Relapse Prevention

Relapse is a genuine threat for many in recovery. TRUE Addiction and Behavioral Health’s relapse prevention program can offer effective support. Personal and professional coaching, planning, coping skills, and support groups can help individuals in recovery to avoid relapse.

Addiction doesn’t end after treatment or checking out of rehab. Instead of a cure, addiction is about learning to live in a constant state of sobriety. Many individuals find dealing with triggers and potential relapse something they must work for daily. Even after years of sobriety, relapse is possible. However, finding the right relapse prevention program can equip you with resources for overcoming temptation and cravings. 

What is Relapse Prevention?

Relapse prevention equips clients with healthy habits and coping mechanisms to manage cravings. Our therapists use a combination of CBT, mind-body relaxation, holistic approaches, and 12-step groups. Participating in these groups can keep our clients on track. It reminds them of their recovery goals when maintaining sobriety becomes difficult.

Understanding the Need for Relapse Prevention in Murfreesboro, TN

Relapse doesn’t stop with going back to abusing substances. Many individuals also end up in the legal system from drug-related crimes or die because of their actions to acquire substances.  

The National Institute for Drug Abuse explains that Tennessee has over 200 substance abuse recovery centers and homes. However, drug relapse remains a state public health concern. In 2019, 74% of drug-related overdose deaths were attributed to opioids in Tennessee. Oxycodone was one of the leading drugs involved in these deaths. 

In 2020, Tennessee’s healthcare system reported approximately 325,000 people needing addiction treatment. Many had attempted programs previously that did not lead to long-term recovery. 

Relapse prevention programs in Murfreesboro, TN, can help to get control over substance use disorder (SUD) and save the lives of the state’s residents.

The Importance of Relapse Prevention

Inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment only lasts so long, especially when a client’s addiction spans several years before treatment. Relapse prevention groups give clients an extended form of care and support for maintaining the sobriety they gained while in a shorter-term program. 

Relapse prevention treatment plans provide support for individuals experiencing similar stages of recovery. Support is important when the threat of relapse is present and clients are unsure what to do. When someone struggles due to stress or triggers, having a support system can be one of the most critical factors in determining whether they relapse. These groups are vital in keeping clients on track during the most challenging times.

The Stages of Drug Relapse

Relapse prevention techniques help clients identify opportunities before physical relapse. Once identified, clients can use coping skills and other methods to escape these situations and seek help. Recognizing emotional and mental relapses can help clients avoid physical relapses.

Relapse is a gradual process. We want our clients to be able to identify threats of relapse before they drink or use drugs again. 

Relapse can be broken down into three stages: 

• Emotional Relapse: Though clients are not actively considering using, their behaviors show they may be headed toward relapse. These include isolation, avoiding meetings, poor eating and sleeping habits, and declining self-care. Clients seeking help during this stage have a high chance of preventing relapse. They can then continue on their recovery journey.
• Mental Relapse: Clients may struggle with wanting to use but not wanting to relapse into the addiction they worked so hard to escape. Mental relapse can include increased cravings, reminiscing, and lying. Clients may look for opportunities to regress and make a plan to do so. It can be difficult, but not impossible, for clients to seek help and avoid relapse during this stage.
• Physical Relapse: When clients physically relapse, they use drugs or alcohol again.

Common Relapse Triggers

• Stress, Increased Anxiety, or Other Negative Emotions
• Boredom
• Financial Stress
• Conflict with Relationships
• Specific People, Places, Sights, or Smells
• Anger
• Old Habits
• Unrealistic Expectations of Recovery
• Unresolved Mental Health Conditions
• Loss of Motivation

Benefits of a Relapse Prevention Program

These groups benefit clients, primarily when utilized well after their program has ended. The following benefits work together to give the best possible chance of cotinued success. 

Often, clients who are struggling with addiction feel isolated and alone. Isolation can feed their addiction and cause a relapse. Forming meaningful connections during these groups can provide a leg up in remaining sober and avoiding relapse.

• Clients can identify early warning signs of relapse through education and skill development. They can use the coping mechanisms they learned in the group to prevent relapse.
• Surrounding yourself with people who hold you accountable is vital. They’ll help you see when certain behaviors may be causing you to move toward relapse.
• Relapse prevention groups offer a means of aftercare to clients. The groups provide the necessary structure once treatment programs end.
• Relapse prevention groups are an excellent opportunity for clients to discuss specific struggles they may be facing. The support and ideas offered by other members can help clients develop problem-solving skills.
• Clients can also use these groups to help build coping skills, healthy habits, and life skills to make remaining sober much more manageable. If someone struggling sees their group members participating in specific activities or practices that are working, they are more likely to begin those activities in hopes that they will work for them.

Relapse Prevention Builds Stronger Communities 

Relapse prevention programs and strategies are designed to help individuals who have previously struggled with addictive behaviors maintain their recovery and avoid a return to substance abuse or other destructive behaviors. 

The following groups typically benefit from relapse prevention efforts:

• Individuals in Recovery: First and foremost, individuals in recovery are the immediate group who should be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to prevent a return to substance abuse or addictive behaviors. By learning effective coping strategies, identifying triggers, and developing healthy habits, individuals in recovery can enhance their chances of long-term success and improved quality of life.
• Families and Loved Ones: Addiction doesn’t stop with the person struggling with substance abuse. It can extend to family and friends. By educating others about relapse prevention, they can be sensitive to the needs of those in recovery. Education can include helping to avoid triggers, understanding the warning signs of relapse, and participating in family programs and group therapy.
• Healthcare Professionals and Drug Rehab Facilities: By implementing evidence-based relapse prevention strategies, professionals can help their patients achieve better treatment outcomes, reduce the frequency and severity of relapses, and minimize the need for repeated treatment episodes.
• Communities around Georgia: Relapse prevention programs have broader societal benefits. These programs reduce addiction’s social and economic costs by helping individuals maintain their sobriety and avoid relapse. The hindrance to healthcare, criminal justice, and social services decreases. 

Why Choose TRUE for Relapse Prevention

Our evidence-based treatment programs make us a leading methadone addiction treatment center. Our proven approach to methadone addiction manages side effects, addresses the mental aspects of drug use, and offers ongoing support and motivation against relapse.

Our mission is to provide the highest quality recovery education with the tools to support transformation in each life we serve. We aim to restore your heart and mind. When that occurs, you allow your soul to receive healing and live purposeful life. 

Our commitment to healthcare is exemplified through our values.

Transformation: Challenging people to be willing to change into the person they have dreamed of becoming and change their beliefs into a life of TRUE purpose and value. 

Connection: Creating an environment for a person to find their TRUE authentic self, connecting to love, honesty, integrity, passion, and purpose while being in a conducive safe place of refuge. 

Community: Developing a TRUE meaning of belonging without judgment on their values, goals, and beliefs. 

Courage: A daily reprieve to find the strength to pursue your hopes and believe you can do it by being persistent without relenting to achieve the result you sought out to find. 

Consistency: Having faithfulness to be firmly grounded and rooted into your cause to locate purpose and the TRUE meaning in life. 

Love: Having no judgment, being kind, gentle, patient, not resentful, forgiving, understanding, compassionate, and sacrificing to serve others, all while being TRUE to self. 

T.R.U.E: Transforming Roots Unto Eternity

Start Your Relapse Prevention Program Now

Relapse prevention is crucial for a successful recovery. TRUE Addiction and Behavioral Health provides support and expert guidance for substance abuse and recovery. 

You will have the chance to address both physical and psychological aspects of recovery while receiving ongoing care and support to prevent relapse. Call us today to discuss your options.