Relapse Prevention Programs in New Bedford, MA

Drug and alcohol addictions are complicated diseases that are chronic and relapsing in nature. Because of these inherent characteristics of addiction, relapse prevention programs are a very important part of any addiction treatment plan. However, many people underestimate the possibility that they will experience relapse after addiction treatment and therefore do not think of relapse prevention programs as important or take them seriously.

Relapse prevention programs are a vital component of any high-quality addiction treatment program and are designed to educate recovering addicts about the very real possibilities of relapse and how to deal with them in healthy and productive ways. The reality that many people do not want to face is that somewhere between 40 and 60 percent of the people who go through addiction treatment relapse after the fact. To enjoy long-term recovery and substance abuse abstinence, it is essential that you make sure you find a treatment center with extensive relapse prevention programs, like those offered through New Bedford Drug Treatment Centers.

What is Relapse?

Relapse is significantly different than a lapse. A lapse is a singular moment or incident in which a person who has gone through treatment and is in recovery consumes the substance they are addicted to again. Lapses are generally isolated occurrences and do not lead to compulsive substance abuse.

In contrast to a lapse, relapse is a process that a person may go through which leads them to resume substance abuse. The three stages that comprise relapse each have distinct features and can be stopped and treated before a person proceeds to the next stage if that person knows what to watch out for.

The three stages of relapse are emotional, mental, and physical relapse. Emotional relapse occurs when negative feelings and generally unhealthy or self-destructive habits begin to occur frequently or chronically. An example of this would be a prolonged period of depression or constant frustration or anger for days or weeks on end.

Mental relapse is a more conscious phase of relapse. This means that the person is thinking about substance abuse, both reminiscing about the past and potentially planning for the future. People going through mental relapse will often become extremely preoccupied with thoughts of the addicted substance and may start to keep secrets from loved ones or act distracted, aloof, and distant.

In the physical stage of relapse, a person has resumed their compulsive substance abuse. The third stage of relapse will require a person to go through detoxification again to break and can require that they revisit rehab or other treatment programs.

How Does Relapse Prevention Work?

Relapse prevention first involves education. A recovering addict needs to not only be aware of the possibility of relapse but know the signs and symptoms of the various phases of the process intimately. They also need to know their own unique triggers and tempting situations so that they can better cope with those issues or avoid them altogether.

Relapse prevention also helps a person to develop skills and techniques to help them stop relapse before it starts or while it is still in the early stages. The focus is also on cultivating resources to access as well as a strong support system to lean on when a person sees signs of trouble in themselves.

The relapse prevention programs offered via New Bedford Drug Treatment Centers are extensive and will give you all of the skills and resources you need for long-term recovery and success. Just give us a call today at (508) 645-6878 to get started.