The recovery journey is long and does not end once you complete treatment. Maintaining long-term sobriety requires effort and dedication. When clients leave their inpatient program and move to a sober living facility or return home, it is an especially vulnerable time in their recovery. Individuals often face new challenges as they adjust to a newly sober lifestyle. We provide a relapse prevention program to help people avoid relapses in the early stages of their recovery journey. At Rise Above Treatment, our trained staff works with clients to create a relapse prevention plan to help them succeed in their recovery.
What Is a Relapse Prevention Plan?
A relapse prevention plan is a detailed discharge document that clients create in collaboration with their sponsors and therapists. It outlines strategies and resources to help individuals transition from inpatient rehab to sober living after treatment. The plan is a living document that can be altered and added to as clients adjust to the post-rehab stage of their recovery. Leaving treatment and returning home can be challenging, and relapse becomes a more significant concern. A relapse prevention plan is created to help individuals adjust easier and provide them with resources and support to maintain lasting recovery.
Examples of a Relapse Prevention Plan
In a relapse prevention plan, individuals identify their personal goals, triggers, healthy coping strategies, daily routine, and healthy support systems. Below are three examples of a relapse prevention plan.
Example 1
- Personal goals
- Restore relationships with friends and family
- Find stable employment
- Addiction triggers
- Trouble with a partner or home life
- Social gatherings where drugs or alcohol are present
- Healthy coping strategies
- Keeping a journal
- Practicing mindfulness
- Daily routine
- Exercising three to five days a week
- Eating healthy and balanced meals
- Going to bed at a reasonable hour each night
- Healthy support system
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- Group therapy members
- Mentor or sponsor
Example 2
- Personal goals
- Move into a sober living center
- Improve physical fitness and overall health
- Addiction triggers
- Financial or work-related stress
- Boredom
- Healthy coping strategies
- Finding new hobbies and things you enjoy, like baking or sports
- Practicing meditation
- Daily routine
- Meditating each morning
- Going for a 30-minute walk at least five days a week
- Attending weekly therapy sessions
- Healthy support system
- Sober friends
- Substance abuse treatment providers
Example 3
- Personal goals
- Maintain a healthy and positive mindset
- Becoming financially independent and stable
- Addiction triggers
- Spending time with old friends who abuse substances
- Times of celebrations
- Healthy coping strategies
- Deep breathing exercises
- Exercising
- Daily routine
- Eating well and drinking enough water
- Going to the gym four times a week
- Call friends and family each week to maintain healthy relationships
- Healthy support systems
- Supportive family members
- 12-step program peers
Each of these examples of a relapse prevention plan demonstrates what a client might focus on as they transition from rehab to the next stage of their recovery. They may edit their strategy to accommodate their needs and circumstances as they progress. Each client’s relapse prevention plan will be unique to them and their situation after treatment. These examples are meant to provide you with an idea of what to expect and how to craft your own relapse prevention plan.
Creating a Relapse Prevention Plan at Rise Above Treatment
The above examples of a relapse prevention plan are simplified versions of what your plan may look like. Because everyone’s experiences with addiction and treatment differ, their plan will be more specific to address their concerns. Learning to live a sober life takes time and planning. Creating a relapse prevention plan can make adapting to long-term recovery easier and instill more confidence in individuals, as they know they have support and resources to help them. Call Rise Above Treatment at (877) 641-0717 to learn more about relapse prevention plans.
