The Role of Relapse Prevention in Addiction Treatment
Relapse is defined as when an individual who has undergone a period of abstinence from drug or substance abuse returns to using a substance or drug. Approximately 40-60% of addiction patients will relapse. In addiction, relapse is not uncommon and is a very real danger for an addict. Chances of relapse are highest within the first few months after seeking treatment for addiction. What makes relapse so dangerous? After an addict has undergone a period of abstinence from substances often for their body to be less capable of handling the same amount of a substance that they could in the past. When an individual relapses it is common for them to return to using the same amount of substances as they did previously. After a period of abstinence resuming substance use of that dose is possibly deadly. Relapse does not typically happen suddenly, there are often stages associated with relapse.
Triggers of relapse include:
- Financial problems
- Health issues
- Death of a loved one
- Loss of job or problems at work
- Marriage or relationship issues
Additional triggers include:
- If an individual is not preparing for when things are likely to get difficult, they can be caught off guard. Overconfidence can be dangerous for a recovering addict.
- Depression can also be a trigger for a person in recovery.
- Self-pity is a dangerous emotion for an addict in recovery. Self-pity can remove an individuals motivation while in recovery.
- Complacency is also dangerous for a person in recovery. It is likely that a complacent individual will not put the amount of effort needed into treatment.
Relapse Prevention in an Intensive Outpatient Program
Intensive outpatient programs are able to provide those recovering from addiction with the tools needed for continued success through long-term recovery treatment. An IOP program offers patients a number of therapies used in relapse prevention include:
- 12-Step Program
- Sponsorship
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy/counseling
At Silicon Beach Outpatient our team of therapists provide patients with the tools needed to identify the warning signs of relapse. This allows them to catch themselves before it is too late. If you or someone know you is seeking relapse prevention or help with drugs or alcohol abuse, call us today at 310.846.8215.
