Relapse Prevention Programs in Joliet, IL
The problem of relapse is a serious concern for Joliet Drug Rehab Centers. The psychology and behaviors involved in addiction can last for many years after treatment and can cause individuals to fall back into substance use, undermining their efforts. Joliet Drug Rehab Centers offers effective relapse prevention programs that help individuals in recovery maintain their sobriety over the long term.
How Do Relapses Occur?
The habits and thought patterns that occur in addiction are complex and deeply ingrained. Even when the individual is no longer physically dependent on the substance, certain psychologies and tendencies may still put them at risk for relapse. This reaction happens because of the altered brain chemistry that occurs with addiction. The reward centers of the brain come to expect the substance “payoff” and so implement certain activities to get to that payoff. Dealing with addiction is learning to manage the impulses and thought patterns before they lead to a relapse into substance use. That is why relapse prevention programs are so important.
Stages of Relapse and Relapse Prevention
Addiction experts note that relapse appears to occur in separate stages. These stages can give warning to the individual and can allow them the opportunity to apply remedies to prevent the relapse or to minimize the effects if it occurs.
- Emotional relapse – In this stage, the individual experiences a buildup of frustration, anger or upset that leaves them vulnerable to returning to substance use.
- Mental relapse – In this stage, individuals may begin to glamorize old incidents of substance use or think fondly of people with whom they shared substance-using experiences.
- Physical relapse – In this stage, the individual actively drives to the liquor store or goes to find the pusher.
How Relapse Prevention Programs Can Help
Relapse prevention programs provide practical strategies on how to recognize the people, places and circumstances that are associated with substance use that can trigger a relapse. In addition, prevention training also includes learning to recognize the increasing emotional stress that can lead to a relapse incident. Individuals who are successful in their addiction recovery efforts are those who are able to manage these incidents without falling back into drug or alcohol use.
Techniques to Prevent Relapse
Individuals can stop a relapse incident in its tracks by applying certain techniques that distract the mind’s focus and change the brain chemistry. These include:
- Going to therapy
- Vigorous exercise that releases beneficial brain chemicals
- Engaging in an absorbing hobby
- Going to a support group meeting for encouragement
- Eating well and getting a good night’s sleep
- Spending time with non-using friends and peers
- Learning meditation and deep breathing techniques that help individuals ride out intense cravings
Relapse Is Not A Failure
The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that relapses after substance abuse treatment occur at about the same rate as they do in any other chronic disease. A relapse is not a failure in treatment. Rather it is a reminder that addiction is a complex disease that requires management for a lifetime. Patients must learn how the disease affects them individually and must be ready to apply the appropriate treatments as needed.
If addiction and relapse have been a problem for you, contact Joliet Drug Rehab Centers at (779) 333-0829 to learn more about relapse prevention programs.
