A Smart Plan for Relapse Prevention Relapse prevention is an exercise in self discipline and requires the application of specific, learned behaviors and techniques. While detoxing the body alone is a critical step in achieving sobriety, the practice of relapse prevention techniques on a daily basis is the key to permanent recovery. Lack of time to practice these disciplines in a safe and controlled environment is often the reason why so many people who complete a drug rehab program will eventually relapse. Identify your warning signsIt’s much easier to look back on your life and see the triggers that caused you to sink deeper into your addiction than it is to identify them as they are unfolding. As part of your relapse prevention plan you must become cognitively aware of the swells of emotions that drive you into the arms of your addiction. Oftentimes we act on powerful emotions like anger, jealousy, and inadequacy before we even understand them. However, by understanding these emotions, you can learn to react in ways that are productive and that will solve the problem rather than mask it.There are warning signs each time one of these emotions begins to hijack our self control. These warning signs may be physical reactions like the inability to concentrate or persistent unwanted thoughts. Learning to identify and challenge these behaviors is difficult, but an essential part of your relapse prevention plan that will give you strength and power regardless of your situational environment. Steer clear of tempting environmentsThere is no question about it—in order to achieve permanent sobriety, you must change your lifestyle, your habits, and your acquaintances that do not support your choice to become sober. As part of your relapse prevention plan, you must remove the things in your life that supported your behavior as an addict. Returning to places that are rich with people and memories of your addict lifestyle is a sure way to fail in your relapse prevention plan.You may find that many of the people you once surrounded yourself with will not respect your choice to become sober. Either they don’t want you to achieve a more fulfilling life when they themselves cannot, or they cannot appreciate you in a role other than the one you’ve been filling when your addiction was running your life. Unfortunately, most people resist change and can become hostile when others make a choice to change their lives. In a weak moment, it can be easy to give into the persuasive arguments of someone you’ve trusted in the past. It is for this reason that as part of your relapse prevention plan you must avoid people and situations that make it easy to slip. A Relapse Prevention Program with Proven ResultsIf you or your loved one have tried a drug addiction treatment center but have relapsed, the Mark Houston Recovery Center is the next logical step in achieving a life of permanent sobriety. During our minimum 90 day addiction recovery program, you’ll lay the foundation of your own personal relapse prevention program designed to see you through a lifetime of permanent sobriety. Take a few moments to browse throughout our website and discovery how our program is different from what you may have experienced in the past and then contact us right away at 866-905-4550 if you are ready to reclaim your life. |
