Our Methods
The goal of Rey of HOPE Phase Program is to focus on relapse prevention by focusing on 10 relapse prevention skills
1. Self-Care
Self-care plays a crucial role in recovering from substance use disorders. It involves taking care of both physical and mental health. Engaging in self-care is vital for the recovery journey. Key self-care practices during recovery include forming connections with others and participating in therapy. For individuals recovering from addiction, focusing on stress reduction, managing triggers, enhancing emotional resilience, and improving self-esteem should be a priority.
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2. S.M.A.R.T
​Incorporating S.M.A.R.T. goals into your recovery tool box offers several advantages. First, these goals provide a clear objective, allowing you to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. Second, S.M.A.R.T. goals drive motivation by defining a clear goal, encouraging you to strive to achieve or exceed it. Third, a well-structured S.M.A.R.T. goal is not only achievable but also challenging, pushing you beyond your comfort zone. Ultimately, S.M.A.R.T. goals are valuable for maintaining focus and working towards achieving your objectives.
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3. Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness Meditation is an effective method for avoiding relapse. It helps people stay focused on the present, fostering a non-judgmental awareness of their thoughts and emotions. This practice allows them to see cravings as temporary mental states rather than overwhelming desires. By meditating regularly, individuals can enhance their emotional control and stress management abilities. Mindfulness enables them to recognize cravings, understand their root causes, and make deliberate decisions on how to respond. Building self-awareness and controlling impulses are key aspects of preventing relapse
4. Identify Triggers
Identifying triggers is a fundamental step in preventing relapse. Triggers are the people, places, emotions, or situations that can lead to cravings and a potential return to substance use. Recognising and understanding these triggers empowers individuals in recovery to anticipate and avoid high-risk situations. By pinpointing specific triggers, individuals can develop strategies to mitigate their impact. For example, they can implement stress management techniques if stress is a trigger. If certain social settings are triggers, they can limit their exposure or develop strategies to navigate these environments safely. Awareness of triggers is the first line of defense against relapse.
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5. Develop a Support Network
A robust support network is invaluable for individuals in recovery. This network typically includes family, friends, sponsors, and support groups. These individuals can provide emotional support, guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, essential for maintaining long-term sobriety. Building and maintaining healthy relationships with people who understand the challenges of recovery can serve as a safety net during times of vulnerability. Regular communication with your support network can be particularly helpful, as it fosters a sense of accountability and provides a space to share concerns, successes, and setbacks
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6. Learn Coping Skills
Coping skills are strategies and techniques to manage stress, anxiety, and cravings without substance us. These include deep breathing exercises, journaling, physical activities, like yoga or sports, engaging in creative pursuits, or practicing relaxation techniques. By developing a repertoire of healthy coping mechanisms, individuals can effectively handle the emotional and psychological challenges they encounter during recovery. These skills provide alternatives to substance use and empower individuals to navigate difficult moments while preserving their sobriety.
7. Stop and Breathe
​​Deep breathing is a highly effective method for managing stress among individuals in recovery from substance abuse. This deliberate and mindful breathing technique helps shift your focus away from stressors, allowing you to pause and reflect before reacting. This practice is particularly important for handling stress during the early stages of recovery.
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8. Make An Emergency Contact List
During the recovery journey, there may be moments of crisis or extreme vulnerability when immediate support is crucial. Creating an emergency contact list is a practical step in these situations. This list typically includes trusted individuals, such as close friends, family members, sponsors, or therapists, who can offer assistance, guidance, or a listening ear when needed. The list should be easily accessible, ensuring that help is just a call or message away during challenging times. A readily available support system can make the difference between maintaining sobriety and succumbing to relapse.
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9. Avoid High-Risk Situations
Avoiding high-risk situations is a cornerstone of relapse prevention. It involves recognizing and steering clear of environments, people, or situations that could trigger cravings and temptations. While it might not always be possible to completely avoid all high-risk situations, individuals can learn to navigate them more effectively by applying coping skills and using their support network. By proactively avoiding or managing these situations, individuals in recovery can minimise the risk of exposure to triggers and the subsequent relapse.
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10. Stay Committed
​​Maintaining commitment to the recovery journey is essential for long-term success. This commitment includes remembering the reasons for seeking recovery, its benefits, and the goals one aspires to achieve. Staying committed involves setting and revisiting short-term and long-term goals, which provide motivation and direction. It’s essential to understand that recovery is a dynamic and evolving process, and setbacks may occur. In such moments, a commitment to the ultimate goal of sobriety can act as a resilient foundation for facing challenges, learning from setbacks, and continuing the journey towards lasting recovery. Staying committed is a testament to an individual’s determination to live a healthier, substance-free life.