Relapsing is common and should never be thought of as a failure. In fact, it is a part of recovery and can often be used as an opportunity to learn more about yourself and your own triggers. It is important to remember that a relapse does not mean you have to start over from the beginning. You can pick up where you left off and continue to make progress in your recovery. That being said, relapse prevention can help increase the chances of staying sober in the long run.
Relapse prevention counseling can help you stay sober or successfully manage a mental health disorder after you transition out of a substance abuse treatment program. Although you may want to believe that you are cured after you leave treatment, there is more work to be done. Staying sober over the long term requires learning coping skills and strategies that can help you recognize and prevent relapse. To learn more about Promises Behavioral Health’s relapse prevention counseling and therapy for addiction programs, reach out at 844.875.5609 today.
What Is Relapse Prevention Counseling?
Relapse prevention counseling is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps you recognize, manage and prevent high-risk situations that may lead to a relapse. During the process, you will learn coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and ways to identify triggers or high-risk situations.
Relapse prevention counseling is typically delivered in individual or group therapy sessions, and treatment plan goals are tailored to meet your unique needs. Techniques used in relapse prevention counseling include:
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- Exploring the consequences of continued substance use
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- Identifying high-risk situations that might lead to relapse
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- Developing strategies to avoid triggers or cravings
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- Learning relaxation techniques to manage stress
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- Developing communication and problem-solving strategies
Your therapist will help you identify unhealthy patterns or behaviors that could lead to relapse and develop strategies to modify these behaviors. They will work with you to create a customized relapse prevention plan.
Benefits of Relapse Prevention Counseling
Relapse prevention counseling can provide numerous benefits, helping you to stay sober or manage a mental health disorder over the long term. Benefits include:
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- Reduced risk of relapseImproved coping skills
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- Enhanced communication and problem-solving abilities
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- Increased self-awareness
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- Reduced stress and anxiety levels
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- Improved self-esteem
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- Enhanced relationships with family, friends, and other support networks
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- Overall improved mental health
Breaking the Cycle with Relapse Prevention Counseling
Many people with addiction turn to substances or other destructive behaviors to relieve stress or other difficult feelings. Even with new coping skills in place, relapse rates are as high as 60% because long-term recovery requires conscious effort and vigilance. Once you have gone through medical drug detox or inpatient rehabilitation, you have taken an important step toward recovery. But long-term recovery requires preparing for the situations that may lead to you returning to substance misuse.
Staying sober may mean you have to stop hanging around in certain places. Also, there may be people that you can no longer see. A relapse prevention counselor can help you make the transition to a new support system and away from those who may encourage you to give in to the urge to pick up a drink or a drug.
Prepare for a Healthy Future with Promises Behavioral Health
With the help of a therapist specially trained in relapse prevention, you can learn to recognize your triggers. Furthermore, you can plan what actions to take when you feel compelled to drink or use. With this guidance, you can learn to make better choices that can help you avoid high-risk situations and plan ahead to know what you should do when you experience cravings.
Make sure you don’t slip back into the habit. Call Promises Behavioral Health at 844.875.5609 today to learn how we can help design a relapse prevention program for you.