Relapse is far more common than you might think. In fact, statistics show that nearly half of all people struggling with addiction experience at least one relapse in their sobriety journeys. While this is not an excuse to slip up, it’s important to understand that you can come back from a relapse if it happens.
Often, relapse occurs after treatment, but there are times when it can happen during treatment. If you’re in the midst of rehabilitation and fall off the wagon, it’s okay. There are a few steps you should take to get yourself back on track.
Tell Somebody
Whether it’s a counselor, accountability partner or doctor, it’s important for you to come clean so that you can get the help you need. This is especially true if you are in any kind of step-down program or taking medication to help wean you from an addictive substance.
Relapse can mean that the type or amount of medication you’re getting needs to be changed, and it could cause you harm if you don’t tell the people caring for you. Remember that rehab is a safe, judgment-free space, and you’re not alone in your struggle.
Be Honest With Yourself
Admitting a relapse is difficult, but it’s a vital step in your journey. If you can be honest about what caused it, you can work with your treatment providers to try to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. Relapse often happens because of distorted thinking patterns, and talking through them can help to put you on a path for positive change.
When you’re restarting your treatment post-relapse, you should consider asking the counselors about focusing more on options such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help make a permanent change in your thought processes. This is a highly effective way to alter your natural tendencies towards destructive behaviors and replace them with healthy responses.
Treat Yourself Kindly
It’s easy to fall into the trap of belittling yourself and doubting your self-worth because you made a mistake. Don’t allow this to happen. Otherwise you can spiral out of control and set your treatment back. Remember that relapse is extremely common, but so many people come back from it and are better for it.
Nobody wants to fall back into a destructive, addictive lifestyle, but mistakes happen, and you’re stretching your physical and mental limits by fighting for your sobriety. If you relapse during treatment, don’t beat yourself up. Dust off, ask for help and get back on track. Remember that sobriety is a journey, not a destination. Call us today at 833-846-5669.