May 13, 2024
Relapse prevention is an integral component of a comprehensive substance abuse treatment plan and the goal for a treatment episode. Relapse prevention involves a strategic approach to identify and manage triggers that could lead to relapse. An initiative-taking stance to sustaining recovery is ingrained in the philosophy of high-end rehabilitation centers like Carrara Treatment. Clients are provided with intensive relapse prevention planning, both in individual sessions and group programming. Relapse prevention is weaved throughout the Carrara’s legendary treatment program. The program is designed to decrease relapse risk and lead patients through a journey of self-discovery. Relapse prevention includes identifying triggers, planning out coping strategies, and establishing a supportive network of informal or formal supports. This process at Carrara is highly personalized and comprehensive, ensuring that strategies are not only evidence based but also tailored to fit the unique needs and preferences of each client. We know without a doubt that relapse prevention is not only about maintaining sobriety but also about improving the client’s quality of life. The goal of relapse prevention at Carrara is to equip each client with the tools and information necessary to navigate day to day challenges without reverting to addictive behavior thus reducing the risk of relapse.
What is a Relapse Prevention Plan?
A relapse prevention plan is a personalized plan designed to decrease cravings, combat triggers, and improve healthy coping. While most associate a relapse prevention plan with substance abuse, it can be used for many other types of mental health concerns including anxiety and depression.
Relapse Prevention Benefits in Substance Abuse Treatment
Relapse Prevention has a wide array of benefits and is a pillar in substance abuse treatment. At Carrara, Relapse prevention is a collaborative approach and empowers clients with skills and knowledge to effectively manage craving reduction and identified triggers. Why is a customized approach beneficial? Relapse prevention strategies are different for everyone, as risk factors and stressors differ per client. A crucial component of any relapse prevention plan is identifying and establishing support systems to strengthen the recovery process.
Relapse Prevention Strategies
Relapse prevention strategies are not one size fits all and providing clients with skills to effectively reduce relapse risk is an essential part of the recovery journey. According to Kandasamy (1) the following are specific intervention strategies in Relapse prevention:
- Enhancing Self-efficacy
- Eliminating myths and placebo
- Lapse management
- Cognitive restructuring
- Identifying and coping with high-risk situations
- Urge Surfing
- Relapse Road Maps
How Relapse Prevention Enhances Treatment Results
Integrating relapse prevention into treatment enhances results and improves prognosis by addressing the stressors post-treatment and equipping clients with the necessary tools to succeed. Client’s will leave treatment with a detailed and comprehensive relapse prevention plan to continue to gain mastery over and practice skills daily. Relapse prevention plans can be used as a guide and roadmap for recovery. These plans include strategies that have been proven to work and practiced while in the residential level of care. At Carrara Treatment, clients not only learn how to identify potential risks but also practice skills to address them effectively, thereby reducing the risk of relapse and promoting long-term recovery. The personalized nature of relapse prevention planning means clients receive a plan that is attuned to their unique lifestyle demands and personal triggers. This individualized approach leads to a more robust set of strategies that are unique to the client’s life, ensuring greater commitment and effectiveness. For those seeking a distinguished approach to recovery, Carrara Treatment stands by their mission, where your journey to lasting sobriety is supported with the utmost precision and top-notch individualized care.
- Menon J, Kandasamy A. Relapse prevention. Indian J Psychiatry. 2018 Feb;60(Suppl 4):S473-S478. doi: 10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_36_18. PMID: 29540916; PMCID: PMC5844157.
Britney Elyse has over 15 years experience in mental health and addiction treatment. Britney completed her undergraduate work at San Francisco State University and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. Britney worked in the music industry for several years prior to discovering her calling as a therapist. Britney’s background in music management, gave her first hand experience working with musicians impacted by addiction. Britney specializes in treating trauma using Somatic Experiencing and evidence based practices. Britney’s work begins with forming a strong therapeutic alliance to gain trust and promote change. Britney has given many presentations on somatic therapy in the treatment setting to increase awareness and decrease the stigma of mental health issues. A few years ago, Britney moved into the role of Clinical Director and found her passion in supervising the clinical team. Britney’s unique approach to client care, allows us to access and heal, our most severe cases with compassion and love. Prior to join the Carrara team, Britney was the Clinical Director of a premier luxury treatment facility with 6 residential houses and an outpatient program
