Relapse Prevention in New Haven CT (877) 804-1531

Indeed, the National Institute of Drug Abuse reports that somewhere between 40% and 60% of people with a drug addiction end up relapsing. Relapse prevention is a group of therapies and techniques used to help recovering addicts stay sober. At rehab centers, relapse prevention programs provide patients with the skills and tools they'll need to avoid temptations and triggers once they complete treatment. To find out more about relapse prevention, and help finding centers, call Drug Treatment Centers New Haven at (877) 804-1531.

Drug relapse can happen at any time, whether it's immediately after medical detox, shortly after their treatment program, or at any point afterwards.

It's important to note that the possibility of relapse never goes away. Because addiction is a chronic disease, it is essential to be constantly vigilant throughout the rest of your life. Indeed, many people end decades of sobriety with one slipup.

It also important to note that a drug relapse doesn't just happen randomly. They generally follow a set of stages that lead up to the person using the drug again. These include emotional, mental, and physical stages.

Generally, a relapse starts with negative emotions, including a denial of the problem. These negative emotions trigger additional stress and inner feelings of chaos and negativity. Soon the feeling of being out of control becomes overwhelming with near-obsessive thoughts about the drug of choice.

Living in a high-risk situation (where the drug is readily available) makes matters far worse. At this point in time, the emotional, mental, and physical anguish reaches a breaking point. The person is more likely to drink or use the drug than to walk away and find support.

Drug Relapse Warning Signs

Compulsive behavior is perhaps the greatest warning sign of an impending relapse. Before reengaging in drug or alcohol use, most people will engage in other compulsive behaviors. Like the drug or alcohol, these behaviors are used as a way to cope with stress and emotional challenge. Examples of this type of compulsive behavior include overeating, overworking, and over-exercising.

Another key warning sign of a drug relapse is the reappearance of old behaviors. Moodiness, irritability, and other symptoms that were present when the person was using will often reappear. Along the same lines, the person might begin to hang out with the same crowd of friends from their drinking and drugging days. When any of these things happens, it is a clear warning sign that the person is in serious danger of a drug or alcohol relapse.

Relapse Prevention Treatment

Right from the get-go, it is important to focus on long-term addiction treatment and recovery. To best prevent drug relapse, you must focus on relapse prevention from the very start.

Fortunately, the best drug treatment programs provide long-term care. They are designed to help the patient maintain long-term sobriety. This is done through individual and group counseling. Patients are also taught to be aware of potential triggers and high-risk situations, as well as how to avoid them. Support groups are also set up to help the patient in times of great need.

If you or someone you love is struggling to maintain their sobriety or has recently returned to using drugs or alcohol, call Drug Treatment Centers New Haven for help finding treatment centers. We'll help with your search, call (877) 804-1531 today for more information.