Information for Our Alumnae:
Understanding Relapse and Relapse Prevention
An interview with a Residence XII Relapse Prevention Counselor
What is relapse?
Relapse is a process that happens over a period of time (short or long term) when a woman in recovery starts to pull away from her strong support network and returns to old behaviors and risky situations that may tempt her to begin drinking or abusing drugs again. In essence, her “Wise Woman” gets weaker and her “Addict” gets stronger.
Is there a profile of someone who is more apt to relapse?
People who feel isolated and may have difficulty reaching out and building a strong support network are especially vulnerable to relapse. Without a strong support network it is often difficult for a woman to handle crisis situations alone.
Are there specific tools or information women in recovery can use to help keep them from relapsing?
It is important for a woman in recovery to process her emotions every day and talk to other sober women in order to identify high risk situations that may be coming up. The best plan is to plan ahead. She should also make sure she is attending meetings and calling her sponsor.
Describe the Residence XII Relapse Prevention program. Who is it for? What do the women who participate in this program learn?
Our program is geared towards women who have had recovery and prior treatment and who have already, or are in serious danger of relapsing. Women learn how to identify the high risk situations in their life and to create a plan to keep them safe in their recovery. They also learn to pause, relax, reflect and decide how to manage their high risk situation.
Why is previous treatment important?
For a woman to be successful in Relapse Prevention she must first understand the disease concept of addiction. This is something that is taught in treatment both in Inpatient and Intensive Outpatient. Once a woman can grasp that concept, it is easier for her to learn about relapse and develop the tools necessary to avoid it.
Is there a family element in Relapse Prevention?
At Residence XII, we feel that family education and support is a critical element for a woman’s success in recovery. In the Relapse program, family members are encouraged to participate in a discussion group that meets once a month and an one-on-one with the woman in treatment and the relapse counselor. Families include spouses, partners, siblings, children and sponsors.
How can family members help support the woman in recovery?
The number one thing is to allow the woman time to go to her meetings. These meetings help her stay connected with other women in recovery and build a strong support network. They can also allow the woman considerable time with her sponsors, whether in person or on the phone. Sponsors help a woman stay grounded. Also family members should participate in the family program to gain the knowledge and understanding of what she is going through. Knowledge is power!
What should a woman do if she is feeling she has the potential to relapse?
She should talk to her sponsor about what is going on in her life and with her emotions. She can also increase her meetings and phone contact with her support group. If she is feeling that she is in serious danger of relapse, she should call us immediately and ask to be assessed to evaluate what she might need. We are here to help her stay strong in her recovery.
What if a woman has relapsed after going through treatment? What should she do?
It is important to understand that relapse can happen to anyone. We see it often and it can be a one-time event or a slow progression back to old behaviors. The key is to get help as soon as possible. A woman who has relapsed should never let shame, guilt, finances, or lack of support from family or friends keep her from getting the help she needs and deserves. Those are excuses created by her “Addict” to keep her away from treatment and recovery. She must access her “Wise Woman” and know that she is worthy and deserving of help and then make the call to get it.