Isn’t all addiction rehab treatment relapse prevention therapy? Yes. Certainly, all addiction therapy programs aim to help clients achieve sobriety through recovery and prevent relapses.

However, we understand that addiction is a chronic illness. Most people making an effort towards lasting recovery will relapse at some point–but it is important to remove shame and guilt from relapse. Relapse prevention therapy is a particular form of addiction therapy based on cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is characterized by the acquisition of specific skills to reduce the risk of relapse and normalize that it is often a part of life in recovery.

Mile High Recovery Center offers a relapse prevention program in Colorado at our rehab facility in the heart of Denver. To learn more about relapse and its risks, how to cope with it, and what relapse prevention therapy (RPT) entails, reach out to us today. Use our online form or call us at 303-268-2144.

What Is A Relapse Prevention Therapy Program?

RBT seeks to prevent relapses by anticipating when they might happen. Facing what is likely to provoke a relapse is an uncomfortable but necessary part of the process. The focus of the RBT work the client does with the therapist centers on identifying and processing those relapse triggers, which can be internal thoughts and emotions or external settings, people, experiences, or environments.

The relapse prevention plan is all about coming up with a strategy, fully developed and strengthened in advance to mitigate the risks posed by triggering circumstances or people. This involves learning and practicing specific skills to change thinking and behaviors in the face of those triggers.

How Does RBT work?

Your RBT therapist will work closely with you, using a series of strategies to help you build skills and confidence. The basic overview of a relapse prevention therapy program is as follows:

 

  • Identify internal triggers. Unbidden thoughts about substance use that are positive or nostalgic or painful emotions that arise and make the idea of using sound good – internally generated triggers can be hard to navigate unless you know how to identify them in plenty of time.
  • Identify external triggers. Figure out the places, friends, times of day, or activities with which you associate drug or alcohol use. Knowledge is power. You can’t always avoid these external triggers, but being aware of what and where they allow you to be prepared.
  • Change your expectations and the language you use around substance use. This is called cognitive restructuring and means eliminating all words and ideas that are positively associated with the use and training yourself to reframe your thinking around abstinence from something dreaded or dull to something healthy and desired.
  • Develop contingency plans in case of emergency. If you find you are in a situation that puts you in real danger of relapse, it’s good to have an exit strategy.
  • Work on skills. For example, practicing communication strategies like saying no in a risky moment or planning an hour, day, and eventually, week and month that do not include substances or the most triggering activities you used to do while using.
  • Reframe your thinking about relapse. It is not a failure but a learning experience. A relapse does not mean you will not be able to recover. It means you are in recovery already and have been offered a chance to work on your coping skills some more.

 

Relapse prevention therapy is all about building your confidence and self-esteem. You truly can face the challenges ahead.

Relapse Prevention In Colorado At Mile High Recovery Center

Along with relapse prevention therapy, the skilled clinicians at Mile High Recovery Center offer a range of other evidence-based addiction treatments as well. For example:

  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
  • Dual diagnosis
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy

While enrolled in addiction rehab at Mile High, you can engage in experiential therapies, practice mindfulness, and participate in a 12-step program. We offer wrap-around care that we hope offers you the best chance at long-term wellness and sobriety. Learn more by calling 303-268-2144 or filling out our online form.

Begin Outpatient Rehab at Mile High Recovery Center Today

In Denver’s City Center neighborhood, Mile High is here to help you thrive throughout the Denver Metro area. If you or someone you love is ready to take the next steps towards recovery, call us today at 303-268-2144 to learn more about our outpatient programs.