You might have been focused on just getting sober and getting out of treatment. After relapsing, you can create a more effective relapse prevention plan. Equally what to do after a relapse important is to learn to identify situations that carry high risk of relapse and to develop very specific strategies for dealing with each of them.
What to Consider in Relapse Treatment
The final relapse phase includes the complete physical return to substance or alcohol use. This state manifests as actions directly leading to engagement with an addiction, such as driving to a bar or liquor store, contacting a dealer, and searching for drugs. Some people attend support groups for their entire lives and find happiness in supporting others trying to overcome addiction. Others surround themselves with protective factors that motivate them to stay sober. They find stable employment, start a family or engage in healthy hobbies.
Creating a Relapse Prevention Plan
Even when you commit to getting sober, relapse is a very real possibility. According to an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) survey, 75% of people relapse during their first year of recovery. Half of cocaine addicts will relapse within a year of completing detox. In general, 40-60% of drug users will relapse at some point during recovery. Even if you survive, an overdose can leave you and your family members with lots of feelings to sort through.
Drugs & Supplements
Once you are aware of your needs, you can work with a therapist to find resources in your local community and online that can help you address these areas. For example, if you lack sober housing, then finding a sober living facility will be an important component of your plan. Developing an aftercare plan allows you to anticipate future challenges to your sobriety and come up with solutions in advance.
Am I an Alcoholic? 10 Questions to Ask If You Could Be Drinking too Much
Long-term solutions for managing relapse are about preventing relapse as much as possible. The following strategies have been effective for people who are dependent on alcohol or another drug in helping to reduce the risks of relapse on the road to recovery. The goal of alumni programs is to connect people with continued support. In-person events allow you to meet other sober people, discuss your experiences and struggles, and receive advice and encouragement. These events may also involve participating in fun sober activities so that you can begin enjoying life without using drugs or alcohol.
The Role of Medication in Addiction Recovery
- Relapse is not a sudden event but a build-up that develops in stages.
- Here are three things you should avoid saying to a friend or family member after a relapse and six you should try instead.
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that doctors diagnose when a patient’s drinking causes distress or harm.
- Remember that after a physical relapse, recovery is not hopeless.
- Getting appropriate treatment for co-occurring mental health and medical conditions can also help reduce your risk of relapse.
- It is rare that someone would go to treatment once and then never drink again.
A mental relapse occurs with the breakdown of cognitive processes. Coping skills enabling the management of symptoms and triggers are blocked or undermined by intrusive thoughts about using. Mental relapse in addiction may entail cravings, thoughts of addiction-related people or places, glamorizing or minimizing the consequences of past use, bargaining, or delusions about control over sobriety.
- A good sponsor can provide support when you are faced with cravings.
- And it seemed apparent to me, particularly in hindsight, that she just was not keen to see that deal go through.
- Sometimes, stressful events can trigger a relapse, particularly if the addictive substance or behavior was used to cope with stress.
You might be in denial of the possibility of a future relapse. Addiction, like all chronic diseases, carries the risk of relapse. It would be best to look into detox at an inpatient treatment center for additional support and medical help. Medical staff and other support people can help you deal with the physical and mental withdrawal symptoms.
- Professional intervention can take various forms, from therapy to medication, tailored to individual needs.
- Of course, the goal is to stop using drugs or alcohol completely and not relapse.
- You might have been sober after treatment for three months before a relapse.
What to Do After Relapsing
Restoring normal brain function is difficult, which is why many people relapse during recovery. Depending on the duration and severity of a person’s addiction, it can take months or years of abstinence for the brain to recover from substance abuse. It’s important to understand that relapse is a common part of the recovery journey. Studies suggest that more than half of individuals in recovery will experience at least one relapse. Instead, it highlights the need for continuous effort and support in the recovery process.
