Relapse Prevention in Nacogdoches, TX

Relapse prevention refers to anything you do to keep you from engaging in addiction-related behaviors again. In most cases, if you enter a drug rehab or alcohol treatment program, relapse prevention in Nacogdoches starts as soon as you complete the detox process, which generally takes about a week. Although you ultimately make your own choices and need to hold yourself accountable during your recovery, others can support you through relapse prevention treatment, offering a listening ear, encouragement or other assistance such as shelter.

Relapse prevention in Nacogdoches usually is most effective when it is holistic and tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. For example, some individuals might find that medications are extremely helpful as part of their relapse prevention programs, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, whereas others might not need medication, depending on what they've been using, how long they've been using and their current health.

Options to include in relapse prevention in Nacogdoches thus are wide-reaching. But many people find that, in addition to traditional services like cognitive behavioral therapy or group meetings, they do better by including stress-reduction activities, lifestyle shifts, coping strategies and improving their independence.

You might also choose to work on your relationships or set new goals related to your career or education. The main ideas in all relapse prevention programs are to remove yourself from temptation by coming up with alternatives, and to give yourself positive objectives to work toward.

Relapse Statistics Amongst Addicts and Alcoholics

Overall, opiates/painkillers, heroin and alcohol have the highest rates of relapse (97, 87 and 86 percent, respectively). Narcotics have the lowest relapse rate at 39 percent. But these figures need to be taken somewhat loosely, because relapse rates change according to how much time has elapsed since treatment.

Whether you're participating in outpatient or inpatient rehab in Nacogdoches, relapse prevention treatment programs make a difference, with inpatient being slightly more effective in general due to its immersive and intense nature. Individuals also have differing numbers of risk factors, such as not having good support, being stressed at work or having experienced trauma.

It's hard to get an apples-to-apples comparisons under these circumstances, but experts believe the general relapse rate may be as high as 60 percent.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Relapse

Effective relapse prevention in Nacogdoches starts with understanding the signals that you're in trouble. Emotionally and cognitively, you might start dreaming about the way things used to be when you were abusing drugs or alcohol, lose interest in activities you enjoy or stop believing that your treatment programs in Nacogdoches are working or worthwhile.

Some of this connects to unrealistic expectations. You might be tempted to go back to your addiction, for example, if you don't get financially stable the way you planned or if recovery is harder than you thought it would be. The idea that "just one" won't hurt you creeps back into your thinking.

In terms of behaviors, it's often a sign of relapse if you start seeking friends you had while using, or if you let your daily routine fall by the wayside. You may become more compulsive and defensive, as well, removing tools meant to keep you from using.

Stages of relapse

Relapse typically happens in three general stages. These include emotional, mental and physical relapse.

During emotional relapse, you start bottling how you feel. You lean toward focusing on others, rather than expressing what's happening inside you. You might isolate yourself from your support group, friends or family members. Emotions such as frustration, anger and anxiety start to become overwhelming.

Next comes mental relapse. The hallmark of this stage is justifying future drug use in your mind. For example, you might try to convince yourself that the consequences you might experience from using again actually aren't all that bad. You might plan out ways to get your substance and use it. Bargaining and cravings are very common during this stage, as is glamorizing memories of past drug or alcohol use.

Last is physical relapse. You no longer can handle your emotions effectively and have convinced yourself it's no big deal to go back to the addictive behavior. You actually take your substance of choice.

Good relapse prevention in Nacogdoches should reveal that you need extra support early on. But even if you make a mistake, you can start over. Instead of seeing a relapse as failure, see it as a sign that your recovery plan needs tweaking because of factors that have changed in your life.

The professionals at drug rehab or alcohol rehab facilities can help you figure out exactly what is creating difficulty for you and help you come up with new strategies to stay clean. Call us now for help (877) 804-1531.