Relapse Prevention - Staying Free of Drugs

One of the goals of any drug abuse treatment program is relapse prevention. It requires a comprehensive approach that is continuous and adaptable to a variety of situations. It requires the recovering individual to exercise certain elements of self-control, recognition of high risk situations, and stress management.

Relapse prevention starts the instant that active treatment has concluded. Usually, this stage is reached while the person is still at a rehabilitation facility. During this time the person is surrounded by his peers and a staff of drug rehabilitation specialists 24/7. The environment that the person is in is sealed off from the outside world. Temptation, even if present, is difficult to succumb to. Now picture the recovering person back at home. There is no staff in the hallway, there is no curfew, there is nothing preventing the recovering addict from accessing his drug of choice. This is when the element of self-control comes into play.

In order for recovering addicts to exercise self-control it is necessary for them to establish normal daily routines. This routine should include work, meditative relaxation, family and exercise. Idle time should be avoided, especially when alone. With a routine comes structure, with structure comes control, with control comes the all important coping response. It is the coping response which acts as the first line of defense when temptation strikes. A daily routine coupled with a supportive environment allows the recovering addict to apply a degree of self-efficacy. In so doing the person recovering from addiction will be able to apply behavioral modification more easily.

No matter how adept the recovering addicts becomes at self-efficacy and self-control, they must always remain vigilant. They must be able to recognize high risk situations and learn how to avoid them. A high risk situation can be as obvious as a party where people are consuming drugs or alcohol. It can also be frequenting friends that are still into the drug scene. It can, however, also be situations that are not so obvious. It can also come in the form of an injury that requires taking pain medication, or allowing stress at work or at home to reach unmanageable levels.

Identifying the obvious risks is easy. With a strong coping mechanism in place staying away from them gets easier with each instance. The more clandestine risks, however, can present themselves unexpectedly. Recovering addicts might find themselves at risk for relapse before they are aware of what is happening. This is why as part of any effective relapse prevention strategy it is critical to have an emergency support mechanism in place. This can take the form of a peer support group, family, friends, or a professional therapist. That group or individual must be willing to be at the disposal of the recovering addict if and when they were ever to be suddenly overcome by temptation. This type of support mechanism can be equated to a life line. If things ever get tough, if the recovering addict ever feels that they may be losing control, they must have a group or individual whom they can trust to help them steady themselves so that they may once again resume their own self-control.

As was alluded to earlier, stress is considered a high risk factor for relapse. Stress management, therefore, becomes the third element needed for relapse prevention. Key to this is learning how to relax. The recovering addict must evaluate what is relaxing to them. Is it listening to music, walking, exercising? Whatever activities prompt relaxation for them they should incorporate it into their day for at least fifteen minutes. They should be zealous about this relaxation-downtime. Conflict resolution should also be part of their daily routine. Instead of permitting petty problems to fester at home or at work, they should seek pragmatic solutions. With time they will develop a gentler attitude, one less prone to get stressed over mundane things. Recovering addicts should also incorporate an organizational scheme. This will not only help them to remain focused and carry out an established routine, but it will also lower the number of instances that chaos and disorder can lead to further high risk scenarios.

Relapse prevention is a task that is continuous, there is no end-game but that of staying clean and sober one day at a time. With each passing day the recovering addict will find solace and fortitude in their accomplishment. They will benefit from the renewed integration of family and friends into their lives. They will reap the benefit of relapse prevention and in turn will be even more resolute in remaining drug-free.