relapse prevention skills

Relapse prevention skills are essential to learning to live a happy life in recovery. One day at a time, one can learn to implement these coping skills to prevent relapse and live a life beyond their wildest dreams. The three peer-reviewed publications (Lucock et al., 2018;2021; Wright et al., 2000) tested the effectiveness of their interventions. Whereas data concerning the effectiveness of the relapse prevention intervention across the grey literature documents (OxCADAT, n.d.; Chellingsworth et al., 2013) was not reported or has yet to be collected (Paddle, 2019). In addition to the literature search identifying peer-reviewed articles, this scoping review explored grey literature.

Relapse Prevention: Strategies to Avoid Triggers

  • As part of their all-or-nothing thinking, they assume that change means they must change everything in their lives.
  • By continuing therapy over the long term, individuals can maintain progress and address new challenges as they arise.
  • Setting boundaries is essential for protecting your sobriety and well-being.
  • With abstinence (or even reduced use), the individuals tolerance level for the drug decreases; resorting to using prior (e.g., pre-relapse) doses of opioids can cause overdose and death.
  • You’ll learn how to deal with challenges healthily and keep moving forward in your journey to stay sober.

Mindfulness is a practice that involves being present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts without judgment. Write down a schedule of your favorite support groups and attend a meeting for additional guidance. Commit to talking with one or more of the support group members regularly. You can also reach out to them whenever you experience triggers or cravings. If you’re a support group member, keep trusted group members or leaders’ information in your prevention plan.

Monitoring And Adjusting The Plan

relapse prevention skills

Triggers are the people, places, emotions, or situations that can lead to cravings and a potential return to substance use. Recognising and understanding these triggers empowers individuals in recovery to anticipate and avoid high-risk situations. By pinpointing specific triggers, individuals can develop strategies to mitigate their impact. For example, they can implement stress management techniques if stress is a trigger. If certain social settings are triggers, they can limit their exposure or develop strategies to navigate these environments safely. Developing a relapse prevention plan early in the recovery process and revising it regularly can be crucial for long-term success.

Care for yourself

relapse prevention skills

It further prevents relapse as it decreases feelings of loneliness and the risk of isolation, both of which can be common triggers for relapse. Across all these relapse prevention interventions and resources, participants were asked to refer to a manual or workbook consistently following the completion of GSH to prevent relapse and practice various relapse prevention skills techniques independently. Though relapse prevention plans are unique to each individual, there are specific components that are helpful to include in a final plan. While you can create a relapse prevention plan on your own, it may be helpful to walk through the process with someone who has knowledge of the topic like a substance abuse counselor.

Recovery Coaching

relapse prevention skills

It involves taking the time to tend to your mental and physical health, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, and exercising regularly. There are different models and techniques to include in your relapse prevention plan. They’re based on building your knowledge and skills to combat substance use. Professional treatment can help manage both the psychological and physical factors of addiction to promote recovery.

How to Develop a Relapse Prevention Plan

  • Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area.
  • If you’ve relapsed before, try to identify the feelings you felt before your relapse.
  • Relapse-prevention therapy and mind-body relaxation are commonly combined into mindfulness-based relapse prevention [30].
  • The Staying Well booklet (OxCADAT, n.d.) did not include any details regarding the length of the follow-up.
  • A relapse prevention plan works best when you do it under a therapist or counselor’s supervision.

relapse prevention skills

How well do you score on brain health?

  • Fourth, most relapses can be explained in terms of a few basic rules [4].
  • Think of the consequences that would occur if you used vs. if you did not use.
  • One approach is identifying triggers, such as stress or social situations, and developing coping skills to manage them effectively.

Common Triggers

  • Eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
  • Creating a tailored relapse prevention plan involves a detailed, personalized approach.
  • This scoping review aims to explore available evidence on how to maintain treatment gains and prevent relapse following GSH.
  • A substance abuse worksheet will typically include activities centered on improving the patient’s self-efficacy to continue abstinence and stay goal-driven, both of which can decrease the probability of lapse according to this paradigm.
  • They must confront the damage caused by addiction to their relationships, employment, finances, and self-esteem.

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