Relapse prevention

From Drug Rehab Wiki

After leaving a rehabilitation program, it is essential for former addicts to participate in relapse prevention to ensure long-term, successful recovery. There are several methods of relapse prevention, including coping skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modification.

Coping skills training involves teaching people how to cope with everyday stressors (that can lead to relapse) in healthy ways. For example, instead of turning to drugs or alcohol, he or she can engage in activities like reading, gardening, and running to relieve stress.

Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to treat the individual through a goal-oriented, systematic procedure that focuses on the present instead of rooting through the past. This type of therapy aims to help individuals “unlearn” negative thoughts and habits.

Lifestyle modification involves replacing old habits with activities that are designed to help an individual’s overall coping capacity, including meditation and exercise. These disciplines should be practiced on a daily basis and in a safe, controlled environment.