People often look at getting help after relapse as a sign of weakness, even though it is one of the most courageous things you can do. When a relapse happens, it is often the result of deeper issues bubbling back to the surface. Maybe the support system was not strong enough at that moment.
Lapse and Relapse Signs Comparing
Self-harm is a serious condition that can respond well to treatment. Self-harm describes someone hurting themself as a way to cope with negative thoughts or emotional distress. People who self-harm may cut themselves with sharp objects, hit solid objects, burn parts of their bodies, or cause damage in other ways. And not only can you overcome it, but you can also come back stronger, wiser, and better prepared for the next challenge that life sends your way. You know that you are capable and worthy of sobriety, you’ve proven it. Addicts and alcoholics can be their worst enemies, mainly because they are so incredibly hard on themselves.
- According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), relapse rates for substance use disorders are 40-60%.
- In fact, studies show that more than 85% of people struggling with addiction experience a relapse within a year of treatment.
Forgive Yourself For Relapsing
You may have made mistakes, but you can learn from them. If you continually dwell on your past, you won’t be fully able to commit to your present and future health. This doesn’t mean it’s time what to do after a relapse to blame others or make excuses. If an argument with someone caused stress which triggered a relapse, how can you better handle stress in the future?
Engage Your Support Systems
- Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction can be a difficult journey, one with plenty of ups and downs.
- Please remember that if you do relapse, you’re not bad at recovery and you haven’t done anything wrong.
- The most important thing to remember is that relapse happens.
Surprisingly, positive changes in life can trigger a relapse. If people haven’t developed healthy ways to handle success, they might go back to old, harmful habits like substance use. As you work with your sponsor to begin your recovery steps again, it may feel as though you are starting at square one. Remind yourself that you are in a different place now than you were when you began recovery.
When to Consider Professional Help After a Relapse
Family and friends may feel confused, hurt, or angry. Rebuilding trust after relapse requires patience, honesty, and accountability. – Neglect of therapy, support meetings, and self-care. People in recovery should not wait to get help after a relapse.
Following those steps provides structure and accountability. Orlando Recovery Center offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Take the time to analyze your experience and identify areas where you can make changes. What additional support or coping mechanisms might you need? Learning from your relapse can help you prevent future setbacks and strengthen your recovery journey. Remember that a relapse doesn’t mean failure — it simply means you need to adjust your recovery plan.
They speak to themselves in ways they would never alcoholism speak to another human being. This is why it is so important to have people to talk to in recovery. The sooner after a relapse, you can change your mindset from “I am a failure” to “I made a mistake”, the easier it will be to recover from your relapse. And the better your support system, the easier it is to make that mindset change. Rather than wasting valuable time beating yourself up and feeling like a failure, spend some time seriously reflecting on the events that brought you back to this place. Speak openly with your sponsor, therapist, or trusted loved one.