Relapse Prevention  

What is a relapse-prevention plan?

Relapse-prevention training is an essential element in the process of recovery. A relapse-prevention plan ensures that you have the skills and support you need to continue your journey to long-lasting recovery.

Relapses aren’t uncommon during the early stages of recovery, and experiencing a relapse doesn’t mean that you have failed in the recovery process. However, you can reduce your chances of relapse through specialized education in relapse prevention.

What causes a relapse? 

Addiction to drugs or alcohol causes changes in the neurological and chemical processes in the brain. These changes make it very difficult for someone with an addiction to resist the urge to use substances. 

The urge to use typically arises in response to triggers, such as:

• Stress
  
• Emotional or mental health issues
  
• Physical pain
  
• Social pressure
  
• Family or relationship conflict

Even positive experiences, like birthday celebrations, weddings, and other events associated with alcohol or drugs, can trigger the urge to abuse substances.

What is involved in relapse prevention?

The experts at MFI Recovery Center design customized relapse-prevention plans tailored to the unique needs of each individual patient and their families. The goals of relapse-prevention planning include:

• Trigger identification and avoidance
  
• Recognition of relapse warning signs
  
• Building personal support systems
  
• Treatment of coexisting conditions. like depression and anxiety

The team at MFI Recovery Center uses an array of techniques to provide relapse-prevention training, such as:

• Counseling and psychiatry
  
• Individual and group counseling
  
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Family counseling and parenting classes contribute to relapse prevention. Families can learn to identify triggers and warning signs and offer support in resisting the urge to use substances. 

Building strong family bonds also helps address emotional issues that contribute to a substance use disorder. 

Maintaining your physical health also supports relapse prevention. MFI Recovery Center offers primary care health services to help patients achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness throughout addiction treatment and during your ongoing recovery.

Relapse-prevention therapy promotes long-term, self-sustaining recovery. To learn more about relapse-prevention training for yourself or someone you love, contact MFI Recovery Center today. Call the office or request an appointment online.