Having a safe person to talk to can help you get past the craving and remember why you do not want to return to previous behaviors. Keeping that list on you at all times is important because it is a readily available resource you can use by quickly calling someone safe. Participating regularly in a support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provides support, accountability, education, and the ability to meet peers who understand what you are going through.

• Group activities are a common part of addiction treatment plans because they help clients foster healthy relationships and grow their support network, promoting relapse prevention and long-term sobriety.
• However, ongoing support through aftercare programs or support groups beyond formal addiction treatment can further boost relapse prevention efforts.
• In settings like Alcoholics Anonymous and other self-help support groups, participants find social support and a safe space to openly discuss their challenges.
• CBT effectively reduces the risk of relapse and is an integral component of the recovery process.
• All identified articles were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers and quality appraised.
• The practice of mindfulness consists of staying in the present moment without letting the guilt of the past or the worries of the future affect you.

Step Programs

Through various group exercises and discussions, participants gain insight into their triggers, learn how to deal with cravings and develop practical skills to stay on track. Engaging in relapse prevention group activities offers numerous advantages, including increased accountability, improved communication skills, and enhanced self-awareness. These activities can range from therapy sessions and support group meetings to physical activities and creative outlets. By actively participating in these group activities, individuals can strengthen their resolve and build a solid foundation for lifelong recovery. If you are on the path to recovery and seeking ways to stay strong and overcome temptations, exploring the world of relapse prevention group activities can be an invaluable step forward. Within the ever-evolving field of clinical psychology, this is the first comprehensive summary of the relapse prevention resources and interventions administered to patients after completing a GSH intervention in primary care.

Addiction Care At Spring Hill Recovery Center

• Together, we can overcome challenges, embrace growth, and build a brighter future, one step at a time.
• It helps you break free from unhelpful thought patterns and focus on healthier alternatives for managing stress.
• Distress tolerance skills are techniques that people may use to deal with difficult emotions such as stress or fear.
• A recovery journal can document your thoughts, feelings, challenges, and successes.
• A strong support system is an integral part of staying sober in the long-term.
• This scoping review aims to explore available evidence on how to maintain treatment gains and prevent relapse following GSH.

A systematic review of 21 studies demonstrated comparable effects of GSH with traditional face-to-face psychotherapies after a one-year follow-up (Cuijpers et al., 2010). Another systematic review exploring the effects of GSH via computerised CBT, provides evidence demonstrating the efficacy and acceptability of GSH interventions as treatment for anxiety and/or depression symptoms (Etzelmueller et al., 2020). In England, the effectiveness of low intensity interventions, like GSH, administered within NHS Talking Therapies services is evidenced by recovery rates of 50% meeting national standards (NHS, 2022). In conclusion, the transformative impact of relapse prevention group activities on individuals in recovery cannot be overstated.

Residential Treatment – Extended Care

This scoping review provides an overview of the knowledge available, and the key features considered in developing a resource to tackle the global concern of patients with anxiety and depression relapsing following treatment. Additionally, essential gaps in the literature were identified predominantly surrounding the scarcity of relapse prevention interventions or tools specifically for individuals who have completed low-intensity treatments. The PAGER framework (Table 4) is used to guide the discussion and planning for future research and uses model themes (Bradbury-Jones et al., 2021). Continued brief support after relapse prevention skills treatment – A follow-up was also an integral feature for relapse prevention as this component was included in five of six relapse prevention tools and interventions. Follow-ups are also recommended for low-intensity treatment to ensure patients are maintaining treatment gains, continue to implement their techniques and identify signs of relapse early (Papworth & Marrinan, 2018; NHS, 2024). However, continuous contact with a practitioner is often not feasible in routine care in the long term and previous research has demonstrated that motivation can influence the continuity of treatment (Runge et al., 2022).

action: ‘healthbeat’

Long-term goals are the aspirations and milestones you aim to achieve over time. Setting clear goals gives you something to strive for and helps measure your progress. Whether you want to stay sober for a year or improve your mental health, having long-term goals provides direction and motivation.

Following Through with Treatment

Extended Addiction Care

• When participants have a solid routine, that routine can help them deal with the complications of substance abuse.
• The relapse rate for anxiety is also fairly high as demonstrated by a meta-analysis of nine studies which found an average of 23.8% relapse following CBT (Lorimer et al., 2021).
• Objective evidence of abstinence has been a critical component of many relapse prevention programs.
• These activities offer people in recovery a sense of purpose and a chance to give back to the community by focusing on the needs of others.

• By participating in relapse prevention group activities, individuals not only find strength in the community but also benefit from the accountability and encouragement provided by their peers.
• Monitoring progress and adjusting the recovery plan is essential for long-term success.
• You might also try to talk yourself into using again by making excuses or forgetting how bad things were before.
• Breathalyzers have the advantage of being quick and inexpensive to administer.
• Art therapy became a safe space to express buried emotions, turning struggles into colorful canvases of healing.