The transition period of leaving rehab and adjusting to normal life is a vulnerable time for patients. They may face challenges or past triggers that can make their recovery difficult. It is during this time that patients are most at risk for relapse. At Northpoint Nebraska, we aim to help our patients through each stage of the recovery process. We take an integrated approach to treatment to help our patients heal fully and learn how to maintain long-term sobriety. At Northpoint Nebraska, we offer a relapse prevention program to help our patients adjust to life after treatment and learn essential tips to avoid relapse.
Tips to Avoid Relapse
1. Create a relapse prevention plan
A relapse prevention plan is a document made in collaboration with therapists and counselors. A relapse prevention plan outlines the strategies and steps patients will take to avoid a relapse. When creating a relapse prevention plan, patients form sobriety and life goals, identify triggers, develop healthy coping strategies, and identify resources they may need. Creating a plan helps patients hold themselves accountable for their recovery and better understand how to avoid relapse.
2. Identify potential triggers and develop coping strategies
When a person returns home and to everyday life, they can encounter past triggers that can put their sobriety at risk. Identifying potential triggers such as past negative relationships, environments, or negative emotions, can be extremely beneficial for maintaining sobriety. Patients should also develop healthy coping strategies to deal with triggers and navigate negative emotions. Coping strategies like breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, or exercising can help patients healthily manage stress.
3. Surround yourself with a healthy support system
Another important tip to prevent relapse is to form healthy, positive relationships. Addiction often damages relationships between a person and their friends and family. During addiction treatment and therapy, patients can work towards rebuilding those relationships. A healthy support system is essential for maintaining sobriety and avoiding a relapse. Surrounding yourself with peers and sober friends can help with accountability. Identifying people you can reach out to if you need support is also beneficial.
4. Discover new hobbies
Trying out new hobbies is another tip to avoid relapse. Patients recently out of treatment may have more time on their hands than they are used to. Trying out new hobbies and finding one you like can help you better occupy your time. Things like trying out new recipes, gardening, or playing a sport you used to enjoy are healthy ways to spend your time. Keeping yourself busy with things you enjoy can make the transition back to regular life easier. New hobbies can improve a person’s mood and energy levels, allowing them to feel energized and dedicated to their recovery.
5. Take care of your physical and mental health
Addiction takes a severe toll on a person physically, mentally, and emotionally. Treatment and recovery are easy processes to go through, but the goal is for patients to heal fully as a person. Taking proper care of your physical and mental health is an important tip to prevent relapse. Keeping your mind and body healthy can help you avoid relapse. This could involve exercising regularly, eating healthy, attending therapy sessions, and practicing meditation.
Discover More Tips To Prevent Relapse at Northpoint Nebraska
At Northpoint Nebraska, our relapse prevention program provides patients with important tips to avoid relapse and helps them adjust to normal life. We provide many programs and services in addition to our relapse prevention program.
Additional programs and services include:
- Alcohol detox and rehab
- Drug detox and rehab
- Co-occurring disorder treatment
- Medical detox program
- Family therapy program
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy program
Contact Northpoint Nebraska at 888.351.3834 to learn more about our programs and start your recovery journey today.