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How To Relapse Recovery

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Alan Lakein wisely stated that "failing to plan is planning to fail." Not having a plan for your addiction recovery may put you on the fast-track to relapse. Yes, making the decision to get treatment is the first, and most essential, step towards making positive changes about your alcohol or substance abuse problem. However, in order to accomplish long-term success, you should develop a thorough strategy in every phase of recovery.

Before and During Treatment
Once you have made the choice to seek out treatment, you should research and determine which treatment centers can best serve your needs. Ensuring long-term success means considering all the variables that may have affected your addiction such as family history, medical history, and any …show more content…

Individualized treatment may take into account your medical history, family history, history of abuse, and whether you are seeking treatment for the first time or after relapse. Services that match your individual needs will be most effective at helping you to fight addiction. If you are married or have children, you should strongly consider a program that involves your family in the treatment process. Also, consult with your physician to figure out how long you need to spend in treatment based on the severity of your addiction. Information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse states that at least 3 months of treatment is required to have a significant impact on stopping addiction. Keep in mind, however, that better outcomes occur through longer treatment durations.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Another element to consider prior to choosing an addiction treatment facility is the possibility of a co-existing psychological disorder. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 9.8 million Americans are suffering from both a substance use disorder and a mental disorder. If you are diagnosed with co-occurring disorder you will require the services of a dual diagnosis treatment program which focuses on treating both disorders simultaneously.

After …show more content…

Returning to your old way of life without a clear plan can be overwhelming. The best treatment center will help you develop a personalized plan that may include continuing care through therapeutic services, career counseling, marriage and family therapy, spotting cues for cravings, managing stress, and adopting a healthier lifestyle. These types of programs are not only focused on reventing relapse, but helping you to build a life where those substances are not even necessary.

The best way to ensure your recovery is to make a plan that include long-term treatment for maladaptive behaviors that led to addiction, managing the symptoms of a co-occuring disorder, family and peer support as well as a structured plan with your unique lifestyle needs factored in. Develop this strategy before you are even discharged to maintain abstinence and keep your recovery

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