Getting over addiction doesn’t just end when you finish rehab. In fact, the fight to remain drug-free is a lifelong challenge. The urge to use drugs could always be there or at least pop up from time to time. Because of that, you have to learn the best methods to prevent relapse through relapse prevention therapy.
What Is Relapse Prevention Therapy?
There are two goals that experts aim to achieve during relapse prevention therapy. First, they uncover the root cause of the addiction. This cause is the element or event that led to substance abuse. Without dealing with it, you’re likely to fall into addiction again after treatment.
Second, they use relapse prevention therapy to teach you coping skills. These skills help you deal with certain situations or triggers that typically cause a relapse. For many people, stress is a major trigger. For that reason, coping skills teach you how to deal with and manage stress.
Good Ways to Cope With Relapse Triggers
Having a relapse prevention plan is the key to avoiding drug use after rehab. All good prevention plans start with coping skills that overcome urges and triggers. However, not all coping skills work for everyone. It’s ideal to have multiple plans to battle relapse.
First of all, you should make it a point to learn your triggers during rehab. For example, sometimes triggers are people, places or things. If they make you want to use drugs, it’s important to work them out of your life.
One coping skill that you can learn in relapse prevention therapy is to stay busy after rehab. During idle time, you’re likely to feel the strongest urges to use drugs. As a result, rehab facilities often talk about how important it is to fill free time with hobbies. Hanging out with friends and engaging in activities that you enjoy is important.
Another good coping skill is to have a support system in place. Nothing can help you overcome temptation like support from friends and family members. When you get out of rehab, it’s important to set up a support system of people you can call. Just make sure that you can actually get in touch with them at any time during the day or night.
Lastly, reward yourself with small victories. Remember that staying drug-free is a long-distance marathon rather than a sprint. You should reward yourself when you reach small goals. For example, turning down drugs or reaching drug-free milestones deserve celebration.
Get Lasting Rehab Treatment With Relapse Prevention
When you search for the perfect rehab center, find a place that offers relapse prevention. The coping skills that you can master at such a facility can aid your efforts to stay sober. With that said, other programs that you need to consider include:
- Family therapy
- Residential rehab treatment
- Intensive Outpatient rehab
- Mindfulness based relapse prevention
- Holistic therapy
- Gender-specific treatment
Don’t let your hard work at rehab go to waste. Find out why relapse prevention therapy is right for you. Get treatment that you can count on today.
