Relapse after drug recovery is not a single random event. Instead, it results from various underlying issues and is a part of overall recovery.
It is a combination of different setbacks along the journey to recovery. Therefore, it should be seen as part of recovery and not a failure to recover.
Continuous substance abuse affects a person’s brain, causing them to lose the ability to resist cravings. Sadly, over 85% of patients relapse within one year of treatment, with over two-thirds of them relapsing within weeks to months from when they began addiction treatment in a drug recovery center. However, here are tips you can use to prevent or manage the reoccurrence of relapse.
1. Create and Implement an Aftercare Plan
Your doctor can help you create a custom aftercare plan in the drug recovery center. This is a support plan to follow after completing your recovery and leaving the drug recovery center. Following through on your aftercare plan is among the best ways to avoid relapse. Most plans include counseling or outpatient programs like 12-step meetings. The details within your aftercare plan will depend on what the drug recovery facility offers. So, ensure you sit with your counselor to tailor-make one for you.
2. Enrol in a Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Facility
Often, you cannot deal with addiction on your own. You will need the help of a professional to hold your hand. Drug recovery facilities are great places to begin your path to recovery. They provide a clean environment that allows you to focus on getting well and laying the foundation to prevent relapse. A combination of educational classes, group therapy, experiential therapy, and individual therapy helps you learn to live a sober life. You can avoid relapse with the skills you learn in a drug recovery facility.
3. Complete your Recovery Program
Preventing relapse requires that you follow through with the treatment to completion. If you leave early, you hinder your recovery. Regardless of the complexities within the treatment, every day is a learning opportunity, even when you don’t enjoy the treatment. Ideally, the effort you put into the treatment will set you up for a successful recovery. On the other hand, minimal effort or leaving the program early robs you of a chance to live a sober life. So, take advantage of the treatment and make the most of the program.
4. Build a Strong Support Network
The journey to recovery and avoiding relapse requires a strong support network. Find people who will hold you accountable, or you can turn to when the pressures of living drug-free kick in. Also, ensure your aftercare plan includes group therapy. Connect with a few people from the group and spend time with them outside the group therapy session.
5. Find a Personal Therapist
If your drug recovery center doesn’t offer ongoing therapy, find a therapist for individual therapy. Maintaining regular contact with a counselor helps prevent relapse as they help you face daily challenges.
Conclusion
Addiction treatment does not end the day you leave the drug recovery facility. Sobriety is a life-long journey that requires intentional steps towards living drug-free. Use these tips to avoid relapse and achieve long-term recovery.