Relapse Prevention Programs in Nashville, TN
Relapse occurs when an addicted person returns to the addictive behavior after a period of abstinence. Statistics of relapse for those suffering from addiction show that 40%-60% of recovering addicts relapse at some point. Relapse prevention is a large part of any established drug or alcohol treatment program. Relapse prevention is an all-important aspect of treatment as it equips the individual with skills that allow them to successfully negotiate life events and relationships in their new role as a recovering addict.
To find out more about the relapse prevention programs and to get help finding drug treatment centers, call Nashville Drug Treatment Centers, at (877) 804-1531.
Three Stages
Relapse occurs in stages that begin long before the physical act of relapse takes place. There are three stages; emotional, mental, and physical.
- Emotional - Emotional relapse is the initial, unconscious phase. The recovering addict has no thought or concern of relapse, but social and environmental cues are present that wear on the emotions and psychological state of the addict. These cues are setting the stage for relapse. Signs and symptoms at this stage may include anxiety, anger, isolation, mood swings, loss of appetite, and sleep deprivation.
- Mental - This is the troublesome stage of relapse. Emotional triggers have begun to influence mood and behavior, and eventually the addicted mind begins to contemplate using. Emotional urges encourage "wrong thinking." Past drug use is glamorized in the addict's thoughts. Thoughts of one last fix, or a quick fix come to mind. Isolation and concealment are worrisome signs in this stage. These signs suggest the depth of the contemplation of resuming use and should be promptly addressed.
- Physical - This stage is the physical act of relapsing to drug or alcohol use. Once use has resumed, there is a noticeable period of heightened pleasure and sense of well-being. However, the progression of the disease will quickly become apparent, and the addict's behavior may get defensive and aggressive.
Prevention Programs
The ultimate goal of these programs is successful, long-term recovery and abstinence from the drug of choice. Prevention is introduced in many of the counseling and therapy sessions. Every opportunity is taken to educate and train the recovering addict to identify high risk situations and triggers that can endanger their path to recovery, understand the stages of relapse, and know how to do to avoid the danger of self-sabotaging recovery efforts.
Treatment and prevention provide the patient with the necessary skill-set to detect warning signs and apply techniques to defuse them. Post-rehab treatment aftercare resources continually respond to the concerns of the patient and consistently remind patients to be diligent observers in their daily experience. Resources are utilized to reach out for help, meetings, sponsor communication, continued counseling, and various therapies such as yoga, music, or art therapy are recommended.
Intervention After Relapse
Statistics show that a percentage of recovering addicts will relapse post-treatment. Intervention after a relapse episode should be promptly addressed through lapse management. Lapse management is a strategic program that focuses on quickly ending the episode, and the immediate effects, in order to avoid an uncontrolled relapse event.
Other strategic programs that serve to manage a relapse episode include: cognitive restructuring, application of self-control strategies, and stimulus control techniques. The overall focus of intervention after relapse is to arrest the behavior and get the patient into their aftercare counselor as soon as possible to immediately contain the situation, assist the patient in understand their relapse and the foundation of the event, and get them back on track with their recovery.