Relapse prevention is a long-term strategy to help an individual maintain alcohol and drug abstinence. This process starts with a thorough assessment of potential trigger situations. It also includes identifying the emotional states and thought patterns that lead to a substance use disorder. Often, this is an introspective process that can be guided by a therapist.
The clinician and patient then develop strategies, both cognitive (related to thinking) and behavioral, to avoid these high-risk situations. This includes avoiding people, places and things that could lead to drinking or using drugs. It also includes ensuring that someone has a support system they can call on if they are feeling triggered, like family members or a 24-hour alcohol and drug information and counselling service.
It is also important to identify the times of year or specific events that have historically been a risk for relapse, such as anniversaries and birthdays. In addition, a person in recovery should have a plan in place for dealing with cravings. This can be as simple as writing down a list of people they can call if they experience a craving, as well as a list of activities that will distract them from the cravings (e.g., attending a sober support meeting, calling a friend or taking a walk).
A person in recovery will also be encouraged to find sober activities that make them feel good, such as exercise or engaging in a hobby. They will be taught coping behaviors that help manage anxiety, such as deep breathing or meditation. This will help them to deal with the feelings that may come up when a craving occurs and prevent them from spiraling into the addictive behaviours they used to use in the past.
During treatment, the individual will also be educated on the negative consequences of their former addiction, including relationship issues, legal issues and health problems. Having a clear understanding of the damage their addiction caused in their life can provide motivation to not go back to that old lifestyle.
In addition to developing relapse prevention skills during treatment, many addicts will participate in ongoing aftercare programs or recovery meetings years after their treatment has finished. These groups can be a great source of support in early recovery, and there are meetings all over the world.
Some recovery professionals also utilize tools such as urine or breathalyzer testing to verify abstinence. This can be particularly helpful for those who have a medically supervised substance use disorder, such as methadone or buprenorphine. In these cases, the individual will need to have their drug screens done regularly in order to continue receiving the prescribed medication. Having to undergo these regular drug tests can act as an effective deterrent against relapse because the individuals know they will be subject to random testing. This type of monitoring is also utilized in contingency management programs for some people who are receiving outpatient treatment with medications, such as a maintenance dose of opioids or methadone.
