RELAPSE PREVENTION: STAYING SOBER AFTER TREATMENT

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1 RELAPSE PREVENTION: STAYING SOBER AFTER TREATMENT

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 3 Who Is At Risk For Relapse? 4 Can The Brain Recover From Substance Abuse? 5 What Is A Relapse Prevention? 6 What Are Aftercare Programs? 7 What Are The Warning Signs Of Relapse? 8 Is Sobriety After Relapse Possible? 10 2 Staying Sober After Treatment

3 Recovery is an ongoing process that continues long after the completion of an inpatient treatment program. Even with the best intentions, resources and support system, a relapse can still occur. This doesn t mean those who relapse are failures; in fact, the relapse rate for substance abuse is similar to that for chronic diseases. Who is at risk for relapse and what can be done to prevent relapse? 3 Staying Sober After Treatment

4 WHO IS AT RISK FOR RELAPSE? Everyone who completes a treatment program regardless of their personal histories and past substance abuse is considered to be at risk for relapse. However, some individuals, such as those who have been diagnosed with co-occurring disorders, are considered to be at an even greater risk. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ATTENDEES WHO ADMITTED TO RELAPSING AT LEAST ONCE 7% After fifth year of recovery 75% During first year of recovery The longer an individual maintains their sobriety, the greater the chance that they will maintain this sobriety throughout their lives. While sobriety should be taken day by day, relapse prevention helps individuals turn these days into weeks, months and finally years of continuous sobriety. 4 Staying Sober After Treatment

5 CAN THE BRAIN RECOVER FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE? While it takes time, the brain can recover from substance abuse. Recent research reported by the National Instate on Drug Abuse sheds important light on the brain chemistry recovery process. The research utilized brain scans shows the impact that drugs have on the brain. For example, even a month after an individual stops abusing methamphetamine, the impact of this drug use is still evident when brain scans of the meth user are compared to the brain scans ofsomeone who has never used drugs. With sustained abstinence (14 months), however, the brain scans between the former user and the non-user are nearly identical. 5 Staying Sober After Treatment

6 WHAT IS A RELAPSE PREVENTION PLAN? A relapse plan provides individuals with the structure and support systems they need to successfully navigate these different life experiences while staying committed to sobriety. Relapse prevention plans include the following: Establishing a relationship with a sponsor. Active participation in ongoing therapy/counseling. Understanding relapse triggers and creating a plan of action to address these triggers. Learning positive ways to cope with stressors. 6 Staying Sober After Treatment

7 WHAT ARE AFTERCARE PROGRAMS? TYPICAL AFTERCARE PROGRAM COMPONENTS INCLUDE: Group Counseling While there is no guarantee that any program can completely prevent relapse, enrolling in the right aftercare can significantly reduce the risk. Aftercare programs add an extra level of accountability, which is especially important during times of stress and anxiety. Education Support Life Skills Counseling 7 Staying Sober After Treatment Job Training and Career Workshops The combination of aftercare programs and a support group play an important role in reducing the likelihood that individuals will relapse and return to old substance abuse habits. Additionally, aftercare programs provide individuals with a robust social network with which to enjoy drug-free and alcohol-free outings and networking.

8 WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF RELAPSE? A relapse does not just happen; for most people, there are red flags that signal the possibility of a relapse occurring. Relapse warning signs include: Making elaborate excuses for unusual behavior, such as missing work deadlines, missing AA or NA meetings or skipping appointments. Unexplained changes in eating and sleeping habits Isolating oneself from sponsors, loved ones and support group meetings. Stopping medications that are intended to control cravings and support sobriety and/or improperly using these medications Renewing old friendships/relationships with people who were part of an individual s pre-sobriety and continue to use and abuse substances. Engaging in obsessive, risky or addictive behaviors Frequenting old haunts like a favorite bar or neighborhood hangout where the individual used to abuse drugs or alcohol Insisting on perfectionism when setting professional or personal goals 8 Staying Sober After Treatment

9 WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF RELAPSE? More relapse warning signs include: Falsely believing that it is OK to drink or use drugs again because the addiction has been cured; similarly, refusing to attend support group meetings because these meetings are no longer necessary Claiming that a different drug will not cause the same problems; in essence, replacing one addiction with another Experiencing challenging life transitions, such as the death of a loved one, without relying on appropriate, positive support system 9 Staying Sober After Treatment

10 Is Sobriety After Relapse Possible? Even with the best prevention program, relapses do happen. How individuals choose to address these relapses can mean the difference between a temporary slip-up and a full on spiral into substance abuse and addiction. Sobriety after relapse is possible. While relapse is certainly frustrating for everyone involved, it is not a reason to give up. Rehab can work after relapse. Experiencing a relapse does not mean that long-term sobriety is hopeless or that anindividual should simply quit. Returning to the structure of an inpatient substance abuse program may be just what an individual needs to recommit to sobriety. 10 Staying Sober After Treatment Being aware of one s failings and weaknesses, and also being humble enough to admit when one needs extra help maintaining sobriety, signify that one is taking the important steps necessary to lead a sober, healthy life and that relapse prevention is working.

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