The Definition of Relapse Prevention
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Relapse Defined
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In order to know how to prevent relapses from occurring, it is first necessary to understand what is meant by a relapse. Dual Recovery Anonymous defines a relapse as the act of taking the first drug or drink after a period of sobriety. Even if only one drink or one dose of a drug is taken, the addict is still considered to have resumed the behavior of "using."
Start of Relapse
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A relapse typically starts well before the first drug, drink, or eating binge begins. Often, it can start with a subtle breach in the aftercare program or the recurrence of a thought process that the addict had while using. The urge or need to abuse substances again will become stronger until the addict finally gives in to temptation.
Causes
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What causes an addict to relapse is particular to each addict, In some situations, a major life event such as divorce, the loss of a job or the loss of a loved one can trigger the behavior. For others, the constant accessibility to substances, such as going to bars with friends on a regular basis can be the culprit. Some may become overwhelmed by stressful work or personal situations and feel the need to escape.
Preventive Measures
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The best way to deal with relapse is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. The addict should have the support of friends and family, as well as a list of people to call at the first sign that a relapse could occur. It is also to compile a list of positive actions that could be taken in place of the addictive behavior.
What to Do
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If a relapse occurs, it is important for the addict not to feel guilt or to give up hope for recovery. Instead, the addict should seek help from a professional to get back on track. Part of the process is to take the time to analyze what caused the relapse to occur. If a treatment program was in place, this could involve looking for possible gaps in the plan and making modifications if necessary.
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