If you’re in recovery from addiction, working towards recovery, or supporting someone in their recovery journey, relapse might be on your mind. A return to use after a period of sobriety isn’t inevitable, but it is common. Addiction is a chronic disease, like diabetes or asthma, and relapse is a possible part of the journey. Relapse doesn’t mean that recovery is impossible, that treatment didn’t work, or that the person struggling with addiction is weak. It simply means that extra support and tools may be needed to stay on track. A relapse prevention program offers benefits like increased awareness, support, and strategies for maintaining recovery. At New Bridge Foundation®, we offer a relapse prevention program to help clients stay on the path of recovery long after they leave our center.
Voted one of the “Best Addiction Treatment Centers” in America four years in a row by Newsweek magazine, New Bridge Foundation® offers unparalleled and affordable professional addiction and co-occurring mental health treatment services. Call 866.772.8491 today to discover the benefits of the relapse prevention program at New Bridge Foundation®.
A Better Understanding of Relapse
Relapse is one of the most misunderstood parts of recovery. People believe myths like:
- Relapse is a sign of personal failure
- All progress made in recovery is lost after a relapse
- Relapse means treatment didn’t work
- Only people with severe addiction relapse
In reality, 40–60% of those struggling with substance use disorders will relapse at some point.1 People with all of the support and resources in the world can still relapse. It’s not a sign of failure but rather a part of the journey that requires further reflection and growth. A relapse prevention program can help clients understand why relapse happens, have more compassion for themselves, and develop strategies to prevent it in the future. This increased awareness and understanding can also help reduce feelings of shame and guilt often associated with relapse.
Tools and Strategies
A relapse prevention program typically includes education on triggers, coping skills, and healthy habits. Triggers can be environmental, emotional, or social factors that increase the risk of relapse.
For example, seeing old friends who still use drugs or alcohol can be a trigger for someone in recovery. Going through a stressful event or feeling overwhelmed with emotions can also increase the risk of relapse. Noticing when you’re hungry, angry, lonely, or tired (HALT) can also help identify potential triggers.
Having a plan in place for managing triggers can be a powerful tool in preventing relapse. This may include reaching out to support networks, practicing self-care activities, or using distraction techniques. A relapse prevention program can also teach clients healthy coping skills like mindfulness, exercise, and journaling to deal with difficult emotions without turning to substances.
Support and Accountability
One of the most significant benefits of a relapse prevention program is having a support system and accountability. Recovery can feel isolating, especially when trying to navigate through triggers and challenges on your own. A relapse prevention program provides a safe space to share experiences and emotions with others who understand what you’re going through.
What Happens in a Relapse Prevention Program?
A relapse prevention program typically involves individual and group counseling, education on addiction and relapse, and developing a personalized relapse prevention plan. This plan may include identifying high-risk situations, creating coping strategies, setting goals for recovery, and building a support network. The program may also involve practicing skills in real-life scenarios through role-playing or simulations.
At New Bridge Foundation®, our relapse prevention program is tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. Our experienced and compassionate staff work with clients to develop a personalized plan that addresses their individual triggers, coping skills, and support network. We also provide ongoing support after treatment through aftercare services to help our clients maintain their recovery long term.
Does Relapse Have to Be Part of Recovery?
While relapse is a common part of the recovery journey, it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Many people successfully maintain their recovery without experiencing a relapse.
Why do some people relapse and others don’t? There are many factors at play, including genetics, past trauma, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Ultimately, whether you relapse at some point or don’t, recovery is still in reach. Relapse doesn’t say anything about you other than that you’re human. It doesn’t mean that treatment didn’t work or that you’re weak. It simply means that more support and tools may be needed to stay on track.
Reach Out to New Bridge Foundation® for Support
At New Bridge Foundation®, we understand the complexities of addiction and the challenges of maintaining recovery. Our relapse prevention services in Berkeley, California, are designed to provide education, support, and strategies for preventing relapse. If you or a loved one is in need of treatment or support for substance use disorder, please reach out to us today by calling 866.772.8491 or by connecting with us online.
Source:
1. National Institute on Drug Abuse – Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
