In order to develop an effective drug and alcohol relapse prevention strategy, their three main areas that need to be addressed.
1. Changing the way one thinks.
2. Developing coping skills.
3. Putting into effect lifestyle changes.
Firstly, it is very important to realize that while we may not be in control of things happening around us, we can certainly change the way we think about them. In general, people active in their addiction have very negative viewpoints, and can portray themselves in a very negative way. This can include the way one speaks and dresses. Negative thoughts tend to generate uncomfortable or negative feelings, which then tend to generate actions based on negativity or hostility. The point in the process they can be changed is the interpretations of one’s thinking about people, places, and things.
The second major area that needs to be developed to have a cohesive relapse prevention plan is to start working on some coping skills. Some examples of skills which are often underdeveloped in people active in their addiction, are: communications skills, social skills, stress management skills, and anger management. Handling all these common areas of difficulty can be improved upon with knowledge and practice.
The third major area outlined for relapse prevention is putting into effect lifestyle changes. One cannot reasonably expect to behave exactly as before and not run into difficulty. What we are really talking about here is becoming healthy both mentally and physically. There are many concrete and practical things one can do to improve one’s lifestyle. Some examples include eating in a healthy manner, exercising, staying positive, and developing a large and deep social support network.
