Relapse Prevention

Recovering from mental health challenges or drug or alcohol addiction isn’t a quick process. It takes time to get over a dependence, deal with withdrawal symptoms, and overcome the urge to use. Relapse means going back to using after you’ve been abstinent for some time. It’s an ever-present threat when you’re trying to recover. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 40 to 60 percent of people who were once addicted to drugs will eventually relapse. Being aware of the stages of relapse and having a plan to deal with them can help prevent you from using again.