A relapse prevention plan helps those in sober living stay on track, ensuring that there are strategies in place to actively prevent relapse post addiction treatment. A relapse prevention plan includes learned strategies and techniques to recognize and anticipate triggers, cravings, and compromising environments that could cause you to return to substance use. A successful relapse prevention plan empowers those in sober living to put the past behind them and move forward with sober living.
Common Relapse Prevention Strategies
During your addiction treatment and sober living programs, you will learn different strategies that are tailored to your needs and personality. Common relapse prevention strategies used are:
- Healthy coping mechanisms such as journaling, music, art, and other creative outlets.
- Creating a strong support system of loved ones, friends, and sober living mentors.
- Acknowledging and being aware of triggers to avoid high-risk situations.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyles with good nutrition, sleep, and self-care.
- Seeking treatment for co-occurring disorders through therapy and other programs.
- Participate in active self-assessment to monitor thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that could put you at risk for substance use.
These are some of the more popular relapse prevention strategies people use during sober living. They are not the only strategies that can be used, and many people use a combination of several. It’s important to work with your recovery team to determine what is best for you, and adjust as needed.
Finding the Right Activities for You
Everyone is different, some people prefer to do creative activities while others prefer physical activities. It’s all about finding your balance and establishing sober activities that you can turn to instead of drugs and alcohol. Some activities we recommend include:
- Exercise
- Outdoor activities – hiking, biking, etc.
- Relapse prevention therapy or support groups
- Sober social connections
- Relaxation methods – yoga, meditation, etc.
- Creative outlets – painting, drawing, writing, music, etc.
All of these activities are easy to partake in and stay sober, and can be done alone or with others easily. Whenever you feel a craving or the urge to relapse, turn to your activities to distract and fulfill yourself.
Why You Need a Relapse Prevention Plan
A relapse prevention plan make a huge difference in your sober living experience. Research has shown that approximately 50% of people who participate in inpatient addiction treatment programs relapse within the first 12 weeks. Establishing a rehab prevention plan before you even exit treatment helps ensure you beat that statistic and stay sober. Not having a plan in place leaves you unprepared for the darker days, making you more likely to relapse and return to substance use. The team at Rise Above Treatment is equipped to help you put a relapse prevention plan in place that works and is tailored to your needs.
About Rise Above Treatment
Rise Above Treatment is a Murrieta, California based addiction treatment center that is committed to helping people recover from drug, alcohol, and other mental health concerns that are holding them back. We offer a range of services, including medical detox, residential rehab, addiction PHP, sober living options, and intensive outpatient programs. If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, visit us at riseabovetreatment.com or give us a call at (855) 948-6325 and begin your journey to recovery.
