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Drug & Alcohol Relapse Prevention

Addiction can be challenging to manage – and with anything that’s difficult to do, sometimes there are setbacks. While addiction may not be entirely curable, it is certainly a treatable disorder. Having a plan and receiving regular, ongoing treatment can make the condition much more manageable to the point where affected individuals can once again live a normal and active life. As much as staying sober is important to the healing process, relapse is very much a natural part of recovery. Relapse prevention is all about introspection into one’s relationship with their substance of choice, understanding personal triggers, and identifying behaviors that precede instances of using.

Relapse Definition

There’s actually some disagreement amongst the addiction treatment community as to what is considered a relapse. Because recovery journeys are so intensely personal and unique, what one person considers a relapse might be considered a “slip” to others. 

In some of the more stringent definitions, relapse is defined as the use of a substance from a past addiction after a period of abstinence. In other definitions, a relapse is determined by repeat or prolonged drug use after a period of abstinence. For some, it is as much a return to a drug as it is the person’s intent, and it is not until someone has shown complete abandonment of the treatment program that a relapse is believed to have occurred.

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of relapse is as follows:

1) The act or an instance of backsliding, worsening, or subsiding.  2) Recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement.  

One of the key words to keep in mind in this technical definition is the word “improvement”. A very well-known saying to keep in mind during moments of weakness is that things often get worse before they get better. Relapse is not is a sign of failure and does not mean that an individual is doomed to struggle with addiction their entire life.

How Common is Relapse?

Using drugs for a prolonged period of time takes a significant toll on the neurochemical makeup of the brain. Once a physical dependency has been established (and addiction follows shortly after) it’s no longer a matter of your willpower or discipline versus a drug. Instead, it is an ongoing journey of modifying deeply rooted behaviors that closely wired to our psychological triggers.

As such, relapse is a fairly common occurrence during the recovery process. It is estimated that 40-60% of individuals with a substance disorder relapse at some point – that’s nearly 1 out of every 2 people! The types all treatment used for substance abuse can also play a role in the likelihood of relapse occurring. Typically, addiction treatment first involves some sort of medical intervention and is then followed by ongoing behavioral therapy or counseling. however, someone who only undergoes through detox, medically aided detoxification, is not likely to experience the same type of long-term success in achieving abstinence.

Recovery happens in stages. The first steps include:

  • Establishing and maintaining abstinence.
  • Identifying and learning to solve personal problems.
  • Understanding the importance of developing interpersonal and community relationships.
  • Private and group counseling works towards resolution of the three parts of addiction:

    mental, physical, and spiritual. The intensive deep healing allows the patient to complete treatment, free of the need for drugs and from the issues that led to their use. Call us today at 1-877-219-2888 to find the freedom you’ve been seeking.

Rehabilitation

The addict may request admittance or be ordered into a rehabilitation program. The person may have accepted that drugs are now controlling his or her life. Unfortunately, he or she is no longer at a point where drug use is enjoyable. The urge to use is overwhelming. Rehab centers often have regular drug testing, particularly when patients reside outside of the facility, to reinforce the importance of abstinence and relapse prevention.

Relapse

Why is it that some addicts successfully complete rehabilitation, yet suffer a relapse at some point? A personalized plan of treatment must address all phases of the patient’s addiction, both physical and mental. A well-organized, supportive recovery plan reinforces the path for each person. Differences in personalities, emotional stability, living conditions, and physical status add stress and challenges that lead to using.

Not Sure What To Do Next?

Free personal, private consultations with one of our counselors 24/7

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Look For Relapse Support

For effective and long-term recovery, Level Up Recovery Center incorporates relapse prevention into all aspects of our addiction treatment programs. Our goal is to restore a sense of normalcy to our patients and help them regain control over their lives once more.  

If you have a loved one suffering from alcohol or drug addiction, you will definitely want to know how you can help them overcome this addiction and even improve relapse prevention. There is no magic bullet to overcoming addiction as the road to recovery is bumpy and has pitfalls and setbacks. Deciding to make a change is necessary to overcome addiction, and you need to constantly remind yourself you want to change. Tell friends and family you are quitting, and ask for their support.

How residential drug rehab helps

Next, you need to explore your treatment options. There are many places to turn to for help, but a drug and alcohol rehab center is your best option. These centers have doctors, psychologists, social workers and counselors offering addiction treatment services. While it’s possible to opt for outpatient addiction treatment, residential drug rehab is a better option as you have people to turn to for support and guidance whenever you feel cravings come on.

These centers will teach you how to cope with stress and other problems that led you to your addiction in the first place. You need to overcome these triggers to overcome an addiction. When in drug rehab, you will also be taught other ways to relieve stress like meditation, exercise, how to relax and how to challenge and overcome self-defeating thoughts.

The main benefit of admitting to a residential drug rehab program is that you can keep away from the people, places and things which used to keep you using. Instead, you can surround yourself with people who support your sobriety.

Prevent relapse by coping with stress

For many, relapse is common while recovering from drug addiction. Relapse prevention requires self education on the condition of alcoholism or addiction. You must also know your triggers, like negative emotional states, physical discomfort, social pressure and conflict with others.

You will learn healthy ways of coping with stress and anxiety as it can fuel an addiction if untreated. Healthy coping mechanisms will help prevent a relapse in the future. Even creating a schedule helps reduce a relapse as it keeps your mind occupied with your responsibilities.

Last, but not least, to overcome addiction and prevent a relapse, make sure to never skip your treatment programs, 12 step groups, post-rehab therapy, and other aftercare services. Never let your guard down thinking you are fully recovered as it’s easy to return to old habits and patterns.

If you or a loved one is dealing addiction to drugs or alcohol,

contact Level Up Lake Worth to find the best treatment options for you.

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Level Up Lake Worth
9935 Palomino Drive
Lake Worth, FL 33467
877-219-2888

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clinical-director

Lauren Puleo, LMFT, MCAP

As Clinical Director, Lauren is responsible for overseeing and directing all clinical departments, including oversight of Master’s level Primary Therapists, Case Manager, and Bachelor’s level Group Facilitators. Lauren coordinates therapeutic care, chart auditing, and ensures the safe and appropriate clinical treatment of our clients. Lauren is responsible for developing and overseeing group schedules, coordination of aftercare, and discharge planning. In addition, Lauren also conducts daily staff meetings and provides weekly supervision for clinicians to help strengthen and hone their skills. Her primary role as Clinical Director is management of her clinical team, facilitating groups, as well as holding a small caseload of clients. Holding a Master’s from Nova Southeastern, Lauren is a licensed marriage and family therapist and Master’s level CAP(Certified Addiction Professional). Having worked in the treatment field since 2014 providing individual, group and family therapy, and having been with our company since 2018, Lauren has a strong passion for helping those and the families of those suffering from addiction.

Sergio Witis

Sergio is a Certified Addiction Counselor and group facilitator in charge of adding culture to the clients experience through, music, art, inner child work, and community. With 20 years of experience in the music industry, touring internationally in bands, running a record label, and producing, It is his passion and purpose to create a safe environment for others to express themselves in order to find happiness in their own lives.

Michael Borzillo

Working hand in hand with and directing the medical, clinical, and behavioral tech departments, Michael leads our West Palm facility with dedication, love, motivation, and patience. With over 12 years of experience in the field of addiction treatment, Michael has worked his way up and through every facet of treatment operation. Having an intimate knowledge of the industry from his humble beginnings as a behavioral health tech, supervisor, clinical liaison, and now to current role as Regional Operations Manager with Level Up Treatment, Michael takes pride in leading by example, and most importantly never forgetting where he came from. 

Chris McCormick

Christopher oversees all daily operations regarding patient care and facility management, as well as functions as department head for all Behavioral Health Technicians and the 12-Step Integration team at Level Up Lake Worth. As a graduate of Kutztown University in PA holding a bachelor of science, Christopher has been working in the substance abuse field since 2017, having started out as a BHT(Behavioral Health Technician) himself. As Director of Operations, Christopher has helped open, expand and refine operations at three of Level Up Treatment’s facilities and worked personally to help develop the company’s 12-Step Integration program for its clients.

Dr. Thania Quesada, MD

Dr. Quesada is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, the American Board of Preventive Medicine/Addiction Medicine, a former Assistant Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and in the Department of Psychiatry as a Consultation-Liaison at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Currently, Dr. Quesada has her private office in Weston, Florida, and is Medical Director for Level Up Treatment Centers. As the former Medical Director at The Renfrew Center of Florida, Dr. Quesada treated patients with substance abuse, eating disorders, and comorbidity. Dr. Quesada has also served as the medical director at Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options, which works with teens with mental health and substance abuse issues, all the while concentrating on family preservation. As the medical director at Smith Community Mental Health, Dr. Quesada dedicated herself to the treatment of adults and teens with mental health and substance abuse issues. Dr. Quesada was awarded the Gratitude for Giving Compassion Award from Sierra Tucson, given to the medical doctor that contributed the most to the wellness of clients. Dr. Quesada was also the recipient of The Gold Doc award for putting “care” back into healthcare and the Upjohn Award for research excellence. Dr. Quesada has a vast wealth of experience as well as the recognition from her colleagues in her field for her caring and compassionate service in the areas of substance abuse and mental health.

Samantha Wasicsko, BSN, RN

As Director of Nursing, Samantha manages all aspects of the medical department which includes: Nursing, Physicians, Pharmacy, Licensing and Patient Care. Samantha is a graduate of Barry University in Miami, FL, and is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s Degree focused in Nursing. Samantha has over 10 years of experience working in the fields of substance abuse and detoxification. For the last 5 years, Samantha has worked in a Managerial or Directorial capacity, and has assisted with the opening of 3 different detox facilities. Samantha has also directly worked with establishing the new pharmacies and compliance with the regulating bodies of DCF, DEA, and The Joint Commission.

Martin Higgins

Martin’s responsibilities include financial and insurance advisory for clients and their families, managing the billing department and clarifying patient responsibilities before, during and after treatment. With over 2 years experience working in the substance abuse industry, Martin has worked as a Behavioral Health Technician, Alumni Coordinator, and Admissions Representative, qualifying him to understand the entire treatment process and the great difficulties a family and client can face during their journey in recovery. Martin understands the potential complexity of patient responsibility in treatment, and provides comfort, support, and tools to alleviate all client financial concerns or questions that might arise during a client’s journey in recovery.

Colin Brothers

As Director of Alumni, Colin works to maintain a community of love and support for the people that go through our program at Level Up Treatment, and to have a safe place to turn to in the event of calamity in their lives. The concept of one alcoholic helping another is at the backbone of our core values for when people leave this facility. Respecting the difficulty through trial and error and personal experience, Colin understands that the only way to be able to lead others is to learn how to be led himself. Believing that his failures are more valuable in this field than his successes, Colin’s sobriety is a testament to trying over and over and failing, finally coming to a place where he was able to succeed when relying on others to guide him. Colin believes that in order to stay the course, he must be that guide for others to harness the power in themselves to beat addiction.

Matt Sapia

As Director of Outpatient Operations, Matthew oversees a staff of over 20 trained individuals and executes day to day supervision of PHP, IOP and OP operations including resident housing in Wellington, FL, and our clinical facility in Greenacres, FL. Within this responsibility, Matthew works closely with the Executive Director to achieve maximum productivity and meet monthly goals. In addition, Matthew assists in patient transition from detoxification(detox) to residential treatment level of care by holding weekly groups at our Lake Worth facility and answering any questions patients may have. Having worked for multiple years in the substance abuse industry and mental health field, as well as being in recovery for years himself, Matthew’s aim is to ensure patients under our care are happy and healing within a safe environment. Before entering the treatment and substance abuse field, Matthew graduated from Suny Delhi, College of Staten Island, Lincoln Technical Institute, and is also a graduate of the FDNY Fire Academy, serving as a New York Firefighter before moving to Florida to continue his career in healthcare. Before entering the substance abuse facility, Matthew put his life on the line to save others, now he dedicates his life to helping people save themselves.

Breanne Skrupskis

As a Family Solutions Specialist, Breanne establishes and cultivates rapport with the families of clients going through our treatment program, providing support and accountability to them throughout their loved one’s entire treatment journey. Breanne encourages families to participate in their own personal growth and recovery simultaneously with their loved ones, introduces families to 12-step work, discusses with them various aspects of recovery and participatory workshops that benefit the whole family, and is there to answer any of the difficult questions the family might have, as well as providing loving, moral support. Having worked in many roles in the treatment industry from behavioral health technician to case manager as well as being in recovery herself, Breanne fulfills her duties with experience, knowledge, and love.

Laura Bonczek

 

Tiffany Tait

Tiffany Tait is the Chief Operating Officer at Level Up Lake Worth in where Tiffany works closely with the facility, helping to ensuring that patients are comfortable and safe. Tiffany has been working in the addiction treatment field for 14 years. She has helped countless addicts get through the detox process and begin their journey toward lifelong recovery. She is especially recognized for her experience in clinical program development, leadership development, and organizational restructuring. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology and Masters of Social Work Degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Tiffany is originally from Brooklyn, New York, and enjoys reading, being a mom and taking long naps on the beach.

Gianni Fugazy

Gianni Fugazy is the Director of Operations at Level Up in Margate where Gianni works closely with patients in the facility, helping to ensure they are comfortable and safe. Gianni has been working in the addiction treatment field for 4 years. He has helped countless addicts get through the detox process and begin their journey toward lifelong recovery. Gianni is originally from Harrison, New York, and enjoys watching movies and going the gym in his free time.

Ahmad Bryant

Cristina Frisby

Kristin Jackson

Marissa Bucknor

Sean Malott