What to Do After an Addiction Relapse
What Is a Relapse?
The word “relapse” is often stigmatized as a failure. It can be viewed as a loss of one’s strength, a sign of weakness, or confirm the inability to refrain from substances—this is wrong. Addiction relapse is not only common throughout recovery stories, it can be a pivotal moment that allows a person to truly make a change and take charge of their life. If you or a loved one has experienced an addiction relapse, know that you are not alone and that this time provides an opportunity to clear the slate and rebuild.
At Novo Detox, we are not only medically equipped to support you during a relapse, we are dedicated to guiding you back to yourself and affirming the person you are meant to be. We do not view this as anything more than an opportunity to try again—to be better, bolder, and stronger. Addiction relapse after detox and rehab is not an ending, it’s a beginning, and we would be honored to be a contributor toward the new you.
A relapse happens when an individual stops maintaining their sober goals and returns to their previous levels of use and behaviors. This is common and often an essential part of the recovery process. It may take multiple attempts for a person to finally quit substances for good accompanied by continued dedication and perseverance thereafter.
A relapse is different from a lapse. A lapse refers to a temporary break in a person’s sober goals with a return to them immediately after. For instance, an individual who has a drink at a party one night then returns to their alcohol-free lifestyle the following day.
The duration and details of a lapse may vary, though what differentiates it from a relapse is that it is only a brief stray from sober goals with a clear return following. It should be noted that a lapse has the very real potential of turning into a relapse should a person not be vigilant in returning to their sober goals.
What Are the Signs of a Relapse?
Personal challenges and substance abuse go hand in hand. When a relapse occurs, the individual is likely feeling overwhelmed and out of control of their circumstances. With this in mind, the day-to-day stresses of life can lead a person toward an addiction relapse. This not only causes physical stress on the body but also leads to emotional and psychological devastation.
In every recovery journey, the reasons for relapse will be personal, though not indicative of failure. If you or someone you know is experiencing a relapse or heading toward one, here are some things to consider:
- Consistent triggers—If you find that you are consistently triggered by people, places, or events, this may cause a relapse. This includes spending time with people you previously used substances with or places where you may have done them before.
- Glorification of a previous life—While it may often go unnoticed, this is a silent signifier that may slowly lead you back toward your addiction. Glorifying memories of substance use may make returning to them more appealing.
- Socioeconomic circumstance—Insecure housing or financial income, job loss, personal setbacks, or social pressure may cause an addiction relapse.
- Pre-existing mental health conditions—Many individuals who struggle with substance abuse have coexisting mental health conditions which will arise or worsen if not addressed.
- Shame or guilt caused by a lapse—During a lapse, it is common for an individual to feel immense shame or guilt. While this can help them to return to their sober goals, it also has the danger of pushing them further toward a full relapse.
It is important to recognize the signs of addiction relapse and seek help immediately. Whether it is attending a local meeting, getting in touch with a sponsor, or seeking counseling, your life matters, and a relapse does not change that.
What Can You Do to Prevent Relapse?
Experiencing a relapse is possible during any stage of recovery. Even people who have been sober for years can fall back into old ways despite what you may think. To prevent this, it is important to have the necessary tools and strategies to maintain sobriety.
- Create a new life—If you want a lifestyle change, you must shift your lifestyle choices completely. Though it may be difficult, shifting your mindset on who you are and what you do will be essential in preventing a relapse. You need to commit to the new you and release the outdated version.
- Honesty over everything—Not only should you be honest with the people around you, but you also need to be honest with yourself. If you feel you are struggling, ask for help. If you think you may relapse, say something.
- Set up support—Create a support system of people and services that you can rely on. This may be attending weekly meetings, accessing outpatient services, or having a network of sober companions.
- Practice self-care—Fill your time with things that bring you peace and serenity. This could be as simple as going for walks, eating your favorite meal, or snuggling up to watch a movie. Give yourself permission to rest, relax, and recharge.
- Create rules and don’t budge—Creating rigid rules for yourself through a relapse prevention plan creates feelings of safety and security. Once you have put them in place, don’t break them.
Steps to Take If You Have Relapsed
If you have relapsed, feelings of shame, guilt, and disappointment tend to follow. The most important thing to remember now is that relapse is part of recovery. You did not fail, and you are not a failure. Your willingness to recognize and respond matters most during a relapse. Your ability to take immediate action will strengthen your capacity to overcome.
- Step One: Change Your Mindset—Shift how you view yourself and your relapse. Remind yourself that this is part of the process, not the end of it. You are not your addiction, and you deserve to give yourself another chance.
- Step Two: Self-Reflection—Consider what you were doing before the relapse. Who were you spending time with? What was on your mind? What was happening in your life?
- Step Three: Seek Support—Asking for help and seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It is an indicator of strength and dedication to yourself and your future.
- Step Four: Don’t Give Up—While a relapse can feel like a defeat, it is not a defeat. You are worthy of a wonderful life, and you are the only person who can give that to you.
Prevent Relapse With Novo Detox
At Novo Detox, we have the knowledge and skills to provide a relapse prevention plan that is right for you. With compassionate and dedicated staff, we aim to co-create a program that will not only be individualized for your needs, it will be tailored for your success.
We understand that the possibility of a relapse is daunting and can cause great anxiety. Allow us to work with you to address your concerns and design a life you can feel secure and proud of. Relapse leads to recovery, and we know you can recover. Call our addiction recovery center at (844) 834-1777 to learn more today.
