Summary: <p>Relapse means returning to a previous state. It is vital to understand that relapse does not just mean a return to addictive behaviors, nor does it mean just using. Relapses can happen in terms of people's mood, thinking patterns and behaviors. In actuality, a person's thinking patterns and behavior often become problematic long before they start showing symptoms of addiction or depression again. Some people call this return to old ways of thinking, behaving and feeling as “relapse warning signs” or “lapses.” In my mind, it is actually the beginning of a relapse. That doesn't mean that the behaviors have to be continued to the point of using again. A relapse can stopped and corrected at any point. The earlier these old behaviors and ways of thinking are stopped, the less more likely the person is to stay healthy and happy. In this episode we will discuss ways to remain mindful in order to address any potential issues before they start impacting recovery.</p> <p> </p> <h3>Show Notes</h3> <p>Relapse Prevention for Co-Occurring Disorders<br> Part of the Co-Occurring Disorders Recovery Coaching Series<br> Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes PhD, LPC-MHSP, LMHC, NCC<br> Executive Director, AllCEUs<br> Objectives<br> Define Relapse<br> Explore the acronym DREAM<br> Define and identify vulnerabilities<br> Define and identify exceptions<br> Develop a relapse prevention plan<br> Why I Care/How It Impacts Recovery<br> Relapse indicates that the old behaviors have returned either because<br> New skills were ineffective<br> Old behaviors were more rewarding<br> Recovery involves understanding what triggers each individual person’s relapse<br> Dare to DREAM<br> Determination<br> Resilience<br> Exceptions<br> Awareness of vulnerabilities<br> Motivation<br> Determination<br> Recovery is not easy<br> People need a high level of tenacity to get through the rough points<br> In their addicted selves, people behave impulsively.<br> Recovery involves being able to forgo the easy or immediate reward to achieve longer term goals<br> Resilience<br> The ability to bounce back<br> Part of resilience is hardiness<br> Commitment can be considered motivation<br> Control<br> How much control is rewarding?<br> How can too much or too little control be unmotivating?<br> Challenge<br> Why is it rewarding when something is challenging?<br> Why are things that are easy not as rewarding?</p> <p>Resilience<br> Qualities of Resilience<br> Self-Awareness and Self-Care<br> Healthy Habits (Vulnerability Prevention)<br> Distress tolerance<br> Rational, accurate cognitive habits<br> Social Engagement<br> Generosity<br> Integrity<br> Authenticity<br> Humility/Compassion<br> Identifying as a survivor, not a victim</p> <p>Resilience<br> Qualities of Resilience<br> Meaning<br> Purpose<br> Gratitude<br> Hope<br> Optimism<br> Attention and Focus<br> Curiosity<br> Flexibility<br> Persistence<br> Problem Solving Skills<br> Here and Now focus</p> <p>Exceptions<br> Nothing is done all the time<br> Exceptions are what people are doing when they are NOT engaging in the target behavior<br> To identify exceptions, ask questions like…<br> Before this problem started<br> What was different?<br> How did you deal with stress?<br> In the past 6 months when you were not [engaging in the target behavior]<br> What was different?<br> How did you deal with stress?</p> <p>Exceptions<br> Once you identify exceptions, help the client<br> Strengthen those<br> Do those things more</p> <p>Awareness of Vulnerabilities & Relapse Warning Signs<br> Strengths/Vulnerabilities<br> Sleep<br> Nutrition<br> Medication<br> Chronic pain<br> Hormones<br> Estrogen<br> Testosterone<br> Social Supports</p> <p>Awareness of Vulnerabilities & Relapse Warning Signs<br> Relapse warning signs are the way people act when relapse</p>
