Relapse prevention programs are addiction treatment services designed to help people avoid falling back into drugs and alcohol. Even among people dedicated to long-term recovery, relapse is a common occurrence. But people in recovery are not helpless in the face of potential relapse. Avoiding this kind of setback is possible with proper education, planning, and support. Relapse prevention programs in Nebraska work hard to make sure long-term treatment provides the type of life transformation people deserve.
Learn about the range of addiction treatment programs offered by Northpoint Nebraska when you call 402.698.3475.
What are Common Relapse Triggers?
Relapse is simply defined as anytime someone recovering from an addiction uses drugs again. Even one-time drug use counts as relapse. It doesn’t necessarily mean someone has to start from the beginning of treatment again following one instance of drug use. But any time relapse occurs, it is a serious setback that should not be taken lightly.
So what are some of the most common things that cause people to relapse in the first place? It comes down to cravings and triggers. The struggle with addiction is unique to each individual.
One person’s triggers may not apply to everyone else. Yet addiction treatment providers have experience recognizing the most common triggers to watch out for. These include:
- The mere presence of drugs or alcohol
- Negative emotions, especially in connection to an untreated or unaddressed mental health disorder
- Stress
- Environmental pressures
- Boredom
- Isolation
It may seem odd to name stress and boredom as two relapse triggers. Everyone is likely to experience them at some point. That’s why it is critical to be aware of them and view them as potential dangers during recovery. Not so much because they can be entirely avoided. Instead, it is powerful to name potential triggers and then design a comprehensive plan for dealing with them when the time comes. Preparation goes a long way to preventing relapse.
How Can a Relapse Prevention Program Benefit Me?
Relapse prevention programs focus a lot on aftercare planning. Aftercare planning is the process of creating a guidebook for how to navigate life after treatment ends. At some point, the transition from inpatient or outpatient treatment to a more normal life must occur. Relapse prevention programs provide education, resources, and support designed to equip clients with the tools and skills necessary to live a sober life beyond treatment.
Relapse prevention programs in Nebraska typically rely on the following services: community housing, addiction recovery resources, support groups, and continued therapy. All of these can play a role in an aftercare plan that extends support following a round of intentional treatment.
Community Housing
Also referred to as sober housing, community housing provides a sober living environment for people in recovery. While offered by many addiction treatment providers, living arrangements are separate from those just entering or in the middle of formal treatment. Community housing often requires residents to take regular drug tests, contribute to community upkeep, and uphold other conduct standards.
Addiction Recovery Resources
Addiction recovery involves mental and physical improvement by necessity. However, another aspect that relapse prevention plans in Nebraska take into account is how to support someone in repairing their life. Exiting addiction treatment, they may no longer have a job or stable housing. They may desire further education to kickstart their career. Relapse prevention programs connect participants to resources that can get them back on their feet.
Support Groups
Support groups provide mutual aid, mentorship, and accountability. These may officially be 12-step programs or other less formal types of support groups. People in recovery need sober avenues of socialization. Thus, support groups are a great method for connecting people who collectively pursue recovery and invest in sober activities together.
Continued Therapy
Therapy doesn’t always stop when formal treatment ends. For many people, individual or group therapy is a key component of their aftercare plan. This could resemble ongoing cognitive-behavioral therapy or another mode of therapeutic intervention.
Find Relapse Prevention Programs in Nebraska
You’ve invested a lot of time, energy, and likely money into achieving sobriety and healing your life from addiction. Don’t let those investments go to waste by not equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent relapse. Safeguard your recovery from relapse by calling 402.698.3475.