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Preventing
and Managing Relapse
Although it is desirable to
avoid relapse, it is common for lifestyle change efforts to get
off track. Many people experience one or more setbacks before they
achieve their lifestyle goals. Therefore, it is
helpful to prepare for the
possibility of relapse. Such preparation could prevent relapse.
For example, special caution could be taken to manage high-risk
situations. Preparation will also help manage the
awkwardness that sometimes accompanies such lifestyle change
setbacks. It is also helpful to become familiar with strategies
for getting
back on track. It is often easier to get back on track if steps
are taken soon after the initial relapse.
Strategies
for Preparing for Possible Relapse
Before relapse occurs,
make it clear that...
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You will make yourself
available for immediate consultation should relapse occur.
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You plan to handle any
relapse situation as one adult to another. Your role will be
to help size up the situation.
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The best way to avoid
continued relapse is to remove oneself from high-risk people,
places and stresses.
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Relapse does not
invalidate the efforts that have been made to date.
Strategies for
Dealing with a Relapse
If
relapse occurs...
- Express interest in how
things have gone.
- Try to avoid letting the
conversation degenerate into a discussion that would be more
appropriate between a parent and a child. You are adults
sorting things out.
- Make it clear that you do
not see relapse as an example of moral failure.
- Explain that you want to
get things back on track by determining what goals make the
most sense now.
- Get the facts. What
people, places and stresses might be related to the relapse?
How will they be avoided?
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Determine the post-relapse stage of change. Set goals that are
appropriate to the current stage of change (e.g., contemplation,
preparation, action).
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Learn more about working through
relapse by clicking on the Wellness Mentor Training
Video link below.
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