Addiction Relapse Prevention Program
Relapse By the simplest definition is when a person returns to using drugs or alcohol after a period of sobriety.
Relapse prevention strategies help clients become aware of how to avoid or overcome specific triggers for substance use in their lives.
What Triggers for Relapse
Triggers for relapse will vary from person to person, but there are certain factors that tend to be common among recovering addicts.
- Emotional factors: Depression, anxiety, stress, frustration, boredom, and other difficult emotions can lead to the desire to numb painful feelings. Many recovering addicts end up using drugs or alcohol again as a coping mechanism.
- Peer Pressure: clients could spend time with friends with addiction, and can trigger cravings. So, it can be difficult to get together with old friends if you used to drink together.
- Parties and Events: places, where people are drinking, are also tough to endure, especially in the early months of recovery.
Why Relapse Prevention?
“Unfortunately, relapse rates for individuals who enter recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction are quite high. Studies reflect that about 40-60% of individuals relapse within 30 days of leaving an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center, and up to 85% relapse within the first year. It is important for individuals who are struggling with an alcohol or substance dependence to acknowledge, work harder to recover and to reduce their risk, to understand what their own personal experiences should be, and to learn to deal with their emotions in a healthy way.”
By understanding the risks of addiction, individuals can better arm themselves and maintain their recovery. As a result, we are working hard to reduce relapse in our country by providing pass-through peer support services and recovery coaching services.
Prevention Strategies
- Peer Support Services: Peer support services are delivered by individuals who have been successful in recovery from substance use disorders and are ready to help others experiencing similar situations. Since they have shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, peer support services help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) offers a comprehensive peer support program by arranging meetings with the social support group that actively supports our clients to maintain sobriety.
- A recovery coach support: A recovery coach works to remove barriers and obstacles to drug and alcohol recovery. They serve as mentors to help people stay on track with their recovery goals and avoid relapse. Additionally, they also help people find their greater purpose and build a life that is rewarding and fulfilling. Our social Outpatient programs allow individuals to go about their daily life and commitments but still offer techniques and strategies similar to full-time inpatient treatment.
If you or your loved ones are suffering from the effects of alcohol abuse, substance addiction, or any other type of addiction, please contact us today.
If you would like to provide any kind of support to the relapse Prevention efforts of Meqoamia Community Development Center in Ethiopia, please contact us now
