Relapse prevention is crucial to the success of beating drug and alcohol addiction. Relapse rates are typically the highest during the first year of recovery, so effective relapse prevention strategies are essential. If you are in a recovery program, there are several strategies and tips for relapse prevention that you can use to benefit your recovery.
At Insight Recovery Center, we welcome North Carolina residents who are struggling with a substance use disorder. We offer addiction treatment programs—such as our partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP)—that use a variety of evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT). You will work with a professional therapist through group and private therapy sessions, where you will develop better coping skills for managing your symptoms and triggers.
If you would like to learn more about our relapse prevention therapy program, call 828.826.1376 today to schedule a consultation.
Therapies Involved in Addiction Recovery
Addiction is a treatable mental health disorder that involves behavioral therapies, holistic therapies, and medication-assisted treatment. The combination of these various types of treatment creates a whole-person recovery experience that effectively treats the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder.
A number of evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches are used in addiction treatment and include the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Life skills training
- Yoga
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Family therapy
Behavioral therapies address the negative behaviors of addiction. Therapists use various techniques to identify the triggering situation or person and teach patients new ways to cope. Holistic therapies teach valuable life skills, such as preparing nutritious meals and how to find and maintain a job. Together, they create an effective program that helps people break their addiction.
At Insight Recovery Center, our tips for relapse prevention are very effective in helping people maintain a sober lifestyle. Therapists work one-on-one with each patient to identify the triggering situation and find new ways of coping.
Relapse Prevention Strategies
Addiction is a complex disorder to treat, and many different therapeutic techniques have achieved compelling results. A relapse prevention strategy is a cognitive-behavioral approach to identifying the underlying reason behind their cravings. Therapists help patients identify their triggers and find new ways of processing those feelings that arise.
Here are some relapse prevention strategies to help you in your recovery journey:
Self-Care
During the first few days, withdrawal symptoms will continue to worsen until they peak around 72 hours. This is when relapse rates are at their highest. A good relapse prevention tip is to create a schedule for sleeping, eating, and exercising. Sticking to this schedule will help alleviate some withdrawal symptoms.
H.A.L.T.
This acronym stands for hungry, alone, lonely, and tired. These are the most common triggers for people in recovery and can lead to a relapse. When you feel old triggers, ask yourself if you feel hungry, alone, lonely, or tired. More than likely, it is caused by one of these feelings. Grab a snack, call a friend, or get some sleep instead of giving in.
Know Your Triggers
A good strategy for relapse prevention is to know your triggers. Therapists can help identify triggering situations that push you to relapse. Some common triggers include:
- Stress
- Social isolation
- Illness
- Major life transition
- Boredom
- Hanging out with people who still drink or use drugs
Make a list of external and internal triggers and develop coping strategies for each one.
Deep Breathing
Breathing is one of the simplest ways to ease stress and tension. Deep breathing releases neurotransmitters in the brain that release feel-good chemicals that promote relaxation, happiness, and pain reduction. When you start to feel anxious or stressed, take some deep breaths in and out to feel the benefits of this relapse prevention technique.
Find a Support Group
An addiction treatment program can give you the skills and confidence to beat your addiction. In a support group, you can talk about those situations that make you most stressed. Talking about these situations will help you process your feelings without the need for more drugs or alcohol.
These strategies for relapse prevention are easy to incorporate and can help keep you on the sober path. Working with a therapist can teach you several relapse prevention strategies that will work for you.
Insight Recovery Center: Join Our Relapse Prevention Therapy Today
At Insight Recovery Center, we support people who are struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Our relapse prevention strategies work to identify triggering situations, people, or feelings and find new, healthier ways of coping. Together with other therapies, it creates a comprehensive treatment program that supports sober living.
To learn more about our strategies for relapse prevention, reach out to Insight Recovery Center online or call 828.826.1376 today to schedule a tour of our boutique facility.