Relapse Prevention Programs and Therapy in Wichita KS
Relapse occurs when a recovering addict returns to the addictive behavior, or uses the controlled substance that is the subject of their addiction, after a period of abstinence. Relapse prevention is an important part of any drug or alcohol treatment program. Relapse prevention is an aspect of treatment that educates and equips the recovering addict with skills that help them to successfully negotiate life events, resist temptation and stressors, and avoid triggers in their daily lives.
Reach out for help by calling Wichita Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.
Identifying Phases of Relapse
Relapse occurs in stages that are emotional, psychological, and physical in nature; and begin long before the physical act of using drugs or alcohol takes place.
- Emotional relapse - This is the initial, unconscious phase. The recovering addict has no thought of relapse, but social and environmental cues are present that wear on the emotions and psychological state of the addict. These cues set the stage for recurrent drug abuse. Signs and symptoms at this stage may include anxiety, anger, isolation, mood swings, loss of appetite, and sleep deprivation.
- Psychological Relapse - This is the problematic stage. Emotional stressors have begun to influence mood and behavior, and eventually the addicted mind begins to contemplate using. Emotional urges initiate "wrong thinking." Past drug use is glamorized, and thoughts of "one last fix" come to mind. Isolation and avoidance are worrisome signs in this stage. These signs suggest a high probability of resuming use and should be promptly addressed.
- Physical Relapse - This stage is the physical act of relapsing to drug or alcohol use. Once use has resumed, there is a noticeable period of heightened pleasure and sense of well-being. However, the progression of the disease will quickly become apparent, and the addict's behavior may get defensive and aggressive.
Relapse Prevention Programs
Relapse prevention programs aim for successful, long-term recovery and total abstinence from the drug of choice. Prevention is introduced in counseling and therapy sessions attended by the addict at the treatment center in addition to being educated and trained in skills and techniques that the recovering addict will be able to use once re-integrated into their homes and society.
These skills help the recovering addict to identify high risk situations and triggers that can endanger their path to recovery, understand the stages of sobriety failure, and know how to do to avoid the danger of self-sabotaging recovery efforts.
Relapse prevention and post-treatment aftercare resources continually respond to the concerns of the patient and consistently remind patients to be diligent observers in their daily experience. Resources are utilized to reach out for help, meetings, sponsor communication, continued counseling, and various therapies such as yoga, music, or art therapy are recommended.
Essential prevention techniques:
- Take care of health and get the proper rest
- Exercise
- Practice good nutrition
- Attend all counseling sessions and NA/AA meetings
- Know the signs of the stages of relapse
- Communicate with your family, your sponsor, and your therapist
- Keep a daily journal
- Seek support, sobriety management resources, and peer groups
- Avoid old habits, triggers, and environments
It is important to recognize when and how a person can go from being sober to using drugs and alcohol after treatment. Although a lapse in sobriety is nothing to be ashamed of, it is important to get yourself or your loved one back into drug treatment as soon as possible. Seeking rehabilitation recovery services as soon as a person uses drugs or alcohol can help prevent a complete return to their destructive, unhealthy lifestyle.
If you or someone you love needs help with recurrent substance abuse and addiction, call Wichita Drug Treatment Centers today at (877) 804-1531.