Therefore, it is anything that is not formally published in a peer-reviewed journal (Cooper et al., 2009; Godin et al., 2015) and can include websites, policy documents, conference proceedings, and unpublished research (Higgins & Green, 2011). Incorporating grey literature in any forms of evidence synthesis, such as scoping reviews, is seen as good practice as it reduces aspects of publication bias (Hopewell et al., 2007), providing a more comprehensive review. Research indicates that the prevalence of a second episode after treatment for depression is 50%, this figure rising to 90% following three episodes (Burcusa & Lacono., 2007). The relapse rate for anxiety is also fairly high as demonstrated by a meta-analysis of nine studies which found an average of 23.8% relapse following CBT (Lorimer et al., 2021).

Online Therapy Can Help

Managing stress is one of the most important relapse-prevention skills a person can have. It’s best to find effective ways to manage stress without turning to substances. Whether it’s through relaxation techniques, therapy, or engaging in enjoyable activities, prioritizing stress management is key. By building a reliable support network, you can find the encouragement and stability you need to prevent relapse.

Continuous Personal Development

All identified articles were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers and quality appraised. It’s important to find activities that align with your interests and goals and to establish a routine that incorporates these activities. Examples of activities can include volunteering, taking up a new hobby, or learning a new skill. It’s vital to prioritize self-care activities and make them a regular part of your routine.

Cognitive Therapy and Relapse Prevention

This component involves teaching practical skills essential for maintaining sobriety, such as coping strategies for managing cravings. It also includes high-risk situations and emotional regulation skills to manage stress and the addiction’s negative effects. Relapse prevention planning aims to recognize and address these signals before they escalate to the physical stage. It utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach to prevent a relapse and provide appropriate skills on what to do if a relapse does occur.

These activities allow you and other group members to share experiences and foster camaraderie. You must accept help from supportive family and friends when you need it. This technique involves running “a mental videotape” of the entire relapse process. It involves going through the process from start to finish and noting all the changes that would occur if you give into the temptation. Emotional awareness encourages you to check in with yourself before taking action, reminding you to stay mindful of your current state. Pause first when you experience these states and find ways to deal with them without turning to substances.

Types of coping skills can include distraction techniques, such as going for a walk or listening to music, as well as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. Other examples include problem-solving skills, assertiveness training, and learning to identify and challenge negative thoughts. Having a support system is crucial for individuals in addiction recovery because it provides encouragement, accountability, and a sense of community.

The general answer is that honesty is always preferable, except where it may harm others [14,21]. Therapists and counselors will document, share, and regularly update these strategies throughout your treatment. For example, celebrating these milestones may provide a tempting excuse to give into old habits. Give yourself credit for each small gain you make — one week sober, one month off drugs, etc. For each goal you achieve, give yourself a reward as motivation to keep moving forward. For instance, book yourself a relaxing massage or buy yourself something you’ve had your eye on.

• Mindfulness is a practice that involves being present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts without judgment.
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• There are other self-help groups, including Women for Sobriety, Secular Organizations for Sobriety, Smart Recovery, and Caduceus groups for health professionals.
• Many physical relapses occur during times when the individual believes their use will go undetected.
• When individuals exhibit poor self-care and live in emotional relapse long enough, eventually they start to feel uncomfortable in their own skin.

Most physical relapses are considered relapses of opportunity, meaning that they occur when an individual feels they will not get caught. One such neurotransmitter, dopamine, reinforces the connection between drug use, pleasure, and any external triggers that remind the user of the substance. Over time, these dopamine surges teach the brain to seek the drug or alcohol relapse prevention skills any time the user encounters a trigger. Substance abuse relapse occurs when a person who has attempted to stop using a substance begins to use it again. Relapse can occur very soon after attempting sobriety, or after several years of sustained sobriety. Setting and communicating boundaries in recovery is important for your relationships and a practice of self-love.

How Do You Make A Relapse Prevention Plan?

It takes time to get over a dependence, deal with withdrawal symptoms, and overcome the urge to use. The path to sobriety is a long and difficult journey, and the process is different for everyone. While some may never relapse, others may relapse several times at some point during recovery.

Identifying and Managing Triggers

More broadly speaking, I believe that recovering individuals need to learn to feel comfortable with being uncomfortable. They often assume that non-addicts don’t have the same problems or experience the same negative emotions. Therefore, they feel it is defensible or necessary to escape their negative feelings. The cognitive challenge is to indicate that negative feelings are not signs of failure, but a normal part of life and opportunities for growth. Helping clients feel comfortable with being uncomfortable can reduce their need to escape into addiction. CBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps identify negative thoughts that lead to substance abuse.