Retain Recovery With Relapse Prevention in Baltimore

Relapse prevention in Baltimore is possible for anyone looking to put drug and alcohol dependence behind them. Most images of recovery show a person struggling to overcome addiction, finally get over it, and living happily ever after. The grim reality, however, is that many face relapse.

What Is Relapse?

Relapse is when an addict starts using drugs and alcohol following a period of sobriety. What makes relapsing dangerous is that it’s so common. Estimates have shown that up to 60% of recovering addicts eventually relapse at least once. If relapses go unchecked, the person may never recover from drug or alcohol dependency.

Relapse Triggers

A trigger, in reference to relapsing, is a person, place, thing, or situation that compels an addict to start using again. Being aware of what triggers them is an excellent way for addicts to recognize and defuse the tension building towards a potential relapse. Common relapse triggers include:

• Going through withdrawal symptoms.
• Toxic relationships or family life.
• Places the addict used to drink or do drugs at.
• Boredom or loneliness.
• Chronic stress.

Strategies for Relapse Prevention in Baltimore

Relapse prevention strategies help the recovering addict by providing them with a variety of tools to fight temptations and triggers that lead to repeated drug or alcohol use. They make the person struggling with addiction more aware and better equipped to handle even the toughest relapse triggers.

Some key relapse prevention strategies include:

Better Self-care

Lack of sleep and irregular eating habits are common among people recovering from addiction. The physical and mental stress inflicted on patients by withdrawal symptoms can push some back into using addictive substances. Better self-care helps patients feel their strongest and clearest, making it easier to avoid a relapse.

Mindful Meditation

Mindfulness, particularly with meditation, teaches the practitioner to reach a higher level of self-awareness. Being more self-aware lets the recovering addict deal with relapse triggers in a more confident, easygoing manner. They learn to transition with each moment, moving themselves past even the worst temptations.

Getting Help

When all else fails and relapse is imminent, the recovering addict should seek help immediately. They should never hesitate to contact a friend, family member, or treatment provider. All of these people want to help and no relapse is worth the risk.

Relapse prevention in Baltimore is possible for anyone willing to take the plunge. Contact The Bergand Group today and learn more about how relapse prevention strategies can keep recovering patients firmly placed on the road to recovery.