With relapse rates during recovery currently at 40 to 60 percent (according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse), relapsing is growing more common as part of the road to recovery. Most people typically experience feelings of guilt when they relapse, which makes the fight against addiction much more difficult.
If you are currently relapsing or you suspect that you are about to relapse, it’s possible to use this experience to motivate you to work harder on your recovery. By using this relapse to learn more about yourself, the root of your relapse, and your triggers, it will be much easier to devise a recovery plan that will help you stay strong on the path to overcoming your addiction.
As undesirable as it may be, relapsing is a common occurrence on the road to recovery. If you’re still not sure whether you’re experiencing it or not, here are four telltale signs that you may be on the verge of relapsing:
You’re not making sobriety your top priority
The absence of a commitment towards permanent sobriety is an opening for a relapse. The best way to counter this sign is for you to start committing to things that can help you stay on the path to sobriety. Such things include going to therapy and attending 12-step meetings.
You don’t have a support system
Without a support system or network to guide you along the way, there is nothing to keep you from relapsing. Having a dedicated support system as you work towards achieving sobriety is essential since they are the ones who will help you get back up whenever you fall and hold you accountable.
Your desire to quit the habit isn’t there
Having a strong desire to overcome your addiction is an important factor in achieving lasting sobriety. If you really want to turn over a new leaf, it’ll be much easier for you to become sober as the desire is rooted deep within you. That means you won’t have to find it elsewhere.
You’re not preparing for life after treatment
After doing everything you were advised to do and completing your treatment program, you have to ask yourself a very important question: what’s next? Preparing for life after treatment and setting goals will help you stay on track as well as keep you accountable and motivated. Missing out on this important step may cause you to relapse again, as you may experience confusion and temporary weakness.
What can I do if I’ve already relapsed?
Before anything else, it’s important to know the extent of your relapse, and how much help you’ll need to get back on track. If it was just an isolated incident, you may just need to readjust and reevaluate your sobriety strategy. But if you’ve fallen back into a continued pattern of substance abuse, you will most likely have to go to an inpatient facility. Some forms of therapy, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be recommended to you once you commit to the process of recovery again. Of the different approaches to treating addiction, CBT has been proven to be among the most effective. It works by teaching recovering addicts a new set of responses to correct the skewed thinking they used to abide by. For less severe cases, taking up new activities such as yoga, biking, or music may help in allowing addicts to direct their energy towards something that will truly benefit their wellbeing.
After a relapse, setting new goals for yourself after therapy must be your priority. This will help instill a sense of accountability in you and give you the motivation to stay sober this time around. Some inpatient facilities also offer outpatient programs, and you may want to consider joining one of those. They are also a good option to take in order to set a good foundation for your life post-treatment.
Don’t be afraid to seek help
If the fear of relapsing is something that continues to persist and makes living a normal life difficult, don’t be afraid to seek help immediately. If you are looking for addiction rehabilitation in Delray Beach, FL, Harmony Healing Center is here to help. Get in touch today on our 24/7 hotline.
