Relapse Prevention in Longview, TX
Fighting an addiction to drugs or alcohol is one of the hardest things an average person will ever do. Once you beat your addiction, that doesn't mean that you're out of the woods though. That's where relapse prevention in Longview can help.
Relapse prevention treatment isn't something most people understand too well. Even former addicts and some counselors don't understand the true nature of relapse prevention outside of substance abuse treatment therapy in Longview.
We try to keep our community informed about relapse prevention in Longview and how relapse prevention treatment is beneficial for addicts, including warning signs and stages of relapse.
What is Relapse Prevention?
Dealing with drug addiction and getting clean and sober after years of being an addict can be extremely challenging. Keeping cravings at bay and fighting the urge to use substances can be a lifelong battle.
Relapse prevention treatment is something that takes on a variety of different forms. For many people, therapeutic settings, either within a group or alone, are a big part of the process. Others rely more on family or a combination of family and professional group or individual counseling.
Understanding what relapse really is can mean a great deal to addicts as well. Understanding warning signs, creating a prevention plan and understanding how your relationships impact your desire to use makes a difference.
Relapse prevention in Longview isn't something you can do entirely on your own. For many recently recovered addicts, getting a professional involved to help you develop a plan and learn more about relapse is essential when it comes to avoiding it.
Relapse Statistics Among Addicts and Alcoholics
Relapse prevention treatment is particularly important for addicts who don't want to slip and end up using again for a variety of reasons. The biggest reason though is the fact that relapse statistics aren't always favorable for addicts.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, relapse rates are between 40% and 60% for people who have been addicted to drugs. For individuals who are addicted to alcohol, relapse prevention treatment is especially important. That's because the relapse rate is generally higher for alcohol abuse than it is for drugs.
Relapse prevention for addiction is an important part of the puzzle for many addicts, but just because somebody does relapse doesn't mean that treatment was a failure. Drug and alcohol abuse are both viewed as long-term, chronic illnesses and issues do arise for many people.
It's how you deal with those issues that sets successful recovered addicts apart from those who end up using and abusing drugs or alcohol regularly again.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Relapse
Relapse prevention for addiction can help to improve the lives of many addicts. Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of relapse, which isn't always as simple as knowing whether you're using or not, is essential.
Warning signs and symptoms of relapse for recovering addicts include:
- Avoiding meetings, counseling or support groups. For many, this is the first step toward problematic behavior or using again.
- Isolating yourself from your support system. This could include friends, family or outside support groups you check in with regularly.
- Thinking about using drugs or alcohol again. Many people believe they can control themselves this time around, but the fact is that this is typical relapse behavior and a serious warning sign.
- Not taking care of yourself. Poor sleep, eating habits and lack of healthy habits like exercise can trigger a relapse.
- Negative feelings like anger, anxiety and intolerance. Defensive behavior and irritability are common before a relapse as well.
Stages of Relapse
Most people believe relapse only relates to using drugs or alcohol again. There are other stages of relapse that are common as well.
- Emotional relapse. This stage features anger, resentment, anxiety and other uncomfortable feelings related to stress or other problems. These feelings can lead to needing the release of using again.
- Mental relapse. This stage feels like a battle to stay sober. Many people fantasize about using again or think of ways they can control their behavior if they decide to use drugs or alcohol again.
- Physical relapse. This stage is when you begin to actively make plans to use or begin using again. Relapse prevention for addiction can help keep you from getting to this stage.
Quitting drugs and alcohol isn't something that you just do once and get over with. It is a life-long struggle that requires balancing behaviors and environments. Relapse prevention in Longview can help you stay clean and sober for good though.
Call Longview Drug Rehab Centers to speak with an addiction specialist today at (877) 804-1531.