Relapse Prevention in Lakewood, CO
If you are one of the estimated 25 million Americans struggling with substance abuse, you may feel overwhelmed by the process of recovery. Whether you have tried to quit in the past or are just starting out, relapse prevention in Lakewood can help.
What is Addiction?
Addiction is defined as a chronic disease in which addicts continue to use harmful substances despite knowing about their negative consequences. Many people believe that they can overcome alcohol and drug addiction with willpower alone, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Like any other chronic disease, it requires professional care to overcome and maintenance.
What is Relapse?
Relapse is extremely common among individuals trying to overcome addiction. In fact, the NIH found that most treatment professionals consider it inevitable. Recovery is not a straight and narrow road. As a result, you may experience strong cravings or triggers throughout the process. However, it is important to keep in mind that relapse can be prevented with the right tools. This is when relapse prevention in Lakewood can be beneficial.
While relapse can occur suddenly, it usually involves some level of pre-contemplation and can present a few different warning signs. The following are most common:
- Self-isolation
- Secretive behavior
- Unexplainable loss of money
- Depression or moodiness
- Irritability
What is Relapse Prevention?
Relapse prevention programs are typically included during inpatient rehab treatment programs in Lakewood, which is the most common type of rehab used to treat alcohol and drug addictions. There are a variety of different activities and methodologies used to equip patients with the tools they need to avoid relapse. The following are considered the most effective:
Counseling: Counseling is available in a group format and also on a one-on-one basis, both of which are beneficial during rehabilitation. Group therapy gives patients the chance to socialize and learn from each other's experiences while individual therapy offers a private and nonjudgmental space with a counselor who can help you work through challenging situations.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy is critical for relapse prevention because it can help patients overcome self-destructive patterns and replace them with healthier options. Behaviors such as lying, cheating and manipulation are commonly tackled during CBT. This type of therapy also focuses on establishing sustainable coping strategies that can be used to fight cravings.
What Are the Stages of Relapse?
Relapse is believed to occur in a series of stages. They consist of the following:
Emotional relapse: This is the first stage and also happens to be the most difficult to identify. During it, many people don't even realize they are setting themselves up for relapse. It typically involves giving in to triggers or old behaviors. For example, a recovering addict may isolate him or herself from loved ones.
Mental relapse: During this phase, the mind begins to prepare the individual for relapse by retrieving old memories of using. Many people fantasize about abusing substances again or focus on the fun times they had. This is the hardest stage to overcome.
Physical relapse: Physical relapse marks the point at which an addict attempts to obtain alcohol or drugs. By this point, they typically have their mind made up on using and intervention can be too late. This is why it is important to recognize the earlier stages. This way, they can get the help they need to avoid relapsing.
If you do relapse, you shouldn't beat yourself up. Remember that it is a common part of the recovery process. Instead of feeling guilty, try to backtrack so you can pinpoint what exactly led up to your relapse. This way, you can work on developing coping strategies to combat these issues in the future. Relapse prevention treatment centers can help you further develop your skills and provide the support you need to get back on track.
Relapsing can leave you feeling hopeless and stuck in the cycle of addiction, but you can overcome it with the right support. Lakewood treatment centers are ready to equip you with all of the tools you need to combat cravings and triggers. Get started by engaging in our relapse prevention in Lakewood programs.
Call Lakewood Drug Rehab Centers today at (877) 804-1531 to learn more about our addiction treatment programs in Lakewood.