When it comes to life after rehab, relapse is always possible. That is why a relapse prevention plan is key to maintaining long-term sobriety. Understanding the warning signs and symptoms of relapse can be essential to your recovery and ongoing success. Relapse prevention plans are designed to help you identify triggers that could lead to relapse while also providing strategies for avoiding or dealing with such situations. This may involve setting healthy boundaries, cultivating new hobbies or activities, and participating in and learning the coping skills to overcome any relapses.

If you or a loved one is in recovery, Footprints Beachside Recovery’s relapse prevention program can help. Contact us at 727-954-3908 to learn more about how to maintain a successful and sober life after rehab.

What Is a Relapse Prevention Plan?

A relapse prevention plan is a structured guide that recovering addicts can leverage to help avoid using again. These plans are designed to identify what triggers can cause relapse so those in recovery can know what to expect if they can feel a relapse approaching.

But, before you start writing your relapse prevention plan, you need to ask yourself: do you know what factors could contribute to a relapse?

Knowing the 3 Stages of Relapse

Relapse doesn’t occur overnight. There are three stages before someone reaches for a drink or their drug of choice.

Stage 1: Emotional Relapse

In this stage, you are not yet thinking about using, but your emotions and behaviors are setting you up for relapse. This can include feelings of anxiety, skipping meetings, or poor eating and sleeping habits.

Stage 2: Mental Relapse

Getting treatment help is critical in this phase. During this time, the part of you who wants to use is in direct conflict with the part of you who does not. The signs of relapse can be hanging out with old friends who use and glamorizing past drinking or drug abuse.

Stage 3: Physical Relapse

This is the act of actually relapsing and using drugs or alcohol again.

Ask Yourself: What Are Some Common Relapse Triggers?

Relapse doesn’t just happen out of nowhere. Common reasons or triggers to look out for include:

• Stress
• Negative emotions
• Anxiety
• Drug-related pressures
• Temptations
• Boredom
• Lack of support
• Unhealthy environment
• Poor self-care
• Uncomfortable feelings (i.e., hunger, anger, loneliness, feeling tired)

Triggers are different for each person, so it’s important to identify what yours are and come up with relapse prevention strategies that work for you.

Recognize Your Own Personal Warning Signs of Relapse

One of the most successful methods of preventing relapse is learning how to recognize warning signs in the various phases so you can immediately get help. If recovering addicts can recognize their triggers, they can know what to do before they are put into a situation that would allow them to potentially relapse. Developing a relapse prevention plan in early recovery can reduce the risk of using again when the opportunity arises.

How Do You Prevent Emotional Relapse?

It’s important to fight back the feeling of isolation and reach out for help. Prevention at this early stage is when you are in emotional relapse, and you recognize that your behavior is changing. Now is also the time to practice relaxation techniques and proper self-care. This includes practicing good eating habits and getting plenty of sleep.

How Do You Deal with Mental Urges and Physical Cravings to Use?

Learn how to overcome the warning signs during the mental relapse phase:

• Think it through – You cannot control your use even if you believe you can. Think through your past mistakes and realize that one drink or one use will lead to many more
• Tell someone you are having urges
• Distract yourself – Go to a meeting or find something to take your mind off using
• Wait 30 minutes – Make yourself wait before using
• Continue to make your recovery one day at a time
• Make relaxation a priority
• Have emergency contacts set up and ready to help you when you need them

What If I Relapse?

If you do physically relapse, don’t try to hide it or feel ashamed. Instead, contact your sponsor and get back into treatment as soon as possible to ensure you get back on the addiction recovery path quickly.

Develop an Effective Relapse Prevention Plan at Footprints Beachside Recovery

Setbacks are normal in recovery, but you can avoid significant pitfalls by recognizing the warning signs of relapse. A relapse prevention plan formed during your treatment is the best way to get through those difficult moments. The goal is to address these challenges before they even occur so you are equipped for any issues when you leave treatment. For more information on how we approach relapse prevention, contact us today at 727-954-3908.