It may not matter how diligently you continue on the road to recovery or how much you wish to remain sober. Unfortunately, relapse is a possibility at some point for recovering addicts. Relapse rates during the recovery period are typically from 40% to 50%, according to statistics from the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Many addicts experience intense feelings of regret, anger, and shame when they relapse. If it happens to you, a relapse may cause you to want to give in to the addiction and give up completely instead of trying again. It’s normal to feel this way, but it’s also normal to relapse in the first place.
If you’re wondering whether or not you should go to rehab again, the answer is yes. Let’s keep reading to learn what will be different and what will stay the same.
What Causes Addicts to Relapse?
Unfortunately, relapsing after a short or even long period of sobriety is a common occurrence. You just need one temporary moment of weakness to start using alcohol or drugs again. If you have been through rehab once or more and are struggling to remain clean, pay attention to the following red flags. Knowing what they are will help you avoid the relapse in the first place.
Sobriety isn’t your priority- Getting and staying sober is going to be hard work, and you don’t want to fool yourself into thinking it won’t be. To be successful, commit to your sobriety from day one. This will include 12-step meetings, therapy sessions, counseling, and obtaining a sponsor to hold you accountable.
No support system- Every sober person needs a support system to help keep them that way. Family members, friends, and co-workers can help keep you accountable.
Quitting for others- Everyone has heard the saying that an addict must quit for themselves for it to work. This is 100% true. The risk of a relapse is much higher if you are only looking to appease your family, significant other, kids, or friends.
These are just a few of the red flags to look for when you are maintaining your sobriety. However, knowing what to expect if you do relapse is also important information to have on hand.
Rehab After Relapse
If you end up relapsing after you have already been through rehab, you may think that there is no reason for you to go again. This isn’t true in the least. If you are falling back into old habits and patterns, it is time to look for a strict treatment center. It’s never too soon to go back if you think it is necessary.
Since you have already been through a program, you’ll know what to expect once you get there. This time, you may not have to go through the detox process again, as long as your body is capable of handling any mild withdrawal symptoms on its own. Of course, detox is important if you need it, so don’t hesitate to go through these steps again.
You’ll need a deeper emphasis on certain activities when you go back to rehab, especially therapy. CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is as important as ever. This type of therapy focuses on learning new behavioral responses to the various triggers that cause you to use drugs or alcohol. When you attend the same program, you will be paired up with the same therapist as before. He or she will already know you and your background, making it that much easier to dive into treatment.
While your daily activities will remain somewhat the same, you’ll focus more on CBT and other types of therapy sessions, including physical fitness, yoga, meditation, music and art therapy, and even equine therapy. You’ll go over the tools you need to maintain a stress, drug, and alcohol-free lifestyle after you leave. You’ll learn how to cope with anxiety, anger, depression, and grief during rehab, which will prepare you to live on your own in the future.
Get the Help You Need
One way to avoid relapse in the first place is to immediately enter a sober living home for at least a few months or more as soon as you leave the rehab program. Having an aftercare plan that includes additional therapy sessions after you leave is also a good idea.
If you have already gone through rehab and have relapsed or are worried you will relapse, help is available. Call today at 844-639-8371 to find out what we have to offer. Don’t stay silent when help is there.