3 Ways to Prevent an Alcoholic From Relapsing
How to Prevent an Alcoholic From Relapsing
Alcohol use dependency (alcoholism) is a chronic disease, meaning there is no cure and relapse can occur. Like any other illness with no cure, sometimes treatments will stop working, and the current treatment plan needs to be revisited. It does not mean all hope is lost. It just means there has been a setback; no one is to blame. However, there are some ways to prevent an alcoholic from relapsing and decrease the odds of one happening.
#1 – Enroll in an Addiction Treatment Program
Resurgence Behavioral Health has many locations across the country that offer what is needed to stop the cycle of addiction. Enrolling in one of these will give you the best chance to make a full recovery and learn ways to prevent an alcoholic from relapsing.
Resurgence provides 30, 60, and 90-day programs that follow a complete, safe medical detox. These programs are designed to treat not only addiction but are holistic to treat all aspects of life. Further, many of us who struggle with addiction use substances to mask other co-occurring disorders like trauma and mental issues. Resurgence aims to treat those as well, so the probability of long-term recovery is possible.
Addiction Treatment that
Just Works
Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.
#2 – Avoid Triggers to Use Alcohol
A trigger is a term used that describes something that makes the user remember what it was like to use the substance (in this case, alcohol) and then causes intense physical or psychological cravings or urges to use it again. Triggers can be dangerous as they can be overwhelming, and in certain situations, even cause relapse.
Relapse is common in chronic conditions, but it can be dangerous in addiction. When substances are repeatedly abused, tolerance is built, and after a period of abstinence, tolerance decreases. When that substance is then reintroduced at the levels the user thinks they use it at, overdose and even death can occur. Therefore, you want to be mindful of what triggers the person and work together to avoid them.
Here is a list of some common triggers that can be watched for right away:
- Old friends that still use the substance – Sometimes, we need to rid ourselves of these toxic friends that may tempt us to use/drink again.
- Paraphernalia around the house/car/office – Our friends/partners may need to stop drinking around us.
- Old sleeping patterns/routines – Changing how we lived our life makes a big difference and holistic treatment will help with that.
- Change ways of getting home – Not taking the same route that will take you past the liquor store, for example.
- Change restaurants/pubs/bars you frequent – You can also possibly stop going altogether.
Some ways to help with these are:
- Take your medication
- Use your support network
- Journal
- Get enough rest
- Reach out and ask for help
- Finish your treatment plan
- Use any outpatient programs your rehab center offers
- Make use of 12-step and SMART recovery groups depending on your preference
- Be gentle with yourself
#3 – Outpatient Alcohol Rehab at Resurgence
Resurgence Behavioral Health offers two different types of outpatient alcohol rehab at all locations and three at most. Outpatient programs are ideal for continual aftercare or to use if you require flexible addiction treatment from home. All outpatient treatment programs are offered with or without housing. Resurgence provides three different types:
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
This program is often recommended for people transitioning back into life after inpatient rehab. It offers the opportunity to start using recovery skills learned in rehab and apply them to the outside world with continual guidance, support, and therapy from the expert staff.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
This is a step down from PHP. It provides the flexibility to maintain much of the regular daily routine while working on sobriety with group and individual therapy.
Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP)
Patients have this option virtually through a particular telehealth platform; however, it is not available through all locations. This program is another key to helping patients maintain long-term recovery and is an excellent option for patients who have traveled from out of town for residential rehab. With VIOP, patients can now return home and continue outpatient treatment virtually.
While relapse may be a part of your or your loved one’s recovery journey, it does not mean that journey is over. Relapse is something to be aware of and be prepared for. According to studies, 85% of people recovering from addiction do relapse, especially in early recovery. It happens. The important thing is learning from it, moving forward, forgiving yourself and the person, and using the supports you have in place.
At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we are always here for you throughout your many stages of recovery, whether it’s early, mid, or seasoned. There is hope, and we always have the solution. Just give us a call today at (855) 458-0050 to learn the ways to prevent an alcoholic from relapsing with proven addiction treatment programs.
