Addiction Relapse Prevention Tips

Addiction Relapse Prevention Tips
We Can HELP You
1-877-345-8494

Drug addiction relapse is a return-to-the-substance behavior after a period of abstinence. The process begins even before the actual taking of the drug itself. The person may have thoughts on resuming the addiction once again. Some of the signs of an impending relapse include hanging around with friends who were users, acknowledging thoughts and discussions on the drug, neglecting support system and the feeling of being cured.

Reasons for Relapse into Drug Abuse

There are a lot of reasons for drug addiction relapse such as negative emotional states (anger, trauma, stress, and sadness), strong urges/temptations, avoiding withdrawal symptoms, conflict with others, testing personal control and peer/social pressure.

Relapse prevention is the ultimate key to a successful recovery from an alcohol or drug addiction. An important thing that you should bear in mind is that drug relapse is not a treatment failure. Rather than submitting to the substance itself once again, you can still get back on track as soon as you can.

How to Avoid Drug Relapse Problems

Here are some drug addiction relapse advices that can be very helpful for you or for a loved one:

  • Attend a long term drug rehabilitation program. A longer treatment often provides a stronger foundation to work with and includes counseling, learning about addiction and ways for a client to stay sober.
  • Manage to get a support group. An individual’s support system can come from family, friends, team mates, work colleagues, clergy and staff from the inpatient drug rehab previously attended. Do not hesitate to communicate problems and ask for help from people you trust. Try to focus more on finding the solutions to your problems rather than dwelling on the problem itself.
  • Stay away from your ‘drug associates’. Individuals who have just completed a drug addiction rehab program make the mistake of going out with friends who still are considered to be drug abusers. Keep yourself away from the negative influences of your sobriety.
  • Be a part of drug free groups and other activities. Keep yourself preoccupied with church activities, a sport or hobby, and get involved with several community organizations. These can keep you busy and productive at the same time.
  • As much as possible, keep away from bars and nightclubs. These places often have high incidences of substance abuse and can be very dangerous to a person who is trying to build a new life without the influence of alcohol and drugs.
  • Avoid the use of prescription drugs that have the potential to be abused in the long run. Medications with abuse potential can include pain killers, sleeping pills, anxiolytics, antipsychotics and antidepressant drugs. Consult your doctor or specialist before taking one of those. Ask for a drug free alternative treatment if possible.
  • Maintain a good & healthy lifestyle. Get enough sleep, exercise and improve your eating habits. These are some of the things that can make you feel good and better your chances for keeping away from drug addiction’s hold.
  • Keep a hotline number of a local support group for you to reach them if you think you are about to relapse.

Probably the most important thing is to be honest with yourself, acknowledge the relapse and submit yourself to a drug addiction rehab once more.