Understanding Relapse Prevention in Sober Living

Oftentimes, addiction can take everything from a person before they decide to make a change. Almost every aspect of a person’s life can be consumed by drug abuse and addiction. Fortunately, it is never too late to get professional help. While getting the proper treatment is essential to long-term sobriety, it’s important to plan for the future. This is where a relapse prevention plan comes in. 

Learn how sober living can help relapse prevention and long-term sobriety.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to see past addicts run into old habits in the long run. A relapse can be a very stressful and back-tracking situation. Relapse is much more common than you’d expect with those recovering from addiction. Sometimes it takes one incident to resort back to drugs or alcohol. This is why it’s important to have relapse help so you can stay clean for years to come. 

At Casa Nuevo Vida, we’re here to help you transition into a new life, free of drugs. While it can be a tough journey after treatment, it is achievable to live a clean life without drugs. With the help of professional and accommodating staff, you’ll be on the road to sobriety in no time. Don’t wait to get help today. 

What is Relapse?

A relapse occurs when someone who has overcome addiction resorts back to using again. This could happen in the first few weeks or a few months after recovery. Relapse can even occur decades later in some cases. Relapse can cause several issues in the short and long-term. Oftentimes, relapse is unpredictable and can stem from an event or a stressful situation. Relapses can be very problematic and can be disheartening for those who are clean of drugs. With this in mind, a relapse should not mean total defeat as long as you swerve back on track. 

If a person returns to drug use for just a brief period of time it is considered a slip up as opposed to a full-blown relapse. This is seen as a brief moment of old habits and may indicate something is wrong (a warning sign of sorts). When this occurs, the person needs to get back on the right track and away from drugs. Slip-ups should prompt a person to think clearly and carefully about what may have caused them to turn back to drugs. 

Relapse Dangers

Along with the regretful and painful thoughts of relapse, comes the possible dangers of relapse. Some of these include the following:

  • In some cases, a person will fall so deep into addiction again they may not be motivated to ever return to treatment. As a result, this leads to many deaths due to relapse (and down a path of destruction)
  • When some go back to using drugs or alcohol, they may find themselves in the same spot they were before treatment/recovery. This can be disheartening and problematic, especially for those who have been sober for years. 
  • Addiction is much more intense and hard to deal with after recovery. Denial can be much harder to hide after recovery is done with. This may occur after a person has understood the harsh realities of addiction (along with life without it).
  • A surge of guilt and pain after relapse. More specifically, a harsh feeling of letting yourself and those around you down. 

Those who are fresh out of recovery have the highest risk of relapse. This is because they are just adapting to life outside of rehab and treatment. Without relapse help, this can be a risky journey alone. The first few months can be extremely bumpy and unpredictable. It is not uncommon to have temptations and urges to use drugs or alcohol again. 

Relapse Statistics

Unfortunately, relapse is not a rare sight when it comes to recovering addicts. The statistics for relapse paint a jarring picture of life after treatment. With this in mind, relapse should not be the end-all say all if it occurs. It’s crucial to have a relapse prevention plan as you transition back into life. Let’s take a look at some of the statistics related to relapse:

  • Less than 20% of patients that receive alcohol use treatment stay sober for an entire year
  • Nearly 40-60% of those struggling with substance use disorders will relapse 
  • 60% of people that stay clean for 2 years or more have a very high chance of staying clean
  • 90% of people who recover from alcoholism will relapse at least once (in 4 years)
  • 60% of people will relapse during the inpatient and outpatient phase of treatment

While these numbers may seem jarring, it’s important to know that there is always help to get you through these times. Relapse after rehab can be disheartening but having a relapse prevention plan can make all the difference in the long-run. This is where our team at Casa Nuevo Vida is here to help. 

Recognizing Triggers and Creating a Relapse Prevention Plan

As a recovering addict, it is crucial to understand the signs of possible signs/triggers of relapse. Knowing these red flags can mean the difference between giving in to the pressure of addiction or staying clean. Four of the main triggers of relapse include anger, loneliness, tiredness, and hunger. Along with these are several other triggers that may indicate a relapse around the corner, these include:

  • Depression
  • Overly confident
  • Too many expectations for those around you
  • Abusing other substances
  • Self-pity
  • Frustration and anger after recovery
  • Taking one’s recovery for granted
  • Over the top or unrealistic expectations after recovery
  • Lying or being dishonest (in other ways)

These signs can be especially stressful and may indicate trouble ahead. It is crucial to have a well laid out relapse prevention plan so you know how to deal with these feelings. Having a thought out plan is what’s needed to stay sober for years to come. 

Relapse Prevention Plan

Creating a plan takes time and honesty. A relapse prevention plan is meant to provide preventive measures to stop a relapse from happening. Some common strategies include:

Understanding Relapse Prevention in Sober Living
  • Social support – Talking with friends/family to help you through life’s hurdles and your feelings
  • Support Groups – Open up to others in the same situation as you. Support groups can be a great way to get advice and know that you are not alone in your struggles.
  • Therapy/Counseling – Therapy is a part of addiction treatment and you should continue using it as a way to catalog your feelings and stay sober
  • Exercise – Use exercise as a way to relieve your stress and tension. This can be a healthy way to cope with stress after recovery.
  • Journal – Keeping a journal can be an excellent way to catalog your feelings and emotions. Writing down your thoughts on paper can be therapeutic and stress-relieving.
  • Sponsorship – 12 Step programs can be a great support system in preventing a relapse. Having an experienced friend during your journey can be very beneficial. 

These are just a few of the techniques a person can use to create a relapse prevention plan. It’s not hard to have a set plan for when things get dire. At the end of the day, it’s about avoiding those cravings and urges to go back to using drugs or alcohol. Another beneficial tool is a sober living home. After recovery, a sober living home can be a great transition back into your new sober life. 

What is a Sober Living Home?

A sober living home is a distraction-free environment that allows you to practice sobriety and accountability as you transition back into life. Some people may be shaky after treatment, so living in a home with support can be a great segway into a clean and new life. Sober Living homes typically have a staff that’s ready to help you whenever you need it. 

Sober living homes are extra useful in those first few months of post-recovery life. Straight out of recovery, a person may be vulnerable and shaky about living alone after recovery. Sober living homes also provide amenities and other resources you may not have access to back at home. Additionally, you are welcome to live your life with privacy and comfort. Just as long as you follow the rules of your sober living home. 

The Benefits of Sober Living

Sober living homes hold their fair share of benefits along with preventing relapse after rehab. If you or a loved one is unsure or worried about returning to society and their new life, you might want to consider sober living. At Casa Nuevo Vida we provide comfortable and convenient sober living homes for both men and women. Some benefits include:

  • 24/7 support and guidance 
  • A drug-free zone 
  • Quality amenities and equipment for leisure and business
  • Comfortable homes with privacy
  • Wi-fi and other technology for personal use
  • A chance to make new friends and close bonds
  • Accommodating and friendly staff
  • Relapse prevention plan

Choose Casa Nuevo Vida

Relapse after rehab can be a stressful and problematic situation for people who have quit their addiction. While we may not be able to control life’s stresses, we can control how we react to them. By having a relapse prevention plan in place, you can healthily tackle these stresses and cravings to avoid relapse. 

At Casa Nuevo Vida, we offer comfortable and effective sober living homes so you can transition back into life without worrying about relapse. Contact us today to learn more about our sober living homes and addiction treatment.