Relapse Prevention in Laredo, TX
Relapse prevention refers to the steps or techniques that an addict uses to ensure that they don't go back to their addictive behaviors. Relapse prevention in Laredo generally involves support from a strong network of friends, family members, community leaders (e.g., pastors) and drug relapse prevention professionals, such as therapists. Addiction specialists usually include relapse prevention as part of a larger recovery plan, implementing it after a successful detox period. It is used in every type of recovery treatment, including inpatient, residential and outpatient.
Relapse prevention programs are not one size fits all, with counselors using a range of tools and methods to keep addicts sober. But it's common for relapse prevention in Laredo to include options such as
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Group meetings
- Motivational incentives
- Medications (to suppress cravings)
- Setting career, educational and other personal goals that keep your mind engaged
- Stress-reduction activities (e.g., meditation)
- Working on relationships
- Educating others about addiction
- Identifying high-risk situations
- Balancing/shifting your lifestyle
- Coming up with urge-management/stimulus control techniques
- Improving independence and offering opportunities that boost self-esteem
Your recovery team will work with you to determine exactly which options are likely to have the most benefit for you. But ideally, relapse prevention programs work under the premise that treatment has to address you as a whole person.
Relapse Statistics Amongst Addicts and Alcoholics
Relapse rates for drug and alcohol addiction are somewhat difficult to nail down, especially because they change based on the number of risk factors involved, the drug and alcohol treatment programs in Laredo used (e.g., inpatient) and the time that's elapsed since initial treatment. The substance also matters:
- Narcotics--39%
- Hallucinogens--46%
- Inhalants--46%
- Cocaine--55%
- Marijuana--79%
- Crack--84%
- Alcohol--86%
- Heroin--87%
- Opiates/Painkillers--97%
Overall, experts believe that somewhere between 40 to 60 percent of substance abusers end up using again. And 61 percent of those who relapse will do so more than once. But as the National Institute on Drug Abuse points out, the overall relapse rate is similar to other chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension and asthma. They assert that relapses do not mean that treatment has failed, but rather that you're experiencing circumstances that require treatment adjustments.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Relapse
Good relapse prevention in Laredo involves awareness of relapse warning signs and symptoms, which enables you to seek additional support or make treatment changes to stay sober. Warning signs and symptoms can include
- Stopping activities or removing tools meant to deter your substance abuse, such as attending therapy or support group meetings
- Romanticizing the life you had when you were using
- Exhibiting behaviors you did when you were using, even without the substance, including extreme defensiveness
- Seeking friends you had when you were using while letting other social relationships break down
- You start thinking "just one" couldn't hurt and won't lead you back to addiction
- Losing interest in hobbies and activities
- Loss of belief in your recovery program
- Slipping out of daily routines
- Compulsive behaviors emerge
- Unrealistic expectations
- Trouble working through emotions
Stress, cues linked to the drug experience and exposure to the drug are the most common relapse triggers.
Stages of Relapse
There are three major stages of relapse:
Emotional relapse -- Your feelings become difficult to manage. You might feel angry, isolated, moody or anxious. Changes in sleep and appetite are common among mental disorders as well, necessitating dual diagnosis treatment in Laredo. Common signs during this stage include:
- Bottling emotions, including not sharing at meetings or in therapy
- Isolating yourself, including not attending meetings or therapy
- Focusing on others and their problems
Mental relapse -- Because of the feelings that emerge with emotional relapse, you try to mentally justify using again. Mental relapse makes it very easy to move forward and use again. You might experience:
- Cravings
- Looking for or planning ways to use
- Minimizing drug use consequences
- Lying
- Bargaining
- Thinking about people, places and things associated with your previous use, especially in a glamorizing way
Physical relapse -- Actually using alcohol or drugs again because you want to feel better and have mentally justified it.
Most professionals who offer relapse prevention in Laredo stress that early recognition of relapse stages will improve the odds you get additional help to stay clean. And if you are in any of the above stages, don't give up. One mistake doesn't have to lock you into a pattern. Talk to someone you trust, whether it's a friend, sponsor or family member, to unravel what is happening and what you can change to ensure it doesn't happen again. Call us now at (877) 804-1531.