Statistics indicate that more than half of people who get treatment for drug and alcohol abuse will relapse within the first year. This high figure is attributed to many things, but everyone stands a chance of long-term success by learning about relapse prevention activities.
Top Relapse Prevention Activities
There are many relapse prevention activities and not all of them will work as well for each person but it’s important that you try as many as possible so that you can figure out which activities work best for you and your needs.
Always revisit the available options for relapse prevention activities when you are struggling or when you have reached a level of stability, as you might need to add new strategies for forward momentum and continued growth.
Connect to Community
The Harvard Study of Adult Development is the longest running study of adult development, particularly the things that help people stay mentally and physically healthy.
The biggest and most surprising find from this research has continually been that social connections and a sense of community are the biggest indicators of positive mental and physical health.
If you are struggling with your recovery, a sense of community can remind you that you have other people who are there for you and that you are connected to something bigger than yourself.
So, good relapse prevention activities should be things like:
- Volunteering
- Connecting with a local church
- Joining community groups
This might be participating in a local radio program, joining a free local newspaper as support staff, visiting local churches, participating in local support groups, and even helping others. A focus on how you can help other people is a great way to divert your attention away from things like anxiety or depression.
Be in Nature
When you step out into nature, you have a better sense of connection to something bigger than yourself, you can give your mind a break from the linear constructs of modern cityscapes, and get fresh air.
Being outside in a natural space can help:
- Improve impulse control
- Regulate sleep
- Reduce anxiety
- Boost concentration
- Reduce stress
- Improve memory
So, good relapse prevention activities should center on finding times to be outside, whether that is through group activities or something as simple as taking your lunch across the street to a small park during your work day.
Do Something Artistic
When you are triggered or overwhelmed, sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to do something artistic. Doing something artistic, whether that’s painting, coloring, singing, or dancing, can help you better:
- Connect with your emotions
- Sit with how you feel
- Express yourself to others
- Relieve stress or discomfort
- Boost your mood
Practicing different artistic endeavors is a great way to not only build new skills but help reduce your risk of relapse.
Meditate
Similarly, learning to meditate effectively and to practice mindfulness goes a long way toward stabilizing your emotions, being able to better connect with how you feel, and recognizing your needs.
This is a critical skill for those who are in recovery and need to know when they should pause, reflect, and redirect their focus on the things that matter most.
Learn Good Relapse Prevention Activities with Ritual Recovery
At Ritual Recovery, we pride ourselves on providing clients with access to a wide range of relapse-prevention activities. Part of our recovery process involves preparing individuals for what comes after treatment, how they can connect with their community and support groups in the local area, and what types of life skills can encourage long-term success.
To aid with that, our substance abuse treatment in North Carolina focuses on holistic, evidence-based practices that have individual and group therapy, family involvement, and overall wellness approaches. During your treatment plan, you can participate in a wide range of therapies:
- Adventure Therapy/Recreation Therapy: These therapies give you an opportunity to be in nature and learn new physical activities.
- Art Therapy: Art therapy can help you express yourself with an alternative medium when you are feeling overwhelmed.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Our mindfulness and meditation therapies give you the tools you need for relapse prevention by focusing on the present.
In addition to the wide range of therapies we provide like stress management, nutrition, music therapy, and yoga, we also offer relapse prevention counseling for those who are transitioning to the next stage in their recovery. Our goal is to ensure that you have as many tools as possible for long-term stability.
