Returning home from rehab can be one of the most challenging parts of recovery. The transition from treatment to everyday life presents new obstacles and difficulties. During this stage of recovery, the risk of relapse becomes a concern. At Rise Above Treatment, we not only help our clients through addiction treatment but work with them to make sure they are ready for lifelong recovery. We provide a relapse prevention program to assist clients as they transition back into regular life. Relapse prevention planning is a key part of maintaining long-term recovery. At Rise Above Treatment, we work with our clients to formulate a relapse prevention plan that works for them.
What Is a Relapse Prevention Plan?
Recovery does not end once a person leaves the addiction facility. There are several ways to avoid a relapse after treatment, one of which is creating a relapse prevention plan, a detailed discharge document that clients create in close collaboration with sponsors and therapists. A relapse prevention plan presents clients with the resources they need to successfully adjust to life outside of treatment. These resources could be outpatient treatment services, partial hospitalization, or sober living.
Creating a relapse prevention plan is a collaborative process as clients meet with their therapist to identify what they need to return to regular life and stay sober. There are many benefits to creating a relapse prevention plan. Returning home can be overwhelming, but a relapse prevention plan can help clients feel more prepared.
Benefits of relapse prevention plans include:
- Identify triggers
- Increase confidence in their recovery
- Increase accountability to maintain sobriety
- Gain a better understanding of relapse itself
- Ability to recognize high-risk situations
- Set recovery and life goals
- Guidance and resources for if a relapse does occur
Relapse Prevention Plan Example
There are a series of steps involved in creating a relapse prevention plan. The steps are:
- Identify your personal goals for recovery
- Identify potential triggers and challenges to recovery
- Make a plan to improve self-care and maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Set up a proper support system
- Determine strategies to keep yourself accountable to your plan
Below is a prevention plan example:
Identify Your Personal Goals
- I want to make amends with friends and family and rebuild these relationships
- I want to improve my physical and mental health
- I want to find a job that I enjoy
Identify Potential Triggers and Challenges to Recovery
- Toxic relationships with people abusing substances
- Parties or social situations where substances are available
- Troubles with home life
Make a Plan to Improve Self-Care and Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
- Use relaxation techniques to manage stress
- Eat balanced and healthy meals
- Exercise three days a week or more
Set up a Proper Support System
- Family members
- Group therapy
- Sober friends
Determine Strategies to Keep Yourself Accountable to Your Plan
- My sobriety directly impacts my physical and mental health
- I want to be a good family member and friend
- I want to be the healthiest version of myself
The relapse prevention plan example above highlights how each plan needs to work specifically for each client. Each person has different needs and circumstances, and their relapse prevention plan must reflect that.
Relapse Prevention Planning at Rise Above Treatment
Rise Above Treatment provides many programs and services to help our clients heal and recover safely. Our treatment team offers evidence-based addiction therapy programs based on models proven to work. We tailor our programs and services for each client to ensure their specific needs are met. Leaving treatment and returning home can be challenging, but we work with clients to ensure they feel ready and confident. Reach out to us at (877) 641-0717 to learn more.
