Drug and alcohol rehabilitation is a process of moving from active use to active sobriety. Clients typically move through several stages, from impaired awareness to taking personal responsibility to maintain sobriety. Clients are not encouraged to think of rehabilitation as the end of treatment, but rather the beginning. One of the insights gained through rehabilitation is the ongoing risk of relapse. This insight can serve a powerful purpose as it keeps the client aware of the need to be active and vigilant against the addiction.
Avoiding Relapse
Step 1
Stick to the relapse-prevention plan created in the rehabilitation program. This is likely the most important step. This plan was created based on individual factors identified in treatment.
Step 2
Control the environmental stimuli to use alcohol and drugs. These "triggers" increase the risk of use through easier access to the substances of choice. Avoid these triggers, such as socializing with others who use and going to places where use is tolerated or accepted.
Step 3
Manage stress on a daily basis. Feeling overwhelmed or "stressed-out" increases the likelihood of a relapse. Sobriety maintenance requires the client to be pro-active in setting up time on a daily basis to reduce stress. It is also important to practice sound decision-making and conflict-resolution skills to avoid as much stress as possible.
Step 4
Give yourself regular rewards. Sobriety is very hard work, and if you do not acknowledge this, the effort is not reinforced. Rewards become an essential component of sobriety. Rewards can range from simple self-statements about success to buying yourself a special gift.
Step 5
Seek support from friends, family and addiction-recovery groups such as AA or NA. After rehabilitation do not expect the cravings for drugs or alcohol to go away. Instead, expect to experience cravings, so create a support network you can turn to for help during difficult times.
Step 6
Seek either professional or nonprofessional assistance to enhance motivation. Immediately after rehabilitation, motivation is typically very high, but it begins to wane as the challenges of daily life reappear and the opportunity for use arises. Periodic motivation enhancement can keep your efforts focused.
Step 7
Be honest with yourself and others about your cravings or lapses. The best way to have a relapse is to keep secrets about what you are experiencing. Don't expect rehabilitation to get rid of cravings or the desire to use. Instead, expect it only to help you understand how you can break the cycle of use. Admit lapses in your sobriety to yourself and supportive people. Small "slips" indicate that the cycle of use has been activated. Honesty will force you to confront the insidious nature of addiction, raising your vigilance.
References
- "Treating Alcohol and Drug Problems in Psychotherapy Practice: Doing What Works"; Arnold M. Washton, Ph.D., & Joan E. Zweben Ph.D.; 2008.
- "Overcoming Your Alcohol or Drug Problem: Effective Recovery Strategies"; Dennis C. Daley & G. Alan Marlatt; 2006
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
