Relapse Prevention Programs in Newark, NJ

Overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction is never easy. It takes time, commitment, and external support to tackle a drug problem, from the early days of intervention and medical detox through to the later stages of rehabilitation and relapse prevention. While the cessation of drug and alcohol intake is the immediate goal of drug treatment, real success requires sustained abstinence in the weeks, months, and years that follow treatment. Dedicated relapse prevention programs are advised following detox and rehab to give people the psychological skills and support they need for successful long-term recovery.

What is relapse?

Also known as recidivism, relapse describes a return to problematic drug or alcohol use following a period of abstinence. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), between 40 and 60 percent of people relapse following treatment, a number that is similar to that for other chronic diseases such as asthma or diabetes. In order to reduce relapse rates and ensure long-term recovery, people need to stay engaged with the treatment process once they leave the confines of formal treatment. While detox is designed to enable the cessation of drug use and rehab is designed to address the issues that surround addiction, relapse prevention measures are also needed. At Newark Drug Rehab Centers we offer customized options.  

Stages of relapse

While relapse describes a breakdown of the recovery process, it is often approached as a series of distinct stages or steps. By dealing with each stage as it arises, therapists can help patients to recognize unhealthy thoughts and feelings before they lead to unwanted behavior patterns. Emotional relapse is the first stage of this process, marked by unhelpful emotions such as anger, frustration, and resentment. Recovering addicts are often completely unaware of this stage as it takes place, which is why it’s so important to stay engaged with professional treatment. Mental relapse is the next stage of the process, marked my intrusive thought patterns, drug cravings, and fond memories of drug use. Unless these emotional and mental symptoms are dealt with accordingly, a physical relapse event is likely to take place.

Mindfulness and recognition

Relapse prevention is a crucial part of the drug treatment process, both during rehab and on an aftercare basis. Unless people have the skills they need to make different life decisions, they are likely to continue making the same mistakes time and time again. Addiction is a learned behavior maintained by brain changes, with recovering addicts needing to replace existing psychological associations with new ones if they want to avoid unhealthy impulsive and compulsive responses. Mindfulness techniques and strategies play a big role in this process, with patients learning how to recognize potential triggers and avoid high risk situations before they get out of hand.   

Relapse triggers

Relapse can be triggered by many things, including environmental factors and emotional factors. In order to avoid relapse, recovering addicts need to learn how to recognize these triggers as they take place and learn how to avoid them if possible. Common triggers include negative feelings such as anger and frustration, location and social proximity, social isolation, tiredness, hunger, and depression. If you or anyone you know is struggling with any kind of substance use disorder, it’s important to find professional help as soon as you can. Just give one of our friendly recovery advocates a call at (862) 930-4070.