Elements of Relapse Prevention

Preventing a relapse is one of the most essential components of recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Relapse is not uncommon in recovery; studies have shown that up to 54 percent of addicts relapse at some point in their recovery. In most cases, relapse is caused by a combination of issues, but with proper planning and an awareness of warning signs, you can ensure that you stay on the road to a drug- and alcohol-free life.

Elements of Relapse Prevention

• A solid support network is vital to preventing relapse. This support can come in the form of 12-step groups, family members, friends, doctors, or counselors. The stresses of everyday life are compounded by the desire to drink or use, and a system of loving support provides an accepting atmosphere in which to discuss these feelings. By opening up about the pressures you are dealing with, you can then receive feedback, advice, and tips on how to successfully handle yourself and avoid a relapse.

  Since many recovering addicts and alcoholics used chemicals to cope with life's ups and downs, another critical part of relapse prevention is learning new coping mechanisms. These skills can be acquired through support groups, therapists, life skills coaches, and religious or spiritual practices. In gaining the wisdom necessary to manage your life as a sober individual, you can stop a relapse before it even has a chance to take hold.

  Motivation and commitment to a drug- and alcohol-free life play an important role in preventing a relapse. While it's difficult for anyone to stay motivated 100% of the time, this is another instance where a support network can prove tremendously helpful. If your motivation is waning or you are doubting your commitment to sobriety, picking up the phone and reaching out to a supportive individual can re-empower your thinking and open your eyes to the realities of relapse---and the miracle of recovery.

  Many treatment centers and support groups ask members to draw up their own relapse prevention plan. This plan details what you will do to maintain your sobriety when faced with the possibility of relapse. Every individual plan will be different, but there are some common factors that appear in many relapse prevention plans. These include reminders of why you want to stay sober, phone numbers of trusted friends, family, and doctors, and simple steps you can take to curtail relapse-prone thoughts.

  All alcoholics and addicts in recovery experience cravings. Recognizing and acknowledging these cravings is an important element of relapse prevention. For those new in recovery, cravings can be a constant occurrence, and even those who have been sober for decades still experience them on occasion. But cravings lessen in time, and you should remind yourself of this when confronted with one. This would also be an ideal time to take a look at your relapse prevention plan, just to remind yourself of your reasons for staying clean and the supportive people you have around you.

  Avoiding places you used to use and people still actively practicing their addiction are also imperative to preventing relapse. Trust your instincts, hang around with like-minded individuals, and stick close to supportive, alcohol- and drug-free environments.