Recovering from drug and alcohol addiction takes dedication, patience, and a lot of help. People in recovery must invest time and energy into their journey. They must go through professional treatment programs to identify and heal the roots of their addiction and learn the skills to avoid relapse for life.

Many people hope and believe life after treatment will be full of possibilities and opportunities. They may think that the problems they’ve experienced in the past will disappear. But life in recovery can have new, unexpected challenges–including the possibility of relapse.

Relapses are common and can happen to anyone in recovery. Even those who have gone through comprehensive treatment and have ongoing support may relapse. It’s essential to know how to prevent a relapse–and what steps to take if you experience one.

Addiction treatment centers can help you avoid relapse by helping you prevent them in the early days of sobriety and help you prepare to meet challenges in life after treatment. Contact the team of specialists at Arise Treatment Center to explore our treatment programs or find support at any stage of your recovery journey.

8 Ways an Addiction Treatment Center Can Help You Avoid Relapse

1. Treat the roots of your addiction

Addiction is a complex condition that involves every aspect of who you are. Addiction is often deeply rooted in your biology, genetics, environment, personal experiences, and habits. During treatment, you will work with therapists and addiction specialists to identify the roots of your addiction and develop strategies to heal what needs to be healed.

Understanding the underlying causes of your addiction allows you to get personalized, effective treatment and develop specific skills to help you avoid relapse for the rest of your life.

2. Relapse prevention skills

Once you understand what led to your substance use and addiction, you can learn the skills to support lifelong sobriety. During treatment, you will get relapse prevention therapy that includes ways to care for yourself and identify that you’re at risk for a relapse. You’ll also be connected to professionals and programs in your community to help you continue your recovery journey after completing rehab.

3. Distance from triggers

A relapse trigger is any person, place, event, or situation that could cause cravings or lead to a relapse. During your treatment program, you will benefit from having distance from your triggers. The safe, secure environment of an addiction treatment center ensures you won’t be exposed to substances or triggering people and events while you work through the earliest stages of recovery. This means you’ll be able to focus exclusively on your recovery–and to build the skills you’ll need after completing treatment.

4. Create an aftercare plan

One of the most critical aspects of your treatment program will be developing an aftercare plan to keep you active in recovery for life. Your aftercare plan may include:

• 12-step meetings and other group support
• Individual therapy
• Medical and mental health care
• Sober living
• Continuing addiction treatment

5. Learn about addiction and recovery

The more you understand addiction, recovery, and relapse, the better able you’ll be to recognize the signs that you need more support in the future. Knowing how addiction works can help you feel less alone and powerless against it. You’ll learn about how addiction develops and understand it as a disease–not a moral failing or character flaw.

6. Build new routines

Many people with drug and alcohol addiction form unhealthy habits that do not support overall health or sobriety. During your time in an addiction treatment center, you will begin to develop new habits and build routines that include rest, socialization, healthy eating, and regular exercise, which can contribute to your health and recovery.

7. Find support

Lifelong addiction recovery requires treatment and ongoing support. You’ll have the support of your peers and treatment staff every day during rehab. Once you leave treatment, you will need access to professional and personal support to keep you active and engaged in your recovery. During treatment, you’ll connect with local resources that provide recovery support. You will also gain the skills you’ll need to communicate your needs and repair relationships with friends and family.

8. Learn to identify a relapse

A relapse doesn’t often occur out of the blue. In most cases, people go through a series of stages before beginning to use drugs or alcohol again after a period of sobriety. During treatment, you’ll learn to identify the stages of a relapse and create a relapse prevention plan to help you stay on track in your recovery.

Find Help Now

A relapse can feel like the end of the road or make you doubt your ability to stay sober. It’s essential to learn the skills and find the support you’ll need to prevent a relapse–and to know what to do if it happens.

Get the support you need during and after treatment by contacting the team at Arise Treatment Center now. Don’t wait another day for the help you need. Take the first step of your recovery journey today.