Drug/Alcohol Relapse Prevention in Wilmington, NC
Relapse prevention is an integral part of drug rehabilitation, giving addicts the skills and support necessary to stay clean and sober for life. While drug rehabilitation starts with intervention and detox, the success of any treatment program is just as dependent on therapy and relapse prevention programs.
Relapse prevention is a cognitive-behavioral approach to drug treatment, seeking to identify high risk situations and provide patients with the skills they need to stay clean. To find an all-inclusive rehabilitation programs, call Drug Treatment Centers Wilmington NC (877) 804-1531. Let them find you the right facility that best fits your needs.
Defining "Relapse" in Addiction
In the context of drug and alcohol treatment, a relapse describes a situation where a patient starts to use drugs or alcohol again following a period of abstinence. A relapse is seen by clinicians as a transgression in the process of behavioral change, with people who abuse drugs and alcohol having to learn new behavior and develop the skills necessary to cope with a range of emotional and mental stresses.
Relapse prevention measures are used across a range of treatment therapies, including substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive behavior, sexual offending and depression. Recovery aftercare seeks to prevent relapses and empower patients by providing them with coping skills and giving them the social support needed to make positive lifestyle changes.
Drug treatment centers often include dedicated aftercare programs for current and past clients, with programs often put in place to support existing therapies. Doctors and medical staff at treatment centers have the skills and experience needed to identify the different stages of relapse, stepping in when they are needed to stop patients re-engaging with unhealthy behavior.
Relapse Statistics
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), drug addiction has a relapse rate between 40 to 60 percent. This relapse rate shares a number of similarities with rates for other chronic diseases, including Type 1 Diabetes with a relapse rate of 30-50 percent and asthma with a relapse rate of 50-70 percent.
With such similar rates of relapse, it's easy to understand why so many experts want to treat drug addiction in a similar manner to other chronic diseases.
Stages of Relapse
There are three distinct stages of relapse, with clinicians able to identify each stage when it arises and manage the situation accordingly.
- The first stage of relapse is known as emotional relapse, when the patient starts to experience unhealthy emotions without explicitly thinking about using drugs or alcohol again.
- The next stage of relapse is called mental relapse, a phase recognized by the return of denial and unhealthy behaviors. While the patient is not yet using drugs or alcohol, they will experience compulsive behavioral patterns and internal turmoil related to their past drug or alcohol use.
- Physical relapse takes place when patients start to use drugs or alcohol again, with this period often preceded by out-of-control feelings and exterior turmoil.
It's absolutely critical for patients to be in therapy should the first two stages of relapse occur, so they can avoid re-engaging with old habits and stop addictive thought patterns.
Relapse Treatment
In order to avoid physical relapse, patients need to read the warning signs and find the help they need at a recognized drug rehab center. Patients who have already gone through detox and therapy at a drug treatment center are at an inherent advantage, because they have an existing relationship with doctors and therapists aware of their condition. Continued counseling sessions may be required to prevent relapse, with additional treatment options possibly including yoga, 12-step programs, sponsors and family intervention.
Get help finding a qualified drug rehab center with proper recovery after care with the help of Drug Treatment Centers Wilmington NC. Call now at (877) 804-1531 and begin your road to sobriety today.