To reduce the likelihood of relapsing, one of the things we do with Reprieve Recovery is place a focus on relapse prevention with addiction aftercare in New Jersey. Relapse prevention includes discussing addiction aftercare and where you can get support when you need it after graduating from your primary treatment program. Together, we can work toward building your skills and network while reducing the chances of a relapse through our aftercare program in New Jersey.
JUMP TO SECTION
What Is Addiction Aftercare?
Addiction aftercare is an integral part of overcoming addiction in the long term. After leaving an inpatient or outpatient program, many individuals face unique challenges in returning to their normal routines. In some cases, those routines have many of the triggers that led to substance use or made it worse.
The chronic nature of addiction means that, for some people, a relapse is likely without ongoing support. However, with relapse prevention techniques in place, it is possible to avoid relapse and to stick to an aftercare plan that keeps individuals on track.
Aftercare plans often include behavioral therapies. For example, you may go to see a therapist who works with you on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or contingency management. You may go to a 12-step program and spend time with a network of your peers. Or, you may continue seeing a healthcare provider for medication management. Additional services may also be a part of aftercare; each person’s situation is unique, and aftercare plans have to be customized, as well.
What Is a Relapse?
A relapse happens when an individual returns to using a substance, such as a drug or alcohol, after a period of abstinence. A relapse can be a brief slip or a full return to previous patterns of addiction. The early stages of a relapse might be something as simple as being overwhelmed by work or school, having a fight with loved ones, or struggling with issues with your children, only to turn to a substance rather than healthier coping techniques. It is a gradual process.
Most people go through three stages of relapse when one occurs:
- The emotional relapse, which happens when the individual has trouble coping but isn’t yet thinking about using.
- The mental relapse, which is when the individual starts to think about using drugs or alcohol again.
- A physical relapse, which is when the individual uses a substance or engages in an addictive behavior again.
When a relapse occurs, individuals, families, sober contacts, or others may take steps to perform an intervention and help the individual get back on track.
We accept most insurance plans
We accept a wide range of insurance plans, making it easier for more people to get the quality care they need without worrying about the cost.
What Are Common Triggers That Lead to Relapses?
Every person is different, and the issues that affect them and trigger them to consider using drugs or alcohol to cope will vary. After a person has completed a recovery program, they should be aware of their triggers, have participated in educational opportunities, and have access to resources to prevent those triggers from leading to a relapse.
Common triggers teens, young adults, and adult patients may have include:
- Isolation or a lack of social support
- Physical illness, mental illness, or fatigue
- Celebrations or events that cause emotional highs (or lows), such as birthdays or funerals
- Exposure to past environments or people who are associated with using drugs or alcohol
As a part of a care plan, these triggers should be discussed, and methods for coping should be learned. However, triggers can sometimes be unpredictable, so having an aftercare plan in place is a necessity.
Does Aftercare Help With Relapse Prevention?
Developing an aftercare plan as a part of your recovery can help prevent a relapse in the future by providing you with the information, education, and support you need to maintain your sobriety. For example, if a 12-step program is a part of your aftercare program, you may continue to go to meetings on a weekly basis. If you run into issues in your daily life that could threaten your sobriety, you will have peers you can turn to and a connection with a sober community with techniques, advice, and support for your situation.
Relapse Prevention Techniques for Substance Use Disorders
Each person’s journey to sobriety, from early recovery through graduation from an inpatient program or outpatient program and beyond, is unique. Recovery is a lifelong process, and it requires you to make a number of changes to maintain sobriety.
The process of recovery (and the risk of relapse) can be impacted by factors such as:
- The severity of the consequences of continued addiction or relapse
- Dual diagnoses and co-occurring mental or medical conditions
- An individual’s motivation, support system, and coping skills
Relapse prevention techniques can help you stay sober after treatment.
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder. Common relapse prevention techniques for alcohol addiction include:
- Developing healthy routines, like attending 12-step programs
- Using a daily plan to maintain structure
- Avoiding triggers that encourage or enable drinking, like going to bars
- Using cognitive techniques, like mindfulness, to address thoughts of drinking
- Working with accountability partners and peers you can call when you are considering relapsing
Drug and Substance Abuse
For drug and substance abuse, some helpful relapse prevention techniques could include:
- Removing paraphernalia from the home, such as references to drug use
- Relocating away from a high-risk environment and into a halfway house or sober living community
- Working on stress management
- Sticking with ongoing therapy sessions
- Trying medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use, alcohol, or other addictions that cause you cravings
Dual Diagnoses
Dual diagnoses often need an integrated approach to care because they involve both a mental health condition and the use of drugs or alcohol. Relapse prevention may include:
- Ongoing therapy for both the mental health disorder and addiction
- Collaboration between key providers, such as specialists and mental health professionals
- Medication management, including the management of psychiatric medications
- Ongoing education. Educators may aim to teach families or individuals about early warning signs of mental health-related issues, which could reduce the likelihood of relapsing into drug or alcohol use.
An aftercare plan may also include emergency protocols that can be used if you or someone you love feel close to using again. For example, crisis plans may include specific individuals to call or places to go if you feel like using. Naloxone, an overdose-reversing drug often used to treat opioid overdoses, may also be kept on hand for some people.
Addiction affects many aspects of an individual’s life; treatment should consider the whole person, their surroundings, and their goals to be as effective as possible.
Treatment Services Offered
Reprieve Recovery offers three treatment services, including our:
Residential Treatment Program
Reprieve Recovery’s residential treatment program provides 24/7 care in a structured and supportive environment. This inpatient program is ideal for individuals in the early stages of recovery from substance use, including alcohol and drug addiction.
Clients receive individualized care that may include therapy sessions, group counseling, and medication-assisted treatment. With a focus on relapse prevention and mental health support, residential care offers the stability needed to begin healing and build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.
Following completion, many clients transition to an intensive outpatient program or addiction aftercare in New Jersey to continue receiving support as they reintegrate into daily life.
Outpatient Program
Reprieve Recovery’s outpatient program is ideal for individuals who do not require 24/7 supervision. This level of care works well for those managing mild conditions and who can maintain their daily responsibilities while attending scheduled appointments. Participants have access to group sessions, individual therapy, and medical support as needed.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
The intensive outpatient program offers a higher level of care than standard outpatient treatment. IOP meets more frequently and is designed for individuals who need consistent structure without stepping away from their home life. Services may include therapy, recovery education, and access to peer support, along with optional medical treatments.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
The partial hospitalization program is the most structured of the three options. Clients spend the majority of their day receiving therapeutic support before returning home in the evenings. This program is often recommended for individuals who need more hands-on assistance during the day but don’t require overnight care. Treatment includes counseling, emotional support, and medically guided care when appropriate.
During and following these programs, we discuss outpatient care and aftercare with all our clients. We want to set you up for success, so you can move forward in your life and put substance abuse behind you.
Why Choose Reprieve Recovery for Mental Health or Addiction Treatment?
Reprieve Recovery puts you at the heart of all we do. We believe that our clients deserve only the best care and understand the complexities of living with a substance use disorder or dual diagnosis. Many of those on our staff have been through similar circumstances, giving our team a unique perspective and the empathy to provide personalized, empathetic care and equitable access to resources . At Reprieve, you can expect:
- Support from expert addiction specialists
- Access to an accredited treatment program
- Personalized care and support
We are here to help and guide you during treatment and beyond. Whether you’re just getting started on your recovery or you have an interest in continuing recovery with outpatient services, our treatment center in NJ is here to help you maintain sobriety and feel your best.
Looking for information on addiction treatment or just need to talk? Our experienced and compassionate team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Addiction Aftercare New Jersey with Reprieve Recovery
At Reprieve Recovery, we provide an evidence-based, holistic approach to overcoming alcohol and drug addiction. Our outpatient programs are designed to help you stop the use of drugs or alcohol while learning ways to cope with stress and triggers in the future. Along your journey, we’ll work with you on next steps, ensuring you have an aftercare plan that helps you maintain long-term sobriety. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you thrive.
Resources:
https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/reducing-relapse-risk.asp
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
