent relapse.
Developing Coping Skills
A very helpful relapse prevention skill is making a list of healthy family members or friends who are also in recovery that you can call for support. Having a safe person to talk to can help you get past the craving and remember why you do not want to return to previous behaviors. Keeping that list on you at all times is important because it is a readily available resource you can use by quickly calling someone safe. Common post-acute withdrawal symptoms when recovering from addiction include insomnia and fatigue.
Women Urged to Ditch Guilt Around Food and Fitness for a Healthier Approach During Menopause, Says Expert
- Individuals are most susceptible to overdose during the early stages of recovery because their tolerance for drugs or alcohol has decreased.
- For both studies, patients reported that contact with the practitioner via follow-ups provided reassurance and was useful for continued support.
- Practicing gratitude can help individuals shift their focus from negative thoughts and feelings to positive ones, improving overall mood and reducing the possibility of relapse.
- Substance abuse treatment programs recognize the importance of relapse prevention techniques and incorporate them into their curriculum.
Monitoring involves regularly assessing goals, strategies, and coping mechanisms to ensure they remain effective and relevant. If certain approaches no longer serve their purpose or new challenges emerge, people can collaborate with their support system. Therapy and counseling provide essential support for individuals navigating the recovery process. This ongoing process involves regular sessions with a trained therapist or counselor who helps patients explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By continuing therapy over the long term, individuals can maintain progress and address new challenges as they arise. Recovery from addiction or harmful behaviors is often a long and difficult journey.
Get Professional Help
By defining what behaviors, environments, and relationships are supportive of their recovery and which ones are not, individuals create a framework that safeguards their well-being. Relapse isn’t just a physical regression; it’s a multifaceted process that involves emotional turmoil, mental conflict, and eventually succumbing to the allure of substances once again. It’s a heartbreaking experience that can leave individuals feeling defeated, ashamed, and overwhelmed by the weight of their struggles.