Relapse Prevention: A Practical Approach

One of the first things that we “learn” when we either enter treatment, or become active in local 12-step groups, is that if we begin to feel the urge or impulse to use drugs or alcohol, we must call our sponsor or someone else in recovery. On the surface this seems like sound advice, and assuming that addicts in early recovery who begin to feel the urge to relapse will actually take this step, it is undoubtedly an effective one. The problem with this assumption, however, is that the newly sober addict has the capacity to fight off their impulses and subsequently make a rational decision. When we look at that particular scenario, we easily remember that impulsivity and the desire to feel better now is the dominant force that is orienting the addicted individual. While this advice may work more often with someone who has more familiarity with recovery and relapse, it should not be expected that this is the only reasonable strategy for preventing relapse.

It seems that the most effective way we can work to prevent relapse is to work to establish a life that we would not want to lose should we give into our impulses. If we are able to make amends and rebuild important relationships, foster new connections with people in sobriety, reintegrate ourselves into working part-time so that we can focus on our program, and experience reinvigoration by picking up an old hobby or interest, we are able to better fortify ourselves against the prospect of immediate gratification over long term contentment. We can also adopt mindfulness as a practical strategy to begin to really understand how our thoughts can either help us to pinpoint knowledge and insights or can be a destructive force that overwhelms us with feelings of shame and low self-worth. Again, however, we run into the very real issue of accountability and support. Once we have left the treatment facility, we have gone from having several means of professional support and guidance to none at all.

This is another problem area that Hired Power has identified a solution for. Facing the problem of relapse in early recovery, Hired Power makes professionals of different varieties available in order to meet the individual and unique needs of all their clients. They provide Personal Recovery Assistants to aid in the day to day, continuing care managers to help aid with legal, occupational, and therapeutic matters, and even provide a safe rides program which provides transportation and support from addiction professionals in order to meet the idiosyncratic needs of all people they serve.

At Hired Power, we know firsthand what it takes to stay sober and maintain recovery. We can help you achieve lasting sobriety and find the freedom that comes with recovery. Call us today: (714) 559-3919.