Relapse Prevention
There are many contributing factors, as well as identifiable evidence and warning signs which indicate that a client may be in danger of returning to substance abuse.
The Hope for Life Relapse Prevention Program help client to identify relapse warning signs, symptom, myths and develop an develop individualized relapse plan.
Step 1: Getting Stuck in Recovery – acknowledge problems but unwilling or unable to deal with them.
Step 2: Denying That We're Stuck – aware of existing problem, invest time and energy in denying the reality of the problem which cause pain and stress.
Step 3: Using Other Compulsions – switch to other compulsive behaviors such as overworking, over-eating, dieting, or over-exercising, etc.
Step 4: Experiencing A Trigger Event – something happens that lead to using and lack of control.
Step 5: Becoming Dysfunctional on The Inside - emotional rollercoaster, the relapse grows inside from distorted thinking.
Step 6: Becoming Dysfunctional on The Outside: our recovery program is neglected and we spiral in all aspect of our life (keep secrets, make mistakes at work, problems in relations - friends, families, and coworker).
Step 7: Losing Control -Temporary fix to problems - life is out of control.
Step 8: Using Addictive Thinking - Back to using; addictive thinking. Maybe my problems were caused by something else. “I just need to get away from it all for awhile! Then I'll be able to figure it all out.”
Step 9: Going Back to Addictive People, Places, and Things - We convince ourselves that we're not going to drink or use drugs. We just want to relax.
Step 10: Using Addictive Substances - Crippled by physical or emotional stress from personal problems. Return to use with distorted thinking that the the pain will go away.
Step 11: Losing Control Over Use - (1) Short term and low consequence relapse and (2) People start to using alcohol or drugs and feel shame and guilt that they refuse to seek help. Progressive health and life problems, possible suicide, or die from medical complications, accidents, or drug-related violence and some return to recovery.
References
Gorski, Terence T., Relapse - Relapse Prevention - A New Recovery Tool, Alcoholism & Addiction Magazine;; By Terence T. Gorski September 25, 1989
Terry Gorski's Addiction & Clinical Development www.tgorski.com - Cached