Once someone exits addiction treatment the goal is to avoid relapse and remain happy living sober. However, there is still a chance of relapse occurring. Relapsing does not make someone a failure, and it’s always possible to get back on track and get sober again. One bad day, week, or month should not cost you your life. If your loved one is showing signs of relapse, it’s important to be able to recognize the warning signs. 85% of those who have completed addiction treatment relapse within the first year, and most people who relapse so so within the first few weeks or months following treatment. Evidence has shown that those who participate in relapse prevention planning are more likely to avoid relapse.
Common Signs of Relapse
During rehab for substance use disorder, you are often given tools and resources to stay sober during treatment and beyond. Whether your loved one has fully graduated from addiction treatment or is participating in a part time program, relapse can happen at any moment. Relapse can be caused by a trigger, a new stressor in life, or the influence of an enabler. Commons signs of relapse to look for in a loved one include:
- Intense emotions – both positive and negative
- Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
- Isolating behavior
- Anxiety, agitation, and mood swings
Signs of relapse can vary from person to person, but these are some of the most common indicators that relapse has occurred or is possibly going to happen. As soon as you see a warning sign of relapse, you need to put your relapse prevention plan into motion.
Relapse Prevention Plans
A relapse prevention plan is put in place in collaboration with doctors, loved ones, and the individual recovering. This plan takes action the minute one leaves addiction treatment, and should be in place for life. A relapse prevention plan often integrates:
- Healthy coping mechanisms and hobbies – journaling, arts, crafts, exercise
- Strong support networks – friends, family, and mentors
- Acknowledging and avoiding triggers and high-risk behaviors
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle – sleep, nutrition, hygiene
- Treatment for co-occurring conditions – depression, anxiety, OCD, etc.
- Self-awareness assessments and tools
These tools are often used to mitigate crises and avoid relapse by being proactive and honest with oneself. As a loved one, you can support your friend or family member in their relapse prevention plan by helping them access resources and encouraging activities that promote sober living. Some activities you can encourage your loved one at risk of relapse to participate in are:
- Physical fitness & sports
- Meditation & yoga/stretching
- Group therapy or support groups
- Relaxation practices
- Art therapy – painting, drawing, ceramics, music
A relapse prevention plan gives a recovering individual the opportunity to set up a healthy, productive lifestyle that encourages positive behaviors. A relapse prevention plan is not simply a distraction, but rather a shifting mindset.
Ask for Help
Sometimes relapse prevention cannot be done alone, and it’s important to recognize when you need help supporting a loved one at risk of relapse. Solution Based Treatment offers relapse prevention plans that are proactive and proven to work. Our treatment team is experienced in addiction treatment and relapse prevention, allowing us to provide comprehensive care that is focused on sustainable sober living. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, let us help lighten the load.
About Solution Based Treatment
Solution Based Treatment is a national leader in detox and rehab programs. We offer inpatient medical detox, substance rehab, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, faith-based recovery, and sober living options. We maintain a 2:1 client to staff ratio to offer the best support possible to our patients within upscale living environments. At Solution Based Treatment, we support better living for brighter futures, all starting with our detox and rehab services. For more information visit our website at solutionbasedtreatment.com or give us a call at (833) 999-1941.