Relapse Prevention in Fort Lee NJ

Relapse occurs when a person in treatment and recovery begins abusing substances again. Relapse prevention, or addiction aftercare, is a combination of programs and skills obtained by addicts to avoid triggers, stresses, and situations that might cause them to use drugs and alcohol. These programs are meant to maintain sobriety through positive reinforcement and on-going support in a sober community.

If you are interested in addiction aftercare options, and help finding treatment centers call Drug Treatment Centers Fort Lee at (877) 804-1531.

Relapse Rates

Statistics show relapse rates are quite high for some substances. Relapse prevention is an integral part of a treatment plan to help avoid a return to abuse. The first five years are most risky so a relapse prevention plan needs to be in place for at least that time.

Heroin has the highest rate for recurrent abuse at 87%, followed closely by alcohol at 86%. Highly addictive crack cocaine is at 84% and marijuana abusers relapse at a rate of 72%. Depressant drugs have a 51% sobriety failure rate, methamphetamine is at 56%, cocaine is at 55%, and PCP, inhalants and hallucinogens are at 40-46%.

Relapse is progressive, similar to the disease of substance addiction. There are stages leading to a person using drugs and alcohol after a period of sobriety. Relapse prevention plans teach abusers what the stages are and how to react if they see any of the warning signs. Getting help, once an individual recognizes the red flags and seeks help, so treatment can be administered to avoid using drugs and alcohol again.

The Purpose of Relapse Prevention Programs

Treatment centers prepare substance abusers for living a sober life by identifying and developing strategies to avoid sobriety failure.

• High risk situations: Doctors and counselors help an abuser plan behaviors to use in high risk situations. A person being back in the environment in which they used, a life crisis or a major life change are all high risk situations.
• Warning signs: Therapy is used to teach individuals about warning signs, so they are aware when they occur. Emotions like anger, resentment, feeling like a victim, fear, anxiety and thinking about using again are all warning signs to be recognized, so they can be resolved.
• Reaching out for help: Once warning signs are present or high risk situations occur, it is helpful if a person realizes that reaching out for help early is the best way to prevent an addict from using drugs and alcohol. They are encouraged to recognize that mental and physical isolation will lead to relapse if not addressed.
• Meetings: There is a rule in treatment that recommends, once leaving residential treatment, a person should do "90 meetings in 90 days" to prevent relapse. Since right after leaving a facility is the most vulnerable time for an abuser, meetings help support them to avoid relapse. Meetings are a lifelong commitment to staying sober.
• Sponsors: Sponsors are people who have addiction problems, but are maintaining their sobriety. They offer their time and experience to help others lead an addiction-free life and can offer emergency support to avoid using drugs.
• Continued counseling: People recovering from substance abuse need continued counseling to reinforce positive behaviors and uncover and resolve any underlying negative emotions.
• Therapy: Therapy, such as yoga, art, family, equine, biofeedback, acupuncture or music, help people express themselves in ways that are not verbal. These types of therapies help people relax and maintain sobriety by fostering positivity, creativity and improving overall health.

Getting on the Road to Recovery

Recovery is possible and sustainable with the right help. Reach out for assistance with your search today when you call Drug Treatment Centers Fort Lee at (877) 804-1531.