The path to addiction recovery is unique to each individual, and many would say it’s a rollercoaster. Unfortunately, one thing many in recovery struggle with is relapse. Even as someone completes an addiction treatment program, about 40-60 percent of people relapse; this is why relapse prevention programs can make a huge difference in helping someone maintain their long-term sobriety and remain clean and committed to their recovery.
What Are Relapse Prevention Programs?
While most inpatient rehab programs go over relapse prevention mechanisms, they don’t incorporate continuum care. After completing rehab, patients still need support to transition to the next phase of their recovery journey. Relapse prevention programs are often known as aftercare programs incorporated into intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) or outpatient programs.
Overall, these programs are designed to give recovering addicts a sense of structure as they navigate back to their daily lives. Usually, these programs integrate various therapies and alternative treatments that can help people maintain their sobriety. It often involves family therapy, group therapy, and individual counseling to help look at the recovery journey from every possible angle.
Benefits of Relapse Prevention Programs
Relapse prevention courses are targeted programs that focus on relapse prevention education. Evidence shows that high-risk situations, lack of coping skills, and exposure to triggers can contribute to someone’s relapse. These programs help individuals quickly identify these problems and show them how to manage these situations. In fact, relapse prevention program helps recovering addicts and their loved ones how to:
- Identify high-risk situations and teaches them the mechanisms and skills to handle those situations.
- Work on their confidence in early recovery.
- Eliminate common misconceptions about the realities of drug and alcohol addiction recovery.
- Change their perception of the relapse process.
- Recognize the first signs of relapse to prevent relapse before it sets someone back.
Who Can Participate?
Initially, anyone who completes a drug rehab program is encouraged to continue their care through a relapse prevention program. However, besides the recovering addict, their family members, close friends, and loved ones should be part of this process.
Support is paramount for addiction recovery, and when the whole family participates in relapse prevention programs, it’s easier for everyone to recognize the warning signs of relapse. Finally, education is paramount for long-term recovery, and these programs can help mend dysfunctional family relationships that could interfere with the recovery process.
What to Expect
Living in sobriety isn’t always easy, but when you have support, suggestions, positive reinforcement, and a great environment to receive each of these, it does get better, and you can recover.
Besides, many relapse prevention programs will incorporate support group meeting sessions. However, at the core are individual therapy sessions to discuss each one’s struggles in recovery. Also, most of the time, these programs will share activities with alumni programs. However, the exact types of events will vary from facility to facility. However, most of the time, they include virtual and in-person sober activities that promote connectivity. Examples include:
- Virtual video group meetings
- Facebook alumni groups
- Bowling
- Cookouts
- Hiking trips
- Annual gatherings
- Volunteering opportunities
- Movie nights
- Restaurant visits
- Arts and crafts classes
In addition, social events keep alumni members in positive spirits and show them that a sober life can be fun as well. Being a part of a group helps participants rebuild their sense of identity and rebuild their social circle. These programs boast many of the same benefits recovering addicts received during treatment. Support can come in the form of education, life skills development, issue resolution, and more.
Finding a Relapse Prevention Program Near Me
Eventually, choosing a treatment center that offers a relapse prevention program to help people stay connected and promote recovery support is critical.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, don’t wait any longer. Countless treatment options can help them conquer their addiction and manage any withdrawal symptoms. Remember, quitting potent drugs alone can be life-threatening. It’s essential to have the support and supervision of drug addiction specialists by your side.
At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we believe in offering customized drug addiction treatment plans for those struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. On a case-by-case basis, we look at each treatment program to cater to whatever your needs are to get better and walk towards recovery.
For those in early recovery, we recommend asking about our aftercare recovery programs. Like structure to alumni programs, we designed our aftercare program to offer ongoing support that helps those in recovery learn the tools they need to maintain sobriety and succeed in their recovery journey.
