Relapse Prevention Programs in Albuquerque – (505) 910-4420
Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque understands that relapses are often part of the process of recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Like any chronic condition, individuals must learn to manage their disease, and relapses are as common in addiction as they are in any other illness. Treatment programs at Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque incorporates relapse prevention training to reduce the risk of relapse and minimize the damage when relapses do occur.
Understanding Relapses
Relapses are incidents of falling back into drug or alcohol use after an individual is in recovery. Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque understands many circumstances can occur that lead to a relapse. Difficult emotional events or high stress can cause individuals to return to substance use for relief. However, people working with Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque can learn to recognize the warning signs that indicate a relapse is imminent by understanding the three stages of relapse:
- 1st stage, Emotional relapse In this stage, the negative emotions that lead to relapse begin to build up, and the individual feels an increase in stress levels.
- 2nd stage, Mental relapse Next, the individual begins to think fondly of past substance-using days and begins to plan using the substance or seeing people associated with the substance use.
- 3rd stage, Physical relapse The individual physically seeks out the pusher or drives to the liquor store, actually engaging in the relapse.
Importance of Relapse Prevention Training
Relapse prevention educates patients in the circumstances under which relapses occur and the signs of an imminent relapse. Each individual is encouraged to recognize their own unique “triggers” that may cause a relapse, such as associating with certain people or going to certain places. Patients are then taught practical techniques they can implement when a relapse event occurs. If they are not able to stop the relapse, they can learn ways to minimize the damage, so they can continue their recovery efforts.
Relapse Prevention Techniques
Effective treatment programs help patients develop tools to deal with inevitable relapse before they occur. These skills include:
- Continued therapy after the program has ended on an ongoing basis
- Attendance at support groups for encouragement and practical advice
- Developing healthy relationships with people who are drug and alcohol free
- Eating a healthy diet and getting sufficient sleep . Regular exercise to deal with stress . Engaging in satisfying hobbies . Using deep breathing, meditation or other methods to ride out cravings
Relapse and Recovery
Addiction experts warn that relapses are often part of the process of recovery, until the individual learns the proper techniques to manage cravings and control stress. Individuals should not consider a relapse as a failure of their treatment program. A lapse can best be seen as a relapse of a chronic illness, one that encourages the individuals to learn more about their disease and how to avoid setbacks that are likely to occur.
Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque can help addicts learn the techniques that can prevent relapses and help them maintain a sober lifestyle. Learn more about relapse prevention and treatment by calling us at (505) 910-4420.
