At Asana Lodge, we have staff who specialise in relapse prevention, helping clients to identify their relapse trigger and giving them tools they can use to avoid temptation.
With the right coping strategies and professional help, successful relapse prevention is possible in the long term.
Warning Signs of Relapse
There’s usually a build up to a relapse, which happens before the actual act of relapse happens, i.e. using drugs, gambling or bingeing. This is known as an emotional relapse, and there are a number of signs to look out for.
While they’re sometimes noticed by a friend or family member, if you undergo a programme at Asana Lodge, we teach you to look out for the signs of emotional relapse:
- Sleep disturbances – either insomnia or too much sleep
- Exhaustion
- Social isolation
- Changes in eating habits – whether it’s bingeing or not eating enough
If these signs are ignored, the negative emotional feelings can worsen, which leads to a mental relapse. That’s why knowing the early warning signs is so important.
A mental relapse means the addict becomes more conscious of wanting to use drugs or alcohol, or continue the bad behaviours associated with a mental health condition.
They may then go out and undertake their previous negative behaviours, reasoning with themselves that they are now in control or they can manage their substance abuse.
However, relapses can be extremely dangerous, as addicts will often go back to their old drug use levels, but no longer have their previous tolerance levels, meaning they’re at a very high risk of overdose.
This is why relapse prevention is so important, as it means there are different stages in which professionals can intervene before someone with an addiction takes the backwards step.
Making a Relapse Prevention Plan
Asana Lodge is part of the Rehab Clinics Group, who have an excellent record when it comes to relapse prevention. We use guidelines from experts such as Terence Gorski and are always developing new strategies for our clients.
When people come to us seeking addiction treatment, we know the importance of including aftercare strategies to help avoid relapse.
During your stay at Asana Lodge, we’ll spend a lot of time talking about ways that you can avoid relapse, creating a coping strategy that’s unique to you.
Many of our programmes include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which can be a useful tool in preventing a relapse. It allows you to take a look at your triggers, so you can start avoiding high risk situations when possible.
However, if you can’t avoid your triggers in day to day life, then CBT teaches you how to deal with them. If you can identify a relapse at an early stage, you’re much more likely to seek help, which can help when it comes to staying sober.
Aftercare
Aftercare plays a huge part in relapse prevention. The first 12 months after leaving rehab are when there’s the biggest risk of relapsing, so that’s why Asana Lodge offer free aftercare sessions during this time. These support groups can be an excellent place to talk to others about your recovery, and can help you identify problematic behaviours.
In terms of long-term recovery, you have a much better chance of success if you keep attending groups and take any recommended steps.
Once you leave Asana Lodge, it may be recommended that you have further therapy and support.
Substance abuse can’t always be treated in a few weeks, and if our team feel you might need extra support for relapse prevention, then they may make recommendations for individual therapy.
Some people overcoming addictions also opt to undergo family therapy, which allows loved ones to learn about the condition, and means they can learn to identify the signs of a relapse too, allowing them to feel like they’re part of your recovery.
A Bespoke Programme
One of the advantages of attending private rehab is that you get a relapse prevention plan that’s specific to your needs. We don’t just use a template to create your plan, it’s personal to your behaviour and history, giving you the best possible chance of avoiding a relapse.
If you’d like to find out more about any of the services offered by Asana Lodge, speak to our team today. Simply call 01908 489 421 or e-mail enquiries@asanalodge.co.uk and we’ll be happy to answer any questions.
