What is Relapse?

Dr. Heran defines relapse as “the abandonment of a recovery-based program.” When clients abandon their program and relapse prevention skills, they are putting themselves at greater risk for picking up their drug of choice.

How Does Relapse Prevention Work?

At Providence Treatment, we affirm each client’s involvement in a 12-Step program of recovery. 12-Step programs provide a design for living that brings joy and contentment. We also offer group therapy on relapse prevention strategies, facilitated by therapists who are intimately aware of the danger of relapse. Our therapists also help our clients manage recovery and maintain participation in a recovery program while cultivating daily practices such as mindfulness meditation, 10th Step Inventory, and supporting other members of the program.

Relapse occurs all too often. At Providence Treatment, we include a relapse prevention safety plan with each client. Each plan identifies triggers and warning signs, people, places and things that may lead to a relapse and finally identify aspects of the client’s personality/character, which may promote relapse behaviors.

If a client relapses, we then meet as a treatment team and discuss with the client the next step. Most likely, we would refer the client to a higher level of care for stabilization. We may also increase the dosage of treatment in our outpatient program with increased sober supports as well as more frequent meetings with his/her sponsor and fellowship involvement.

Relapse prevention is best executed when a team of supportive people has regular contact with the client. This team can include any of the following:

  • Sponsor
  • Therapist
  • Recovery coach
  • Family members in recovery
  • Clergy

This support system is to ensure adherence to their sobriety and activity participating in activities that are designed for personal transformation.

Relapse Prevention at Providence Treatment

The staff at Providence Treatment works hard to equip our clients with the tools they need for relapse prevention. To begin your journey toward recovery, reach out to us. Call 866-247-3307 today.

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