It doesn’t matter what type of drug addiction you have overcome, there will always be questions about the future. Most importantly: what can you do to lessen the chance of going down the same path?
On the surface, avoiding a relapse sounds easy enough. But once your time in treatment comes to an end, once you are back on your own, things are not always this simple. Challenges will arise, many of which could have you questioning what you should and should not be doing.
Why Create a Relapse Prevention Plan?
You put a lot of time and energy into overcoming your addiction. You are finally in a good place, and the last thing you want to think about is making a mistake that sets you back.
This is why you need a relapse prevention plan. With this type of plan in place, you will have the guidance you require to stay the course, remaining sober no matter what comes up.
Here is why you should create a plan:
- Know what to expect. Even though everybody is different, most people who beat an addiction eventually think about going back to their old ways. You need to realize that this is a possibility. When you know what to expect, you can hedge it off before it becomes a real problem.
- Know how to deal with these feelings. It is one thing to know what to expect. It is another thing entirely to deal with the situation in the appropriate manner. Your relapse prevention plan will provide you with guidance on how to deal with cravings and other similar concerns.
- Know who to turn to. Just the same as beating your addiction, there are people who can help you prevent relapse. These people, such as counselors and therapists, can help you better understand your situation and how to remain in a good place.
A counselor or therapist can be instrumental in preventing relapse.
A relapse prevention plan has one primary goal: to help you avoid another problem with drugs and/or alcohol. If you are leaving an addiction treatment facility in the near future, speak with your team about creating a plan you can follow once you are on your own. During this time, you can ask key questions about relapse, including how to deal with any serious situations that arise.
You are not required to create a relapse prevention plan following addiction treatment, but it can definitely work in your favor.
