Creating an Effective Relapse Prevention Plan: Tips and Strategies

Wellspring Center for Prevention is a private nonprofit agency serving the community members and organizations of Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. We are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities through our quality prevention and early intervention services. Our programs promote sound mental health, effective family functioning, and awareness of the devastating effects of substance misuse and dependency. For example, if you are prone to anxiety or stress, your plan might involve setting realistic goals that are achievable but challenging (for example, trying out a new activity for five minutes). You might also develop strategies for managing stress or anxiety in the moment (for example, taking deep breaths).

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your Plan To Combate Against Triggers

You forget about things you love to do and may abandon your big-picture life goals. During treatment, you may start to remember those things – and remember your goals. Aftercare programs remind you that you matter and that your life is yours, and you can live a full and fulfilling life, based on who you are and what you want.

Preventative Tools

A basic plan should include your triggersand how to manage cravings. A more detailed plan can include everything youwant to work on in your life. If you or someone you love struggles with substance use disorder Relapse Prevention Plan: How it can help you stay on track (SUD), you are not alone. Effective, holistic treatment is available at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to schedule an intake assessment or to learn more about our programs.

What is a relapse prevention plan—and why are they important?

Second, recovery is a process of personal growth with developmental milestones. Third, the main tools of relapse prevention are cognitive therapy and mind-body relaxation, which change negative thinking and develop healthy coping skills [3]. Fourth, most relapses can be explained in terms of a few basic rules [4]. Educating clients in these few rules can help them focus on what is important. The first step in crafting an effective relapse prevention plan is to assess personal triggers and warning signs.

Healthy coping strategies

• At American Addiction Centers, we offer a 90-Day Promise that gives you 30 additional days of complimentary treatment if you relapse after 90 consecutive days at one of our facilities.
• Having friends or family who are supportive and know about your addiction can be invaluable when it comes to staying sober.
• If you’re using medication like Lofexidine or methadone to help manage your withdrawal symptoms, make sure you take them as your doctor prescribes.
• A therapist or counselor can teach you coping skills to deal with the negative thoughts or cravings that may be driving you to use again.

Steps to Creating a Relapse Prevention Plan

• The key is to have a range of coping strategies at your disposal, so you can choose the most appropriate one for each situation.
• Reach out to the team at Archstone Behavioral Health if you or someone you love lives with addiction.
• According to NIDH, 85 percent of individuals relapse within a year of treatment which is why it’s so important to create a plan to stop relapse from occurring.
• This type of therapy can provide you with the necessary skills and strategies to identify and manage high-risk situations effectively.
• While lasting recovery is possible for everyone, eating disorder relapse is discouragingly common.

Triggers and Warning Signs