One study (Wright et al., 2000) explored panic disorder, two studies (Lucock et al., 2018, 2021) focussed on depression and the additional resources did not specify whether they focussed on anxiety or depression alone or both. Two studies exploring the Self-Management after Therapy (SMArT) intervention (Lucock et al., 2018, 2021) reported qualitative findings derived from interviews. One of the best ways to do this is by following a technique called the relapse prevention plan. A relapse prevention plan is a system that outlines the steps the recovering drug abuser will take to avoid recidivism and the measures to be taken if recidivism does occur. This is an effective way to avoid contact with potential triggers and avoid spiraling back into full recidivism in the event of a slip-up. This plan should be written down and reviewed regularly as one passes through the various stages of recovery.
What’s Included in a Relapse Prevention Plan
- Relapse prevention and other treatment strategies may consider the person’s environment, level of motivation, severity of their addiction, co-occurring medical and mental health conditions, and other factors, too.
- By paying attention to the cue or reminder, we can begin to respond with new routines.
- This could include avoiding friends and family, not caring for yourself, or not attending therapy or support groups.
A person may make a plan to prevent this with support from a healthcare professional. In addition to establishing a relapse prevention plan, individuals with a substance use disorder should have a treatment plan in place. Treatment could include individual therapy, group therapy, such as AA meetings, and/or psychiatry, said Gottlich.
Create an Action Plan
Reviewing your journal can visualize how far you’ve come and remind you why you started this journey. Before communicating with others, take time to understand your own needs and boundaries. Being clear about these will help you articulate them more effectively to others. Healthcare professionals typically use terms, such as “returning to using” or “reoccurrence of use,” to describe when a person in recovery from substance use disorder returns to using a substance they have abstained from using. Recovering from physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms as a result of AUD or SUD is not a quick or easy process and learning to manage the desire to use takes time. Signs of emotional relapse include isolation, not attending meetings (or not sharing in meetings), focusing on other people’s problems, and poor sleeping or eating habits.
- The high rates of relapse following different psychological interventions demonstrates the need for preventative approaches to tackle the challenges of relapse and recurrence which prevent long-term recovery.
- It helps you break free from unhelpful thought patterns and focus on healthier alternatives for managing stress.
- Additionally, consider joining a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
- With a strong support network by your side, you’ll have a better chance of overcoming challenges and staying on track.
- Patients treated for substance use disorder often fall back to their old addictive habits, which becomes a source of frustration for them and their families.
You deserve excellent care and a rewarding life in recovery.
When a person’s self-efficacy is low, they may have a hard time believing in their ability to maintain sobriety. A relapse may look different for each person, depending on how much they use and the circumstances surrounding the relapse. The more committed you are to the process, the more likely you’ll be to succeed.
The SMArT (Self-Management after Therapy) intervention described in both publications by Lucock et al. (2018, 2021) explored the same relapse prevention intervention for depression but with different participants. It involved creating up to five different implementation intentions unique to each participant, decided collaboratively with a psychological wellbeing practitioner during a face-to-face session up to 4 weeks following discharge. Using’ if-then’ statements, these implementation intentions linked any situation relapse prevention skills (i.e., an internal or external cue) to a response, such as a behaviour, feeling or cognition, and accompanied any relapse prevention plan discussed during therapy. Additionally, the intervention involved using diary sheets to monitor the usage of implementation intentions and any issues that occurred. Participants also received three monthly telephone support calls from a practitioner following end of treatment. Various pharmacological and psychological treatments are available for depression and anxiety.
Implementing Your Plan
Lastly, ongoing monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans ensure adaptability to patients’ needs. If you’re struggling to cope with a relapse on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist, counselor, or addiction specialist can provide guidance, support, and personalized strategies for managing cravings and maintaining sobriety. After experiencing a relapse, it’s important to avoid being too hard on yourself. Access a reliable friend, family member, or support group therapy sessions to share what you’re going through.
Understand personal triggers
