Once the susceptibility of an individual to the triggers which can cause drug and alcohol relapse is determined, the job of preventing or at least decreasing the chances of such a relapse is much easier. There are several activities and actions that drug and alcohol treatment centers offer and advise on that can significantly decrease the chances of relapse. Drug rehabilitation centers will also encourage the patient to think about the specific emotions or situations that would cause them to consider relapse in an effort to prevent such actions and decrease exposure, if possible, to these triggers.

Firstly, it is important that the individual recognises the effect of a lifestyle change on the chances of relapse. Drug and alcohol treatment centers advise that successful drug rehabilitation begins with a lifestyle change in the form of a new setting and social structure, attempting to rid the patient of the triggers that they may be influenced by. It has been shown that, if possible, changing one’s daily experiences to more pleasurable ones and encouraging actions and activities that are wants rather than needs can have a significant impact on successful and ongoing recovery. Making changes in diet, activity levels and beginning such relaxation techniques as meditation can go a long way to ensuring stable energy and mood levels.

In some cases, drug and alcohol treatment centers note that patients will try to find a happy medium where they can still use their drug or alcohol but in ‘moderation’. It has been proven on several occasions that this is not a viable or acceptable option because it simply does not work. Alcoholics who try to control their drinking fail to either relapse or turn to complete abstinence, recognising that it is beyond their control. Drug and alcohol treatment centers will always encourage a complete abstinence for successful and long term drug rehabilitation. Those who commit to abstinence are shown to be less likely to relapse during the first 12 months after drug rehabilitation than those who selected to try to moderate their substance abuse.

An effective way of decreasing the chances of relapse and continuing successful drug rehabilitation recommended by drug and alcohol treatment centers is to change the social structure that the patient experiences on a daily basis. This involves cutting out social triggers such as pubs, clubs and other social places where a relapse may be encouraged. Difficulties may arise when the recovering addict finds that many of their friends are still the same as before: abusing the same substances. This influential circle must be broken to prevent relapse.

It has long been documented and recommended by drug and alcohol treatment centers that attending the 12 Step recovery programs offered by outside organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can greatly increase the chance of a successful and permanent recovery without relapse. Many good drug and alcohol treatment centers will have their own program of aftercare and counselling sessions that will give the patient a chance to talk about specific triggers they feel vulnerable to and work on ways they can be avoided.