Relapse Prevention
After your teenager or young adult has been sober for a while, steps must be taken to prevent a relapse. A relapse is the first time any person in recovery takes that first drink or drug. Parents and teens should be aware that a relapse never happens 'out of the blue'. There are always factors and warning signs that have led your young adult to taking that first drink or drug. The first part of relapse work is to identify those warning signs and triggers, and then learn to recognize them as they occur. The second part of the work is to figure out how to deal with these triggers when they arise and take positive, healthy action to prevent another relapse.
First, the teenager needs to participate in an assessment with a therapist that is designed to help identify the reoccurring problems, thoughts, and emotions that create cravings for the substance which represents relief. Certain situations can be identified as triggers and then prepared for in advance. During a trigger event, cognitive behavior techniques can be used to help the teenager remember that the damage the drug does is many times greater than the temporary relief he or she is craving. Sometimes a particular emotion, such as anger or loneliness, can trigger these cravings. Sometimes, a particular person will ignite unconscious thoughts and feelings, and the teenager will experience drug cravings. Any kind of traumatic event presents a major trigger.
Relapse is usually caused by a combination of factors. These are some WARNING SIGNS to watch out for:
- Hanging out with old drinking or drugging friends
- Hanging out at old bars, parks, etc. that used to be associated with past substance abuse
- Being secretive about plans or people
- Keeping any drug paraphernalia, any drugs, or alcohol in the home
- Dropping friends and spending a lot of time alone
- Not going to meetings or therapy appointments
- Strong reactions to situations like slamming doors, throwing things, screaming or making threats
- Overly strong emotions such as crying jags, or deadened emotions
- Sleeping a lot or extended insomnia
- A change in energy level, such as excessive energy or severe lethargy
- Feelings of overconfidence and the belief no help or support is further required
- Dropping out of groups, quitting therapy, skipping doctor appointments
- Relationship problems such as a long-term crisis with a girlfriend or boyfriend
- Changes in eating patterns
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- Changes in personal hygiene and/or upkeep of clothes and surroundings
- Avoiding personal issues or refusing to deal with them
- Major life changes happening, such as a death in the family, serious illness, any kind of trauma, or even unexpected good events such as coming into money
- Ignoring all signs of relapse and refusing to listen to a therapist or parents about these signs
Parents (and teenagers if they are able) must be vigilant about spotting warning signs of a potential relapse. At the first recognizable sign of a drug craving, your teenager is in danger. The craving can travel from an unintelligible urge to out of control behavior remarkably fast. If a teenager is able to share the fact the first time they feel the craving, or if parents can recognize the change in their teenager, then heading off the relapse is a matter of using the resources learned from rehab and family support. If, however, the relapse is detected after it has control over your teenager, gather all your support and strength and be prepared to help your child work again to reach sobriety, one step at a time.
Article written by Jillian Blume
