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What Causes a Relapse?

Frustrated woman holding head in hands, in the throes of a relapse

In addiction treatment and recovery, a relapse is when someone resumes drug or alcohol abuse after a period of sobriety. Relapse is common, even among those dedicated to long-term recovery and sobriety. When individuals in recovery make the transition out of treatment and back to their everyday lives, the risk of relapse is high. Adapting to a new lifestyle and facing new hardships can be particularly challenging during this time. To lower the risk of relapse during and after treatment, patients must prepare by identifying their triggers and learning healthy coping skills to manage stress and challenges.

At Northpoint Nebraska, we aim to help patients through each stage of recovery, including life after treatment. We provide a relapse prevention program to help them avoid falling back into drug and alcohol use. Contact us at 888.351.3834 to learn about our relapse prevention services.

What Causes a Relapse?

For those in recovery, one-time drug use or drinking counts as a relapse. This does not mean they will become addicted again or require treatment, but any relapse should be taken seriously. A relapse can be a significant setback in recovery, but it does not have to undo all your progress. Different factors can lead to relapse. Knowing and recognizing them can help you make better decisions for yourself and your recovery.

Some of the common causes of relapse include:

  • The presence of drugs or alcohol
  • Poor mental health and self-care
  • Negative thoughts or emotions
  • Being around people who enjoy drinking or using drugs
  • Stress
  • Overconfidence in your sobriety
  • Boredom and isolation
  • Environmental or social pressures

Everyone’s experience with addiction differs. As they adjust to life after treatment, they will also face unique challenges and situations. Various factors and scenarios can contribute to a person’s relapse. Ultimately it depends on the individual and what their addiction triggers are.

Why Choose a Relapse Prevention Program

A relapse prevention program is designed to help patients transition out of treatment into a life of lasting recovery. There are many challenges a newly sober person faces that they must learn to handle. As those in treatment become ready to leave our inpatient services, our relapse prevention program helps them prepare for a healthier life.

The benefits of a relapse prevention program are:

  • Providing aftercare planning
  • Creating personalized relapse prevention plans
  • Identifying resources to reach out to in case a relapse does occur
  • Providing education about addiction and relapse
  • Identifying addiction triggers
  • Learning healthy coping mechanisms for triggers and stress
  • Increasing confidence in their recovery

In our program, patients create relapse prevention plans that consist of specific goals and a plan of action to achieve them. Goals can include things like restoring damaged relationships or finding new employment. Creating a relapse prevention plan helps patients feel more prepared and confident about their future.

Understanding Relapse Prevention Services

At Northpoint Nebraska, we offer various relapse prevention services. They include community housing, addiction recovery services, support groups, and continued therapy. Each of these relapse prevention services plays a significant role in aftercare planning. By participating in these programs, individuals create a guidebook for how to effectively navigate life after treatment ends. Learning to react effectively to challenges and managing your mental health are critical skills for maintaining lasting sobriety. Avoiding a relapse requires effort and dedication, and our staff supports patients as they prepare to start a new life.

Relapse Prevention Program at Northpoint Nebraska

Patients put in a lot of work to become sober and heal physically and mentally from addiction side effects. We offer relapse prevention services to help them avoid relapse and ensure all their hard work is not wasted. Learn about our relapse prevention program when you contact Northpoint Nebraska at 888.351.3834 today.