Getting back into drinking and drug addiction is a common experience that people go through in recovery. It can be very humiliating and difficult to come back from, especially if you’re ashamed of yourself and want to give up on the whole thing. According to a study conducted by the National Institute on Drug abuse, about 60% of people who enter rehabilitation programs for drug addiction relapse once.
Many people who complete recovery programs have multiple setbacks before they reach full recovery. However, it’s important to remember that relapse is not always the end of the road.
Prepare for Hard Feelings
Coming back from a setback can be challenging and humiliating for many people. If you start drinking again, prepare for the feelings that will come back. This will help motivate you to keep going through recovery.
Seek Support
If you’re struggling with a relapse, you must seek support from a recovery coach or an addiction counselor. These individuals can help you establish a face-to-face meeting with them. Before you meet with them, make sure that you prepare for the difficult conversation. You can also reach out to them by sending an email or calling them.
Connect with Loved Ones
This step can be very challenging, especially if you’ve previously hurt your loved ones. However, it’s important to remember that support from those most important to you is significant to help you get back on track.
Reevaluate Treatment
If you’re still struggling with a relapse, it’s vital to consider returning to treatment. However, it’s important to remember that this step can be very challenging. If you can come back from a few days or weeks of drinking, another round of treatment might be in order. Although the recovery process is different for everyone, it’s important to remember that it’s still possible to complete it. Some facilities and treatment providers even provide free counseling following the initial treatment.
See It as Progression
Instead of viewing relapse as a step back, it should be considered a part of your recovery journey. It’s important to remember that many people who fail or relapse are motivated by their desire to reach their end goal. Each attempt at sobriety is a learning experience that will help them reach their destination.
Break the Pattern
In most cases, people recovering from addiction are not fully committed to their recovery. This makes going back to the behaviors or substances that caused them to relapse seem too tempting. Repeated relapse can affect an individual’s mental and physical health and positive relationships with their loved ones. It can also make it harder to stay clean and sober for a long time. Although it’s normal for people to fall back into drug and alcohol use, continuing rehabilitation can become a compulsive behavior.
Find the Bright Spots
It’s important to remember that even relapsing can allow you to develop new skills and confidence. Many people who fail or relapse are motivated by their desire to become sober again.