Addiction recovery is life-long. Unfortunately, many people who receive addiction treatment relapse. Research suggests about 40-60% of people treated for substance use disorders relapse. This is why being proactive and knowing how to create a relapse prevention plan so you know what to do when you are faced with triggers in everyday life is important. In this article, you’ll learn more about how to create a relapse prevention plan so you can maintain long-lasting sobriety.
At Outpatient LA, we are a premier outpatient drug rehab committed to helping clients safely overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. We understand that addiction recovery is a life-long journey filled with many ups and downs. That’s why our outpatient drug and alcohol rehab is committed to providing clients with the tailored support they need to feel equipped to maintain long-lasting sobriety. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your recovery journey.
4 Steps to Create a Relapse Prevention Plan
A relapse prevention plan offers a specific resource you can use to avoid triggers and know exactly what to say or do when you are faced with triggers in everyday life.
1. Identify Your Triggers
The first step in how to create a relapse prevention plan is identifying your unique triggers. Triggers can be people, places, or situations that increase your risk of relapsing. For example, many recovering alcoholics may be triggered by being at a bar where drinking is prevalent. Therefore, by knowing this trigger, the aim is that you avoid it so you can reduce your overall risk of relapsing. Otherwise, being exposed to triggers makes the temptation to fall back into unhealthy habits that much greater.
2. Set Coping Strategies to Manage Cravings & Urges to Abuse Drugs
Regardless of what your unique triggers are, you will undoubtedly be faced with cravings to abuse drugs or alcohol at some point in your recovery journey. This is why it’s critical to establish healthy coping strategies you can use when you are faced with cravings. Some common coping strategies you can consider are journaling, hiking, creating art, running, and more. The goal of coping strategies is to find strategies that you can rely on to distract your mind and body from thinking about the cravings you are experiencing.
3. Avoid Triggers If Possible
After you’ve identified your triggers, it’s important to avoid your triggers as best you can. While some triggers are unavoidable, most can be avoided. The key is understanding what your triggers are ahead of time so you can be proactive in avoiding them. For instance, if you used to abuse drugs with a group of friends, it’s important to limit your interaction with those friends who also abuse drugs. While you can still support them in helping them overcome addiction, you don’t want to put yourself and your own sobriety at risk.
4. Set a Plan for What to Do When Faced with Triggers
Some triggers are unavoidable. Therefore, you need to set a plan for what you will do when you are faced with triggers and urges to abuse drugs and alcohol. While you’ll have your coping strategies in place, sometimes triggers are immediate and require immediate action. Therefore, plan ahead of time what you’ll do or say to avoid triggers if they do come up. For example, if you want to attend a friend’s birthday party where you know alcohol will be present, establish a plan for what you’ll say or do if you do experience triggers at the event.
Help Is Available
Now you know more about how to create a relapse prevention plan so you can reduce your risk of relapse and maintain long-lasting sobriety. From understanding what your unique triggers are, to avoiding your triggers and practicing healthy coping strategies to maintain sobriety, a relapse prevention plan can be a great resource to set clear and specific expectations for how you are going to maintain long-term sobriety.
At Outpatient LA, our team of caring addiction specialists is here to help you achieve long-lasting sobriety. No two recovery journeys are ever the same. This is why we provide tailored support for each client to ensure you receive personalized care to best support your recovery journey. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you on your road to recovery.