woman meets with therapist for relapse prevention therapyRelapse prevention therapy should always be an integral part of the recovery plan in an addiction treatment program. Relapse is the reoccurrence of addictive behaviors that you sought treatment for. Research has shown that between 40% and 60% of addiction treatment patients experience a relapse during the first year of treatment. However, that does not represent everyone who has successfully completed their treatment programs.

Addiction causes the brain to release certain chemicals that cause the body to continually crave the substance of addiction and eventually lead to relapse. While addiction treatment occurs over a specific period, effective management of the newfound recovery is a lifelong engagement. This is why relapse prevention therapy is quite essential.

According to research, Relapse prevention therapy (RPT) is a cognitive behavioral therapy that seeks to limit and prevent relapses in a patient by helping the participant to envisage situations that can prompt a relapse. At Ethan Crossing of Cleveland, we offer the best addiction therapy programs for your individual treatment needs. Our relapse prevention program helps you to develop strategies to cope with a relapse situation in advance. Contact us via our secure online form or call us at 855.967.2436 to learn more.

The Potential Causes of Relapse

Unfortunately, many cases of relapse could have been prevented if appropriate measures had been in place. It is vital to identify relapse symptoms quickly. Specific issues should receive treatment promptly, and the top on the chart are cravings and triggers. For every person that falls into addiction, there is always a craving for the addictive substance that never goes away.

Cravings often indicate striking and emotionally driven memories that the person associates with the pleasurable effect that they once derived from the substance of choice. These feelings are compelling forces that contribute to the continuation of substance abuse. These triggers are neurochemical events in the brain that are experienced as overpowering urges to continue the drug of choice. Thus, triggers often lead to cravings.

There are different types of triggers that may indicate a potential relapse, and they differ with individuals. Some common triggers include:

  • High-risk situations like hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness (HALT)
  • Stress
  • Negative emotions like sadness
  • Overconfidence
  • Mental or physical illness
  • Sex and relationships
  • Social isolation
  • Places where the drug of choice is readily available
  • Poor self-care
  • Reminiscing about past drug use

In such cases, it’s vital to seek immediate support from an addiction treatment program.

Why Is Relapse Prevention Therapy Important?

Aftercare for a patient just coming out of an addiction recovery program is as important as the treatment itself. Relapse prevention therapy arms newly sober individuals with the possible outcomes of the new life they are venturing into. The individuals will learn how to cope with this new life (cravings and triggers) and the knowledge and self-confidence to live out their normal life without fear of relapse.

While there are different approaches to relapse prevention therapy, the most effective approaches are:

  1. Coping skills: These are therapy sessions that seek to identify high-risk situations and how to deal with them without relapsing. Part of coping skills training includes how to identify triggers in the various forms they can appear, such as thoughts, places, and emotions.
  2. Clinical therapy: This session focuses on understanding the process and consequences of relapse.
  3. Change of lifestyle: This encourages treatment ahead of relapse and a moderated lifestyle.

With the help of relapse prevention, many people are able to stay sober for more extended periods of time.

Learn More at Ethan Crossing of Cleveland

Are you looking for the best relapse prevention therapy near Euclid? Ethan Crossing of Cleveland offers the best relapse prevention therapy in the area. We will teach you the basic skills that you need on your aftercare journey. Our full continuum care from detox to aftercare promotes long-term recovery. We offer treatment for all substances in a state-of-the-art facility with a comfortable non-hospital setting. Some of our programs and services include:

  • Detox programs
  • Men’s rehab
  • Women’s rehab
  • Residential treatment program
  • Partial hospitalization program

We also offer individual, group, and family therapies. It is our goal to inspire hope, restore peace of mind, and heal lives. Take the first step to full recovery today. Reach us online or call us at 855.967.2436 and let us help you get back to your full life!