Recovering from addiction or other compulsive mental health conditions is a lifelong journey. Breaking the cycle of substance misuse and compulsive behavior takes a lot of energy and focus that isn’t always obvious. If your teen is dealing with drug or alcohol addiction—or if they struggle with screen, gaming, or other problematic behaviors—a relapse therapy prevention program can help them maintain the progress they make during treatment.  

At Family First Adolescent Services, we integrate relapse prevention methods into our adolescent therapy program for boys aged 13-18. With more than 120 years of combined clinical experience, our staff understands the intricacies of teen addiction, how to recognize risk factors for relapse, and why teaching the skills for preventing and rebounding from relapse is so important. Call 888.904.5947 to find help for your son in our residential center located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. 

The Chance of Relapse Is a Normal Part of Recovery 

Mental health conditions and addiction are chronic diseases that can recur. Sometimes, life events, overwhelming stress, or even boredom can trigger a relapse. Relapse is often classified into three parts: 

Emotional Relapse 

This stage occurs before any actual plans to use substances or engage in compulsive behaviors again. The person may not be thinking of using drugs or engaging in problematic behaviors yet, but they might be having trouble dealing with their emotions. 

Mental Relapse 

In this stage, the individual starts considering going back to old habits. They may justify it by telling themselves that they can handle just one drink or a short gaming session. They may also reminisce about the fun times they had while using substances or engaging in compulsive behaviors. 

Physical Relapse 

This stage is when an individual actually uses drugs, drinks alcohol, or engages in problematic behaviors again. This can be triggered by stress, negative emotions, or social situations where substance use is present. 

When teens and adolescents are faced with feelings or situations that may trigger a relapse, it can be difficult for them to cope and stay on track. That’s where our relapse prevention therapy program comes in. 

What Is Relapse Prevention Therapy? 

Relapse prevention is a client-centered approach designed to assist individuals in maintaining long-term recovery and mental health stability. It involves identifying and managing high-risk situations, developing coping strategies, and fostering lifestyle changes that support recovery. 

Addiction, by nature, is a chronic, relapsing disease. The brain’s reward system is damaged during the cycle of substance misuse and/or compulsive behavior. During recovery, triggers can quickly lead to relapse. A relapse prevention therapy program helps teach skills related to self-soothing, managing cravings, and handling difficult emotions to minimize the risk of relapse. 

Making a Mental Health Relapse Prevention Plan 

For individuals in recovery, it is essential to have a relapse prevention plan in place. This plan should be individualized and developed with the help of a mental health professional. It typically includes identifying warning signs and triggers, as well as developing coping strategies and support systems. 

A relapse prevention plan may include: 

• Identifying high-risk situations such as stress or social events where substances may be present 
• Developing coping strategies for managing cravings or difficult emotions, such as mindfulness techniques, exercise, or reaching out to a support network 
• Establishing a support system of friends, family, and professionals who can provide assistance during times of struggle 
• Creating an emergency plan in case of relapse and identifying steps to get back on track with recovery 

Teens at Family First work closely with their therapists to develop a personalized relapse prevention plan that takes into consideration their unique needs and triggers. Our program also includes ongoing support and education for families to help them understand how they can best support their teen’s recovery. 

Call Family First for Teen Relapse Prevention Therapy in Florida 

Whether your teen is struggling with compulsive behaviors, like screen addiction or problematic gaming, or if they use drugs or alcohol, we can help. Our relapse prevention therapy programming is integrated into our program to promote long-term recovery. We also offer support services for your family that provide education and guidance for navigating the recovery journey with your teen. Plus, after treatment concludes, we stay in touch with at least a year of aftercare support.  

Get the help your teen needs and put your family first. Call us at 888.904.5947 now or complete our online form to get started.