Tampa Relapse Prevention Coping Skills

Learning relapse prevention coping skills will lay the foundation for a more successful recovery in Tampa

For the most part, addicts seek treatment for relapse prevention. People try to quit using on their own but are unsuccessful. Relapse prevention coping skills are vital to one’s sobriety. Contact WhiteSands Treatment for more information on relapse prevention techniques for substance abuse.

Relapse prevention has four main ideas:

• Relapse has specific stages. During treatment, the goal is to show an individual how to recognize the beginning stages so that they may avoid a relapse.
• Each stage of recovery carries with it the risk of relapse. The individual is experiencing a time of growth.
• In order to maintain sobriety, certain tools should be utilized such as therapy and mind-body relaxation. Cognitive therapy is used to un-teach certain behaviors and for the person to develop healthier coping skills.
• Educating recovering addicts on the basic rules of relapse may help them avoid it later and focus on things that are actually important.

If you have ever spoken to or known an addict? I am sure they would tell you that there were, indeed, signs leading up to their relapse. Addicts are very good at rationalizing behaviors and being sneaky. They will also tell you that addicts in recovery face challenges that, for “normal” people, seem easy but for them are almost insurmountable. You have to police yourself, in a sense. Relapse prevention coping skills can be very useful for those trying to stay sober.

Relapse Prevention Coping Skills

1. Stay in Therapy. Once an individual becomes sober, they will be faced with a host of emotions that they have not felt in some time. They may need guidance on how to react or what to do with all of these emotions. Additionally, the addict in recovery may also realize that certain relationships they have may be causing them issues and hurdles in their sobriety. Therapy is the key to sorting these things out. Meetings plus therapy equals success, at least for the first couple years out of treatment.
2. Exercise Willpower. The mind is a powerful thing to behold. The temptation is everywhere. Each time one resists the urge, it may be easier to resist the next time. You are as strong as you allow yourself to be. Hang in there – it gets easier.
3. Be Proactive. Keeping a positive attitude is of the utmost importance in these situations. If you find yourself in a negative state of mind call someone! Friends, family, and sponsors are key during this time. If you are feeling restless – go find company – and quickly.
4. Your Symptoms Are Normal. People who are in the early stages of their recovery are normally very emotional because their body is still getting used to being off of the drugs. Gone are the days of self-medication. Embrace the feelings. And, as always, if you need help, please reach out and ask for it.
5. Avoid Drugs. It may seem obvious – but it is not for some people. Stay far away from old haunts, parties where you know there will be substances or any other gathering where you know you are putting yourself at temptations feet. It is a bad idea in the beginning. Avoid these situations for as long as you need to – your health is more important than missing a few events. The people in your life that actually care for you will understand.
6. One of the most important relapse prevention activities is sleep. Along with eating healthy foods and getting exercise, sleep is super critical. Sleep keeps us healthy. Do not underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. It is not a good idea to sleep all day, however, because it will isolate you from the rest of the world.

Relapse prevention activities include exercise (walking or yoga, for example), plan a trip, or leave your house. Remember that help is around the corner. Call White Sands Tampa for more information on relapse prevention coping skills.

Relapse prevention techniques for substance abuse are so important because not every addict lives through their relapse. Those that do should count themselves lucky. Addiction is a nasty disease that has claimed the lives of many people

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.