When one recovers from a substance use disorder, it is important to stay aware of how drugs and alcohol influence their actions and decisions. Relapse prevention in addiction treatment is a way to help people remain aware of changes in their life that can lead to drug or alcohol use or pressure them to engage in addictive behaviors again. Staying focused on making positive changes can help one remain sober. To find relapse prevention in LA, the Nook Sober Living can help.
The Nook provides comprehensive sober living in Los Angeles, with case management and clinical services.
Relapse prevention focuses on several new methods to ensure that individuals are less likely to relapse into any substance use or risky behaviors after leaving a treatment program.
If you know anyone who struggles with alcohol or substance abuse relapse and lives in LA, encourage them to book an appointment with us at The Nook in Los Angeles. Our team of dedicated staff members would ensure the safety and recovery of all residents.
What Causes People to Relapse?
While relapse may be common in the recovery process, it doesn’t mean that treatment was ineffective or that the person will not be able to overcome their addiction. The truth is that drug and alcohol addiction is an extremely strong habit, and it takes time to break it.
Some people recover from addiction after only one attempt, while others spend years trying before succeeding. In any case, there are numerous reasons why people relapse and also steps that can be taken to defend against relapsing. Some reasons why people relapse include;
Isolation
Recovery requires that people take time to focus on themselves, look inward and find new ways to enjoy life. Sometimes, this means practicing radical self-care or creating a new routine that breaks the monotony of everyday life that could lead to relapse. These healthy habits include meditation exercises, exercise classes, volunteering, or working through a recovery program at a local addiction center.
Lack of Support
Losing a support system after being in treatment is one of the biggest triggers for relapse. The person needs to have a strong support system in place during recovery. If people do not maintain balance, they may return to dysfunctional family dynamics and continue with addictive behaviors.
Pride and Over Confidence
Pride and overconfidence are both obstacles to staying sober. People new to recovery may feel great about themselves because of their progress, but this false sense of self-worth can lead to a relapse.
It is a common misconception that once one has avoided a relapse, they are no longer susceptible to re-exposing themselves to alcohol or drugs. This is not the case; relapse can happen even under the best circumstances.
Mental Health Challenges
Besides dealing with a substance use disorder, people with mental health disorders also have an increased risk of relapsing into drug use. Dual diagnosis treatment is needed. Otherwise, there is a greater likelihood that a person will relapse. Dual diagnosis can also help properly manage anxiety, insomnia, depression, and PTSD symptoms.
Stress
Another factor that contributes to relapse is exhaustion. Sleep deprivation frequently leads to self-neglect, making a person more susceptible to relapse. Recovery is a daily effort that necessitates a focus on healthy living. When someone is tired and unable to use all of their senses, they are less likely to use the techniques they acquired during treatment.
How Do Many People Relapse?
Many people feel that their journey is over once they complete a rehab program. However, managing their newfound recovery successfully is a lifelong journey. Addiction changes the brain by exposing it to chemicals that it then continues to crave; this is why a remarkable percentage of people relapse.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “relapse rates for addiction are similar to those of other chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.” According to studies, 40 to 60 percent of persons suffering from addiction will relapse.
How to Prevent a Relapse
Just as there are causes of relapse during rehabilitation from any form of addiction, there are also steps that one could take to prevent substance abuse relapse from happening. We would look at some of them in this article. Keep reading to find out more.
Avoid Triggers
To effectively prevent a relapse, the individual going through the rehab process and the family members should understand the events, places, people, and activities that can trigger a relapse.
This would make it easier to find healthy coping mechanisms that they can turn to when unavoidably in these triggering situations with the help of family members.
Build a Strong Support System
When undergoing addiction treatment, it is not uncommon for people to feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about their struggles or ask for help when needed. However, it is essential to speak up and ask for assistance from those around them so they can also help keep them on the right track if/when they relapse.
Family and friends can help provide positive encouragement that would help them cope with and eventually overcome their addiction.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising daily, even if not beyond routine walking, can be very beneficial. Exercise has been proven to be effective in reducing stress, improving memory, enhancing sleep, and is also a good mood booster.
How to Find Relapse Prevention in LA
One of the best ways to prevent a relapse is by joining a support group, where others with similar addiction issues come together to discuss their recovery journey and encourage each other. These meetings could prevent relapse by encouraging a person who perhaps thought about giving in to addiction once again to keep fighting.
Thankfully, The Nook, a sober living home for men in Los Angeles, aims to provide a personalized and accessible approach to relapse prevention in addiction recovery for men and women who live in LA and struggle with any form of alcohol or substance abuse. We are dedicated to helping you live your best life. Reach out to us today and get the best, well-balanced, and most efficient treatment possible that meets your specific needs.