Relapse Prevention Therapy

Relapse does not follow the same timeline for each person suffering from a substance use disorder. It can occur at any time and when you least expect it. It’s also quite common, especially within the first few months of recovery. Recovery is a process that takes time, and there will be failures before there is success. Achieving lifelong recovery takes time, dedication, and understanding that your recovery will not look the same as someone else’s. Those in recovery can feel a false sense of security in the early months following treatment and wrongly think they can stop the steps they have taken to maintain their recovery. This is why a relapse prevention plan as part of an addiction therapy program is important to substance use disorder treatment. Contact Palo Verde Wellness to find out more about relapse prevention therapy.

What Is Relapse Prevention?

Relapse prevention is a therapy that is part of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It is designed specifically for those suffering from a substance use disorder who need extra help in their recovery to avoid triggers and cravings that can lead to relapse. CBT is an evidence-based therapy that focuses on the emotions that play a role in substance use, to begin with. This approach can help more effectively deal with what triggers addiction for each individual. A customized plan is the goal of any relapse prevention program, focused on:

• A clear understanding of what leads to your substance use and why you want to stop
•  Specific goals with manageable steps
• Accountability through self-assessment
• Tools that will work for you to manage triggers
• Mentors and peers to support you and the plan

The phases of relapse are:

Emotional

The person affected may not even realize it, but the same emotions that played into their substance abuse to begin with, will most likely lead them down the path to relapse. These emotions can cause them to isolate, avoid responsibility, and not participate in recovery support.

Mental

Often, those going through recovery will romanticize what their life was like when they were using drugs or alcohol. This is never a good idea. It’s destructive, and relapse is a big risk.

Physical

When a person actively uses drugs or alcohol again, you know that a relapse has occurred.

Relapse Prevention in Palm Springs

There are several benefits of attending a relapse prevention program in picturesque Palm Springs, including:

• Building an important relationship between therapists and participants so that the conversation is open and honest.
• Understanding and facing how addiction truly affects each person in their close circle of family and friends and family, as well as themselves.
• Gaining new skills you can practice among peers to help you successfully cope with triggers that can lead to relapse.
• Gaining confidence in the ability to handle triggers in any situation on their own once they leave treatment.
• Being among peers who understand what you are going through and can offer support while attending a relapse prevention program continues throughout your recovery.
• Being in an environment conducive to relaxing, refreshing, and focusing on your recovery without the distractions of everyday life.

Palo Verde Wellness Offers Relapse Prevention

When dealing with any substance use disorder, preventing relapse is a big part of the recovery process. Maintaining your sobriety and avoiding situations and triggers that can cause you to be tempted to drink or use drugs again is an all too real reality for those dealing with a substance use disorder. Palo Verde Wellness’ relapse prevention program prepares each participant with a relapse prevention plan to avoid the triggers and arm themselves with the tools to achieve lifelong sobriety. One of the most important parts of the recovery process is understanding that you aren’t in this struggle alone. The Palo Verde Wellness team can guide you on this journey alongside peers going through the same experience, with professionals who can offer support and understanding through the entire process. Call us today at 760-359-2180 to learn how a relapse prevention program can set you up for recovery success.