Relapse Prevention: The WhiteSands Treatment Approach

Relapse, or a return to substance abuse after a period of abstinence or sobriety, is a threat to recovery after addiction — but it happens. It can occur while you’re in rehab or even after decades of sobriety and living in recovery. During recovery, people can experience agonizing fear, doubt, cravings, and a sense of instability. These insecurities, sense of loss, and danger of being drawn back into the addiction can drag on for much longer, even years. That’s why relapse prevention is an essential component of our drug and alcohol rehab programs at WhiteSands Treatment.

We address relapse prevention throughout all levels of treatment. Our relapse prevention education begins during medical detox and continues throughout our outpatient program. While patients are in the inpatient phase of treatment, they are insulated from many triggers and have staff available to process cravings with them 24 hours per day. In both inpatient and outpatient treatment phases, patients have Life Skills Guides available to check in with them daily, continue their Life Skills Program training, and ensure they are not at risk of relapse at home.

Relapse and Relapse Prevention: What Happens if it Happens?

Relapse prevention is something that must begin before the threat of drug use even arises. At WhiteSands Treatment, part of the rehabilitation process involves the creation of a drug and alcohol relapse prevention plan that every patient can take with them once they leave. These relapse prevention strategies can save lives and help recovering addicts know how to deal with emotional triggers and tempting social situations. With the coping and recovery tools learned through our relapse prevention training, every patient can achieve and maintain long-term sobriety if they stay committed and follow the plan.

Because staying sober can be difficult for many, and not everyone can say no to temptation, it is important to have support from friends, family, and addiction professionals. Every recovering addict must have access to help from these supporters whenever needed. Sober coaches or sponsors available through AA or NA programs can assist those who are struggling with thoughts of relapse. Group meetings and our programs can be instrumental and provide many benefits, including:

• Going over and getting help with your relapse.
• Social interaction helps to reduce anxiety and stress, which can often be triggers for substance abuse.
• Meetings create bonds and friendships with people who have been through similar experiences and can help keep you on the right track.
• Self-esteem increases, allowing you to take control of your life and be more accountable.
• Anonymous meetings can help you build trust and gain support from various people.

We also recognize that many patients complete inpatient rehab treatment but don’t continue with the recommended intensive outpatient treatment, attend medical follow-up appointments, or adhere to their medication plan. All of these behaviors often lead to relapse, and patients are additionally losing the structure, accountability, and medical care that assisted them in succeeding in inpatient care. This is why WhiteSands created a Recovery and Wellness Program to address barriers to sobriety. Patients are introduced to their outpatient therapist by their inpatient therapist, and relevant information and history are discussed during the last week of inpatient treatment. This approach lets the patient know who they will meet with the following week. Patients in our outpatient program can also continue seeing the same doctors and psychiatric providers once they return home so that their providers know their history and which medications have achieved the greatest effect. Patients will also have access to a 24-hour hotline and daily check-in meetings for support with their sobriety.

 

How to Spot a Possible Relapse: Warning Signs

Every person and every situation is different, but being aware of some of the more common warning signs of a setback can mean the difference between life and death. Because relapses can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, and it may be difficult for the person to reach out for help, these common social and emotional relapse triggers must be known.

Some factors that could lead to relapse may include:

• Losing a close friend or loved one.
• Change in finances.
• Loss of employment.
• Separation or divorce.
• Pressure from peers or tempting situations.
• Problems with health.
• Not having a purpose or motivation.

Relapse Happens in the Three Stages

The first phase is an emotional relapse. During this stage, the person is not actively thinking about using, but his or her emotions are fragile. They may begin to feel anxious, angry, or irritable, and these feelings can come in waves.

Mental relapse is the second stage. At this point, the person is struggling internally and mentally about consuming the drug. At its worst, it is characterized by incessant thoughts and a behavior change. These can include thoughts about places and people from the past, lying, dreaming about using, and reconnecting with old friends who still use drugs.

The last stage is physical. This is the moment the person decides to partake in drug use and go through with it.

Relapse Prevention Plan

Here at WhiteSands Treatment, our goal is to help every patient create a plan that will help them face daily life and better cope with the emotional and psychological triggers of addiction. We teach patients how to think and behave differently than they did in the past. Cravings can be managed through other activities, such as a new hobby, exercise, music, or other art forms. Part of our comprehensive approach includes PPO plans for drug rehab verification to ensure that patients can access the necessary treatments without undue stress. By engaging in other social activities and sharing their thoughts and experiences with others, recovering addicts have a much higher chance of staying sober.

Learning how to avoid triggers is also an essential tool taught during relapse prevention training. Avoiding old friends who use drugs and places you once frequented can be very helpful in preventing a setback. Having someone to support you and help you through difficult times is also important. They can help guide you through situations or moments when you feel overwhelmed. Support meetings and individual counseling can help reinforce your prevention strategies and encourage you to stay accountable for your recovery process.

For more help or information about our relapse prevention plans and other services, call WhiteSands Treatment today at 877-855-3470. Learn from the relapse. Identify your vulnerabilities and work on overcoming them. Remind yourself why you gave up the addictive behavior in the first place. Recommit yourself for your recovery.