Relapse Prevention

What is a relapse?

Whether you’ve been sober for two hours, two months, or two years, relapse occurs when you return to substance abuse. Relapse is incredibly common, occurring at least once in up to 60% of people in recovery. 

There are typically three stages of relapse: emotional, mental, and physical. For example, you might begin with negative emotions like anxiety, depression, or fatigue. These feelings lead to thoughts about using drugs or alcohol again. Finally, you reach the physical stage of relapse and begin to abuse drugs or alcohol again.

Addiction is a chronic disease and needs daily care and effort to maintain your recovery. Like someone trying to lose weight, you make the right healthy choices and get the medical support you need to recover, but something triggers you to return to substance abuse. If it happens to you, forgive yourself and get back on track. The team at 90265 Medical Group can help prevent relapse, or get you back on track if you do.

What are the warning signs of relapse?

Whether you or someone you love is recovering from substance abuse, knowing the triggers and warning signs of relapse can help you avoid it. 

While everyone has their own triggers for substance abuse, some of the common types of triggers include depression, stress, and lack of sleep. When you don’t feel great, the urges to use drugs or alcohol are more difficult to ignore.  

Some of the warning signs of a potential relapse include:

• Romanticizing of drug or alcohol use
• Thinking you can use drugs casually
• Sudden loss of interest in other activities
• Increased isolation
• Avoiding sobriety support system
• Doubting the effectiveness of your recovery program

If you feel like you’re at risk of relapse, contact 90265 Medical Group for help right away.

What is relapse prevention?

90265 Medical Group provides evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help prevent relapse. Whether you’re currently in treatment with the team or need help to avoid relapse, the doctors prescribe medication to reduce or eliminate your urges to use drugs or alcohol and alleviate any withdrawal symptoms that contribute to your risk. 

If you’re concerned about relapse or have already started to use drugs or alcohol again, call 90265 Medical group or make an appointment online today.