If alcoholics and drug addicts really want to stop, they need help from either an addiction professional or a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.
Also, the ongoing support that a 12 step program will provide can help users with recovery so they do not relapse. There are millions individuals that become addicted to drugs and alcohol every year. Drug and alcohol [tag-tec]addiction[/tag-tec] is commonly viewed as a disease. 
Because of it’s nature, this disease can devastate the person who has it, along with family and loved ones around the person.
There are many addicts and alcoholics that try to stop using but fail on their own. They often return to their old patterns of using again. When the alcoholic or addict begins to realize they need help for their condition, they need to check themselves into a residential rehab program so they can get off this merry-go-round ride to nowhere.
To relapse is to start using again. Many people in recovery will relapse and go back to using again. This is sad but true. This does not mean they have given up the battle forever. This means there was a relapse plan in place but they did not use it.
Relapses usually happen when the person in recovery begins falling into old established behavioral patterns that triggers a relapse and start using drugs or alcohol again.
When people get out of rehab, the first few months are a risky time for relapse to occur. Many of those who are new in their recovery programs will begin using their drug of choice again and continue using if they do not participate in “aftercare”. A good relapse plan is accessible for everyone that is in treatment as a large part of their therapy process. Everyone is encouraged to continue their treatment with aftercare.
It is so important for those that are leaving the residential rehab environment to immediately continue therapy with aftercare. Living a sober life in a controlled environment is one thing, but maintaining sobriety in the real world is an ongoing process of work and commitment. Aftercare will provide ongoing therapy so relapse has less of a chance of occurring.
Full participation in a good aftercare program is the single most important action a recovering addict/alcoholic can do for themselves as a relapse plan. Many rehab programs offer ongoing aftercare therapy as a part of the total program.
AA and NA support groups are available for all individuals that are in recovery. These are 12 step recovery programs that are a part of the aftercare program offered for all those in recovery.
12 step recovery programs always play a large ongoing role to help prevent the recovering addict from giving in to the disease. These support meetings always play a large role in a relapse plan with members sharing their stories with each other and offering living testaments that their aftercare really does work for everyone.
It is vitally important for the recovering alcoholic or addict to use the aftercare resources that are available as a part of their lives now. The principles the individuals learned in rehab are reinforced in aftercare so they become a part of them. Through this reinforcement, those in recovery stay clean and live better lives.
Addiction is a disease without a cure for it. The only way someone in recovery to stay sober and not relapse is through the support and understanding of others that are recovering, too. When someone walks away from the support, relapse is not far behind.
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Rehabbing in a center is a great way to do is because you are in an environment where you have people who care and will support you. The major battle will take place when you go back into the “real” world where temptations abound. It is in one’s best interest to develop a MAJOR game plan to deal with the temptations that you are bound to encounter. Treat it as if you were at war, because the casualty, if you lose, is you.