Seacrest Recovery Center

What Should I Do If I Relapse While in Sober Living Facility in Delray

What Should I Do If I Relapse While in Sober Living Facility in Delray

Overcoming a substance abuse problem is a real challenge. Forty to 60 percent of people struggling with addiction relapse at least once. For some substances, like alcohol and heroin, the relapse rate is even higher. Relapse, though, does not need to mean failure. If you slip up in a sober living facility, you can still get back on track. The following suggestions will help:

Pay Attention to the Warning Signs

Before you start drinking or using again, you will experience both emotional and cognitive warning signs. Emotionally, you may feel anxious, angry and have mood swings. Cognitively, you may find yourself dwelling on the positive aspects of drinking or using, missing the friends with whom you used to get high and trying to convince yourself that one little slip really won’t hurt anything. If you notice these warning signs, get help fast.

Enter an Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program

There are many excellent outpatient treatment programs in the Delray area. An intensive outpatient program has several benefits. It uses several different kinds of treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy and 12-step programs to teach you how to cope without drugs or alcohol. Also, attending the program gives you something to do during the day so you will not spend your time looking for a way to get high.

Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Many people in your life care about you and your recovery. If your 12-step program offers sponsors, take advantage of this relationship. A sponsor can encourage you and tell you how he or she maintains sobriety. If one of your friends tries to talk you into drinking or using, avoid this person, especially if you’re dealing with a relapse.

Make Recovery Your Top Priority

If you had cancer, you wouldn’t skip chemotherapy to enjoy a day at the beach. By the same token, don’t blow off your substance abuse treatment for something that sounds more enjoyable. Skipping treatment sessions is actually a warning sign of relapse, so if you find yourself looking for excuses to miss meetings or individual therapy, talk with your support people. Remember, you deserve to be healthy.

Having a relapse can be very frustrating. Just remember that relapsing at least once is a pretty normal event in recovery. It doesn’t mean you should give up, and it certainly doesn’t mean you should beat yourself up. Instead, enter an outpatient treatment program, surround yourself with supportive people and try again.