Relapse Prevention for Women in Long-Term Recovery

Recovery from addiction is a lifetime process that demands dedication, perseverance, and consistent effort.

Once you realize you have an addiction problem, the vital first step is to seek help and start treatment. You also need to understand that relapse is a possible aspect of the recovery journey and not the end of the road. There are some practical tactics and insights for relapse prevention for women in long-term recovery that can encourage you to stay on the path of sobriety.

Understanding Relapse

Relapse happens when a person returns to substance usage after a period of sobriety. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 40% to 60% of people struggling with addiction will experience a relapse at some point in their recovery journey. Some studies show even higher chances of relapse when it comes to certain substances and alcohol.

While it may seem scary and discouraging, relapse is actually a normal part of the rehabilitation process. Relapsing doesn’t mean you failed, although it often feels like that. Instead, once it does happen, you should dust yourself off, modify certain components of the rehabilitation strategy, and continue.

The Stages of Relapse

Relapse often occurs in three stages: emotional, mental, and physical. 

• Emotional Relapse: This stage is characterized by unresolved feelings and actions, which provide the groundwork for future usage. In other words, while in the emotional relapse stage, a person is probably not actively thinking about using substances; their emotions and behaviors are setting them up for a potential relapse. They usually feel anxious or overwhelmed without a clear reason or withdraw from social activities.
• Mental Relapse: In the mental relapse stage, there’s usually a mental fight between wanting to use and wanting to stay sober. This stage includes strong cravings, reminiscing about and romanticizing past usage, and pondering relapse. In some cases, this stage can also involve coming up with excuses and situations where using substances might be acceptable.
• Physical Relapse: Physical relapse happens when the person decides to use substances again. Usually, there are many warning signs before this stage occurs because it typically occurs after prolonged emotional and mental relapse, where the person feels overwhelmed and unable to resist the urge to use.

Unique Challenges for Women in Recovery

While everyone struggling with substance use disorder and addiction experience somewhat similar challenges, there are some unique challenges only women face. 

For example, women frequently deal with distinct cultural and familial influences that might complicate their rehabilitation. Balancing duties as moms, partners, and workers can cause stress and shame, and that can lead to relapse. 

Furthermore, women are more likely to have co-occurring illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, which can impede recovery. It is important to address these underlying issues in the course of the treatment.

Pregnant women or women who breastfeed also need some special considerations in the course of the treatment.

Finally, a large number of women in recovery have a history of trauma and abuse. This can significantly impact their mental health and recovery process in many ways.

Strategies for Relapse Prevention for Women

Finding a Reputable Treatment Center

Finding a trustworthy rehab clinic is frequently the first step toward a successful recovery. For women in long-term recovery, choosing the right rehab center can make all the difference.  Luckily, you can rely on We Level Up Treatment Centers, a renowned network of medical detox, mental health, and addiction treatment facilities tailored to diverse recovery needs. They specialize in developing tailored treatment programs that address each person’s specific concerns, whether they are connected to drug abuse, co-occurring mental health issues, or trauma. This personalized approach guarantees that each client receives the assistance they require to conquer their addiction and provides a solid ground for long-term sobriety.

Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders

As we already mentioned, for many women, co-occurring mental health disorders are a significant factor in relapse. For relapse prevention for women in long-term recovery, it is vital to address both drug use and mental health concerns. Individual therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed treatment can help women address the underlying causes of their addiction and create healthy coping methods. On the other hand, for certain women, medication-assisted therapy (MAT) can be an effective relapse prevention strategy. MAT incorporates medication, individual counseling, and behavioral therapy.

Building a Strong Support Network

A strong support system is essential for long-term healing for people of all genders. Surrounding themselves with sympathetic and helpful people can give individuals the emotional and practical support required to overcome problems. 

Joining women-specific support organizations, such as Women for Sobriety (WFS) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, can help you feel more connected and share your experiences. These groups provide a secure environment for discussing gender-related concerns and receiving peer support. 

Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Coping with addiction and cravings is a day-to-day battle. That’s why you need to develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress and avoiding relapse triggers. Mindfulness and meditation are two practices that can help you manage stress and keep your emotions balanced. These approaches increase self-awareness and help women stay grounded during their recovery journey. Moreover, any type of regular physical activity improves both mental and physical health. Cardio exercise boosts mood, produces endorphins, and gives a healthy way to relieve stress.

Creating A Relapse Prevention Plan

A relapse prevention plan is a tailored document that helps you determine your risk of relapse and clarifies your opinions on managing these risks. You may build your own relapse prevention strategy from many accessible templates online. The plan will be separated into sections, allowing you to go through your relapse prevention approach step by step, starting with your triggers.

You need to be aware of your personal triggers. They can be emotional, environmental, or situational and can widely differ from person to person. You need to learn how to identify and address them in order to build coping or avoidance techniques.

Another part of a relapse prevention plan is setting attainable and realistic objectives. They will boost your motivation and give you a sense of achievement. Finally, regular self-assessment allows you to keep track of your development and spot potential concerns early on. 

Conclusion

Women with substance use disorder face some unique challenges and an increased risk of relapse. That is why effective relapse prevention for women demands a varied approach that takes these specific problems into consideration. If you’re struggling with addiction, seek professional help and don’t give up, even after a relapse. In the end, recovery is not a destination but a lifelong journey.

Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551500/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5844157
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7006178
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3135672

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