Living a life that is free from addiction is possible. The key is to have a solid plan in place for when those tough moments come. That’s where a relapse prevention therapy program comes in for long-term recovery. Skywood Recovery offers effective addiction therapy programs that can help clients identify their triggers and develop the skills they need to stay sober.
What Is a Relapse Prevention Therapy Program?
A relapse prevention therapy program can help people who are recovering from addiction stay on track and avoid relapse. The program typically includes group therapy, as well as education on how to identify and cope with triggers that can lead to relapse.
Relapse is a common challenge for people in recovery, and it can be difficult to overcome without professional help. A relapse prevention therapy program can provide the support and guidance you need to stay on track with your recovery goals.
How Does a Relapse Prevention Therapy Program Work?
A relapse prevention therapy program is a structured plan that can assist people in addiction and mental health recovery to stay on track with their sobriety. The program typically includes weekly meetings with a therapist, support group meetings, and other activities that can help the individual stay focused on their recovery.
How to Engage in Relapse Prevention Planning
If you are in recovery from addiction, one of the most important things you can do is to create a relapse prevention plan. This plan can help you to identify your triggers and to have a solid plan in place for how to deal with them if they arise. Here are some tips for creating relapse prevention planning:
Acknowledge Your History with Drugs and Alcohol
The first step in creating a relapse prevention plan is to take a step back and look at your history with drugs and alcohol. What led you to use it in the first place? What were the circumstances surrounding your use?
Answering these questions can help you identify your triggers—the things that make you want to use drugs or drink again. Once you know your triggers, you can create a plan to avoid them.
Know Your Warning Signs
The second step is to know your warning signs. These are the early signs that you’re starting to slip and that a relapse might be on the horizon. Some common warning signs include:
- Spending more time alone
- Isolating yourself from friends and family
- Stopping or skipping meetings
- Falling behind on your goals
- Exposure to drugs or alcohol
If you start to notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to take action right away. The sooner you catch them, the easier it can be to prevent a relapse.
Create a Coping Plan
The third step is to create a coping plan. This is a plan for what you’ll do when you’re faced with a trigger or a warning sign. Your coping plan might include things like:
- Calling your sponsor
- Going to a meeting
- Talking to a therapist
- Exercising
- Journaling
- Spending time with sober friends
It’s important to have a few different options in your coping plan so that you can choose the most effective support for you at the moment.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The fourth and final step is to practice, practice, practice. Just like anything else, it takes time and effort to create a new habit. The more you practice your coping skills, the easier it may be to use them when you need them.
A good way to practice is to role-play different situations with a friend or family member. This can make you feel more prepared and confident in your ability to cope with triggers and warning signs.
If you’re struggling with addiction, a relapse prevention plan can be a valuable tool. By understanding your triggers and warning signs, you can create a plan to assist you stay on track in your recovery.
Learn More About Relapse Prevention Planning at Skywood Recovery
If you’re interested in learning more about relapse prevention planning, we encourage you to reach out to Skywood Recovery. We offer a variety of addiction and mental health recovery services, including group therapy, education, and support.
Contact us today at 269.280.4673 to learn how we can help you achieve your recovery goals.