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Relapse Prevention Research Paper

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Relapse Prevention Orangetown NY What is relapse? Relapse is a “fall, or slip, back into a former state or practice.” In terms of drug treatment, relapse is returning to the use of addicted substances following a period of abstinence. What is relapse prevention? Relapse prevention refers to a cognitive-behavioral channel of therapy used to help identify stress-related events, negative thought patterns, and triggers that can overwhelm and wear on an addicted personality, and prevent the recovering addict from falling back into use and their pattern of addiction. Relapse statistics: • Odds of remaining abstinent rise if patients have been sober for 1 to 3 years. • Relapse rates for recovering alcoholics show that 86% will relapse in the first …show more content…

Being able to identify these stressors, and high-risk situations, serves to provide needed insight that guards against potential relapse. Relapse prevention programs go further, equipping the patient with the needed tools and skills that they can use to disarm the stressors and resulting triggers that cause emotional and mental disturbance. Relapse prevention programs also contain aspects of improving physical health, as overall health, mind and body, is indicative of a greater chance of long-term recovery. This is why supplemental therapies such as yoga, art, and music are important. These participatory therapies help the patient to express themselves, have an outlet for their thoughts and energy, and get practical experience in the ways to calm themselves, and head-off …show more content…

Relapse prevention programs are vital in successful drug treatment and lifetime recovery efforts. Drug treatment centers combine relapse prevention with therapeutic efforts and aftercare programs to give the patient their best overall chance at successful sobriety. Specific programs that include relapse prevention: • Family therapy and education – Education and training for family members to help them in understanding addiction and learning how to live with an addict. • Communicate with family, your sponsor, and your therapist – Communication is all-important. Being able to talk with others about your disease, fears, and cravings is vital. • Attend all NA/AA meetings – AA and NA meetings will keep the mindful of their need to be diligent in their sobriety and gives a forum for peer discussion. • Guides sober living, counseling, and life-long commitment to AA or NA meetings – Relapse prevention and aftercare services will continue to be a factor in the addict’s recovery. • Continue to build relapse prevention resources – Experiencing new social networks and finding new resources help the recovering addict to renew their commitment to

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