Relapse Prevention

Hope Recovery Services, Inc

Alice Edwards, MS, LCDC, LPC I, MRT, LPPT

Substance Abuse Counselor located in Uptown Park, Houston, TX

Relapse is a common steppingstone on the path to addiction recovery; most relapses occur within the first six months of recovery and shouldn’t be considered as a failure. But if you do experience relapse, it’s crucial that you learn how to lessen the chance of it happening again. Alice Edwards, MS, LCDC, LPC I, MRT, LPPT, and the team of experienced counselors at Hope Recovery Services, Inc in Houston offer services to help individuals and their families reduce their chances of future relapse. To learn more about relapse prevention programs, call the office today, or make an appointment online.

Relapse Prevention Q & A

Why do people relapse during addiction recovery?

When someone has abstained from substance use for a period of time and then uses the substance again, it’s known as a relapse. 

Relapses aren’t uncommon, especially during the first six months of recovery, but they can be discouraging. It’s important to understand that having a relapse doesn’t mean that you can never successfully recover from addiction.

Addiction, or substance use disorder, changes the way your brain functions. These changes make it difficult to resist the urge to use the substance. 

Some common triggers that can contribute to a relapse include:

  • Conflict
  • Stress
  • Emotional or mental health issues
  • Physical pain
  • Social pressure
  • Celebrations or events associated with alcohol or drugs

If you’re experiencing a relapse, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to begin your substance abuse treatment again from the beginning, but you may need professional support to prevent a future relapse.

What is relapse prevention?

Relapse prevention is a specialized type of addiction therapy designed to empower you with tools that help you resist the urge to use substances so you can maintain your recovery. 

Relapse prevention gives you strategies to avoid triggers, manage difficult emotions, and build support systems so you’re prepared to face the challenges that can lead to a relapse.

What is involved in a relapse prevention program?

The compassionate experts at Hope Recovery Services take an integrative, personalized approach to relapse prevention. 

Using a variety of therapeutic techniques, the team designs customized relapse prevention programs to meet the needs of an individual or group. Relapse prevention programs at Hope Recovery Services may include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Moral recognition therapy
  • Drug education
  • Group therapy
  • Couples or family therapy

Getting adequate sleep, eating a nutritious diet, staying active, and practicing alternative wellness techniques like yoga or meditation can improve your emotional and physical health, which makes trigger-avoidance easier. 

To support your overall health, the Hope Recovery Services team integrates holistic wellness resources into most relapse prevention programs.

If you’re currently experiencing a relapse or you have concerns about relapsing in the future, don’t hesitate to seek help. Call Hope Recovery Services today, or make an appointment online.