When an individual relapses, it can be disheartening and a huge setback within their recovery journey. Therefore, having a relapse prevention plan is a vital component within long-term recovery. Understanding how to prevent a relapse and identifying the warning signs of relapse are key elements to sustain sobriety. Recovery requires commitment and support to be successful.Â
Relapses are not simply engaging in your substance of choice. Relapses occur in three stages. The first stage is an emotional relapse. During this stage, the individual may not be actively using again. This stage entails emotional dysregulation and an overall lack of self-care. The next stage is a mental relapse. This stages includes the individual considering the use of illegal substances. The person may begin to daydream and envision their last ‘high’ The last stage is a physical relapse. It is during this stage that the individual engages in the substance(s) of choice.
Reasons a Relapse Occurs
Emotional triggers: a person is overwhelmed by emotion; anger, sadness and/or trauma resurfaced and would like to numb the emotional pain.Â
Overconfidence: the individual has been within sobriety for a while and believes he/she can partake in substance use without forming an addiction.
Withdrawal: an individual wants to remove the uncomfortable physical symptoms related to withdrawal.
Key Elements of Relapse Prevention Plan
Identify Triggers: know what typically leads to substance use i.e. emotions, particular people, surroundings.Â
Develop Coping Strategies: ensure that you have coping tools that help to navigate symptoms of emotional distress.Â
Monitor Mental Health: be aware of your emotions specifically if you already have a mental health diagnosis; medication compliance and regular appointments with a therapist is key.Â
Structure: having a routine and productive activities decreases the likelihood of boredom and subsequently the chance of poor decision-making.Â
Professional Help: seek professional help to aid in your recovery efforts,s – mental health counselor, an  AA or NA sponsor, recovery meetings are all value assets to recovery.
Relapse prevention is a process that requires an individual to be self-aware and committed to recovery. Should a relapse happen, it is important to know that it is not the end of their journey. It is  a chance to regroup, gather new recovery tools, a support system and a detailed relapse prevention plan to then rejoin the road to recovery.Â
Follow us for more wellness content!
More Blog Posts
Motivational Interviewing for Teens: Encouraging Positive Behavioral Change
Motivational interviewing for teens promotes behavioral change, helping adolescents overcome resistance and achieve positive growth.
Effects of Childhood Neglect on Adults
Adults who experienced emotional neglect as children may struggle with unresolved emotional issues, even if they don’t fully understand where those feelings come from.
In crisis or need immediate help?
Call 988 or go to your nearest ER.
Services
Adolescent Psychotherapy
Adult Psychotherapy
Assessments & Evaluation
Child Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy & Parent Coaching
Genetic Testing
Group Therapy
Medication Management
Play Therapy
Single-Session Therapy
Teletherapy
Accepted Insurance*
Aetna
Carefirst / Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Humana / Tricare
Johns Hopkins Health Plans
Medicaid
Medicare
Optum / UnitedHealthcare
*Varies by service
Partner Resources
Orchard Mental Health Group
Contact Us
M-F, 9am-5pm Eastern Time
Phone: 240- 750-6467
Fax: 240-912-7835
contact@orchardmentalhealth.com
9707 Key West Avenue, Suite #100 Rockville, MD 20850
