Addiction Relapse Prevention in Tulsa, OK (877) 804-1531

Relapse prevention is an essential element of any treatment program. A relapse occurs when an addict returns to substance abuse or addictive behavior after a period of abstinence. Statistics of addiction relapse report that 40%-60% of addicts relapse at some point.

Relapse prevention is vital to maintaining recovery, and is the resource for the addict against treatment failure. Find support and helpful addiction resources when you call Tulsa Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.

What are the Stages of Relapse?

The fact that drug addiction must be treated as a disease is supported by statistics that reveal addiction rates of relapse are nearly the same as the rates for specific diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension. Proactive addiction aftercare is the focus of an effective treatment program.

Prevention relies on being able to identify signs that a person may be using or considering using drugs and alcohol again. Being able to identify the signs allows family and friends to intervene when necessary and get a struggling addict back into treatment.

There are three stages of relapse; emotional, mental, and physical.

Emotional Relapse - In this initial stage, there is no conscious thought of relapse, but social and environmental cues and unconscious triggers may be present that spark the emotions of the addicted person, and may be setting the stage for a relapse episode. Signs and symptoms at this stage may include anxiety, anger, isolation, mood swings, loss of appetite, and sleep deprivation.
Mental Relapse - This is the problematic stage. Emotional triggers have begun to influence mood and behavior, and eventually the mind begins to think about using. Emotional and psychological cravings and urges are in conscious thought and "wrong thinking" takes over. Past drug use is glamorized. The thought of "one last fix", is a possibility. Isolation and secrecy are worrisome signs in this stage. These signs suggest a depth of the contemplation of resuming use and should be promptly addressed.
Physical Relapse - This is the physical act of using drugs or alcohol after a period of sobriety. Upon resuming use of the additive substance, there may be a period of heightened pleasure and a sense of well-being. The progression of the disease will become apparent, and the addict's behavior may get defensive and aggressive.

The Goal of Relapse Prevention Programs

The goal of a recovery aftercare program is to educate and train the recovering addict to identify high risk situations and triggers that endanger a path to recovery, and to understand the stages of relapse and how to avoid the danger of sabotaging recovery efforts.

Drug and alcohol treatment and prevention provide the patient with the necessary skills to detect warning signs and apply techniques to take control of the situation. Resources are utilized to reach out for help, meetings, sponsor communication, continued counseling, and various therapies such as yoga, music, or art are recommended.

Essential relapse prevention techniques:

Good nutrition
Attend counseling sessions and NA/AA meetings
Know the signs of the stages of relapse
Communicate with your family, your sponsor, and your therapist
Daily journal
Seek resources and peer groups for support
Avoid old habits, triggers, and environments

Drug treatment centers that incorporate aftercare into their treatment and aftercare programs are the best bet for successful recovery. Detoxing from drugs or alcohol, managing withdrawal, and attending to the psychological and behavioral components of addiction is only the beginning. In order to maintain sobriety and experience life-long recovery, a complete model of change that includes the benefits of relapse prevention and aftercare that is vital.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help or information please call Tulsa Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.