First, it’s important to remember that relapse doesn’t define your worth or strength and doesn’t mean failure. In fact, studies show that more than 85% of people struggling with addiction experience a relapse within a year of treatment. Experiencing a relapse does not define your journey toward recovery; it’s a temporary setback in the broader context of growth and resilience.
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- Understanding your relapse can help you prevent another one.
- Success and stability in recovery can sometimes lead to overconfidence.
- A question that often perplexes individuals and their support networks is, “Why do addicts relapse when things are good?
- Much like shame can bog us down in the relapse, so too can blaming.
Resist the urge to blame people, places, and things for the relapse and focus on solution-oriented action. Even if it was only one time, acknowledge and take responsibility for it. Try to understand what led to that use and make adjustments so it won’t happen again. Use the relapse as a learning experience to make adjustments in your recovery program. You can learn from your own mistakes, and from the mistakes of others as well. Remember, Mental relapse is not a reflection of failure but a signal to course-correct.
Treatment
- Her work explores post-traumatic growth and the connection between physical and mental health.
- Relapse isn’t a sudden event; it occurs over a period of time that can range from weeks to even months.
- When you know why you relapsed, you can adjust your treatment plan to focus on the factors that challenge your long-term recovery.
- For example, a risk could occur if you struggle with co-occurring mental health challenges, like depression or anxiety.
It can also result in intense cravings that then lead to further use. After a relapse, getting back on track as soon as possible is important. Signs of an overdose may vary depending on the substance but can include trouble breathing, loss of coordination, and loss of consciousness. In the event of an overdose, seek medical assistance immediately and call 911 in an emergency.
And if you’re in crisis, they can connect you with valuable resources, and help you focus on healing. Your support system can include several different types of relationships. Friends, family, and chosen family members are a great place to start. Both 12-Step and non-12-Step groups (like SMART Recovery groups) offer peer support. In these meetings, you can share your concerns about relapse with people who likely feel the same way.
With proactive measures and support, navigating this challenge becomes possible, allowing you to continue your journey toward sustained recovery. Think about what is working well and what needs to change to prevent a future relapse. Continue attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other meetings so that you can develop and practice practical coping skills. Remember that lifelong sobriety is your ultimate goal, and recommit to the journey. Treating a relapse as an obstacle, rather than a roadblock, allows you to recommit to sobriety.
Physical Relapse:
In fact, at some point, if you don’t use the substance, you may feel worse. About 40% to 60% of people who get treatment for substance use disorder have a relapse. That’s about the same as relapse rates among people with asthma or high blood pressure if they stop taking their medicine.
In addition, if you suffer from mental or physical health conditions, you should also address them to improve your overall health. You may not necessarily be thinking about using a substance at this stage. For example, a risk could occur if you struggle with co-occurring mental health challenges, like depression or anxiety. Mental relapse, in the context of addiction recovery, isn’t simply “thinking about using” again.
But when you see your addiction as a chronic disease, you can look at relapse from that perspective, too. Many people wonder if they need to return to treatment after a relapse. For some people, seeking additional treatment after a relapse is crucial. Others may be able to move on after a relapse without returning to treatment. However, they are not what to do if you relapse a sign that it’s time to throw in the towel. Instead, a relapse can be a sign that you need more support, treatment, or education to achieve your goals.
Relapse is more common than you think
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Strong relationships decrease the risk of relapse.9 And you can start building your support network as soon as you enter recovery. That could mean meeting new people, or recommitting to loved ones. In many programs, you can even do family therapy during rehab.
However, it is important to remember that relapse is common and by no means indicates failure in seeking sobriety. By taking positive steps and considering how to learn and utilize new coping strategies, you can recover from a relapse and return to your recovery process. In conclusion, understanding what to do after a relapse is crucial in navigating the challenges of recovery. Facing a relapse should not be viewed as the end of the road but rather as the beginning of a new chapter in the journey towards recovery. By acknowledging the relapse, understanding its triggers, and implementing the lessons learned, one can emerge stronger and more resilient. This pivotal moment is a chance to reassess goals, refine coping strategies, and foster a renewed commitment to the recovery journey.
As you learn how to handle a relapse, it’s essential to see the relapse as a setback and a reminder that recovery is a lifelong journey. Today, we’ll provide more information about handling a relapse, including the stages of relapse, its causes, and what to do after a relapse. But when figuring out how to handle a relapse, there are two things you need to know.
What Does It Mean To Have a Substance Abuse Problem?
It can also help you create a more effective relapse prevention plan that will aid in achieving your goals. Caring for your mental and physical health is critical for effective relapse prevention. Work on adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and plenty of sleep. This is not to say that a relapse should not be taken seriously. Good treatment programs plan ahead for this possibility by including relapse prevention in the process.
In the journey of addiction recovery, physical relapse marks the final stage – the actual return to active substance use. It’s like stepping back into the storm after braving its edge for a while. While concerning, it’s important to remember that it’s not a personal failure, and it doesn’t erase the progress made. Though relapse can be a traumatic experience, it gives you the opportunity to learn about yourself, your disease and what’s required to take back control. A deep period of reflection will be a satisfying and liberating stage of your recovery.
While preventing relapse is the best way to ensure a smooth path to recovery, sometimes it isn’t possible. If you or someone you know has suffered a relapse, there are some critical steps to take after relapse occurs. These tips will help you get control of your addiction again instead of the other way around. This list only scratches the surface of the many reasons why someone may relapse after drug or alcohol treatment. Often relapse occurs because of a combination of these and other reasons. Having a better understanding of what causes relapse will make it easier to prevent it and treat it if it does occur.