Relapse Prevention

Prevent Relapse by Developing New Habits and Accountability

“Just quit using.”

If only it were that simple. Real recovery is so much more than merely halting drug use - it requires a complete lifestyle change. As someone battling addiction, it is important to understand your vulnerability to relapse and the steps you should take following your initial recovery to avoid it.

Keeping Relapse at Bay

The terrible thing about relapse is that, though you may have made great strides in your program of recovery and even racked up several months of continuous sobriety, a relapse only requires a moment of weakness; when the stresses of life overwhelm you, it’s easy to turn to your drug of choice in order to escape.

Keeping relapse at bay is about cementing new habits and remaining accountable to the recovery support system.

Accountability

Becoming accountable to others is crucial to your recovery. Every reputable treatment program and many of the best sober living houses practice random drug testing. To the outside observer, this might seem as though we are treating you suspiciously. However, a negative test for drugs and alcohol (i.e., passing the drug test) will be very encouraging to you in your recovery. Stacking up weeks and months of negative drug screenings affirms the hard work it takes to maintain sobriety.

At HAUS Recovery, you will check in regularly with a case manager. The case manager provides an extra layer of accountability and monitors your progress toward career (or education) related goals. The case manager can also act as a sounding board when you inevitably encounter stressors and challenges -- crucial when facing the prospect of a relapse.

Meetings

There’s a saying in the 12-step programs: “Stay in the middle of the herd so you don’t get picked off.” Simply put, regularly attending 12-step meetings is a great defense against relapse. At these meetings, you will:

  • Hear from others who have faced the same challenges and achieved sobriety
  • Get social recognition for your hard work on sobriety (via the Sobriety Milestone chip ceremony)
  • Have a direct relationship with your sponsor, who will be able to provide comfort and advice

In addition to regular 12-step meetings, when you are a resident at HAUS you will also participate in house meetings where you will connect with other residents and the house manager.

New Habits and Repetition

Participating in routine habits establishes comfort and strengthens self-esteem. It might come as a surprise to you that, as part of your recovery, you are required to:

  • Make your bed
  • Keep common areas clean
  • Attend morning meditation
  • Observe a curfew

By “showing up” for life and checking off these daily requirements, you will build momentum in your program of recovery. There is a satisfaction that comes from a job well done; establishing new habits will help you approach the challenges in your life with the knowledge and strength to accomplish tasks and stay sober, one day at a time. It is not uncommon for former residents of HAUS to permanently adopt these habits in their years of happy sobriety.

Personal Growth and Sustained Sobriety at HAUS

Our sober living community is dedicated to helping our clients succeed in maintaining sobriety. We have thought of every detail, from impeccable accommodations to providing the best clinical case managers available to work with our residents. Even our location in Santa Monica was carefully chosen to provide an uplifting and inspirational setting for you in your first year of recovery.

Contact us today at 888-551-4725 to learn more about how our recovery residences can help.