Relapse Prevention Programs in Minneapolis, MN

Many people think of drug and alcohol addiction treatment as consisting of 12-step programs or 28-day stints in rehab. While it’s true that these can play an important role in treatment for addiction, recovery is a process that never truly ends. At Minneapolis Drug Rehab Centers, we think of recovery as a lifelong journey complete with ups, downs, and occasionally stopping to ask for directions. Relapse prevention programs are a big part of this journey, and are often underrated as far as their importance in the context of treatment for addiction.

What Are Relapse Prevention Programs?

Relapse prevention programs are highly individualized plans intended to keep an individual safely within the bounds of sobriety and recovery. They are comprised of several separate but inter-related approaches that combine to form a solid infrastructure for recovery support. These include ongoing treatment, relapse contingency, and relationship-building.

Ongoing Treatment

Although treatment for addiction typically begins with detox and a period of rehabilitation that can last for weeks or months, it doesn’t end there. Addiction is classified as a chronic disease for which there is no known cure, and as such requires ongoing treatment in order to be kept under control. It is true that in some rare cases, minimal effort is required in order to stay sober, but for most individuals this is not the case, and the risk is not worth the consequences. Ongoing treatment can take many forms, such as one-one-one cognitive-behavioral therapy, family counseling, medical care, participation in peer support groups, vocational, educational, or career guidance, or placement in a sober living facility, just to give a few examples. Most types of ongoing treatment focus on risk awareness and avoidance, stress management, and lifestyle coaching.

Relapse Contingency

As addiction is prone to relapse, there is no sense in ignoring it as a real possibility for every individual who is in recovery. Instead, it is logical and beneficial to think and plan ahead. In the event of relapse, it can be extremely helpful for individuals to have an actionable list of coping strategies, such as contacting a mentor or health care provider. When relapse is handled quickly and effectively, it can serve as an opportunity for fine-tuning additional treatment and prevention programs to more adequately support recovery.

Building Relationships

This is an extremely important part of all relapse prevention programs. Post-treatment sobriety brings with it a whole new set of challenges for individuals in recovery, and can be isolating, disorienting, and frustrating. Instead of trying to go it alone, individuals need to rely on a network of knowledgeable and supportive people who can help them through this difficult time. These often take the form of family members, mentors, medical care providers, and therapists.

At the end of the day, relapse prevention programs can be the defining factor in the overall success of any treatment program. Without them, relapse is all but inevitable. If you would like information about relapse prevention programs via Minneapolis Drug Rehab Centers, we encourage you to get in touch with us at (612) 605-2271 today.