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“An Outreach Program for Families Dealing with Addiction” |
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Heroin Action Coalition of Carroll County |
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Relapse Prevention |
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WHAT IS RELAPSE? Relapse is the return to use of drugs after a period of abstinence and is common in 66% of all patients who are attempting to stay clean for the first time. It is a process, not an event. It is a process of becoming unable to cope with life in sobriety. Relapse is not a self-inflicted condition but is caused by a wide variety of problems that can be effectively treated. The relapse process is marked by predictable and identifiable warning signs that begin long before a return to heroin use or collapse occurs.
RELAPSE PREVENTION Relapse is preventable if you’re prepared. There are hazards that must be identified and coped with. You can learn to identify and anticipate these potentially dangerous relapse periods and situations. You can actually predict and identify your personal relapse danger areas. Typical relapse times are holidays, special occasions, and the first three months of your sobriety, 6 months, nine months and one year of sobriety. You can determine triggers that might make you prone to relapse—the people, places, things, and events that might encourage you to use heroin again.
RELAPSE TRIGGERS Make a list of your personal triggers: people you’re likely to use with; places where you’d be likely to relapse; things that stress you out; events that cause you to consider using.
PREVENTION PLANS After you have identified your triggers you can develop plans to overcome relapse. Relapse can be manageable if it occurs.
WHAT ARE YOU FEELING? If you feel depressed or anxious ask yourself- “Am I hungry, angry, lonely or tired?” Then do something about it. Action is your best defense. Pay attention to your emotions and what you are experiencing.
GO SOMEWHERE If you feel restless or lonely, go somewhere—take a drive, go to a movie, visit the library, go for a walk. If you are in a situation that is tempting, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!
CALL SOMEONE When you think you are about to relapse, call someone. Call a supportive friend, a family member, your NA or AA sponsor, our help line, a priest or clergy.
NUTRITION Good nutrition is a must, especially after months or years of using. Proper nutrition is necessary for good brain function. A healthy body does help decrease the desire to use heroin.
EXERCISE Daily exercise can make you feel better and it aids in proper body and brain function.
REMEMBER...with some planning you can prevent a relapse. |
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Contact HACCC: P.O. Box 536 Hampstead, Maryland 21074 24 Hour Maryland Local Help Line: 410-386-2424 Toll Free: 1-866-HEROIN1 |
