If you are in outpatient drug treatment, it is helpful to know what could happen if you slip back into old habits. A relapse occurs when you return to using drugs after a period of abstinence. This is always a possibility during any type of drug treatment, but it can be especially dangerous during outpatient treatment because you are not under any supervision. If you relapse during outpatient treatment, you must take the initiative to get the help you need immediately.
However, keep in mind that relapse is a common occurrence during drug treatment, and it doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your recovery. In fact, relapse is often seen as part of the recovery process because it happens so often to people who have finished a program but are still going through hard times. It’s critical to understand what happens when you relapse and how you can get back on track.
What Exactly Is a Relapse?
Relapse is a return to drug use after a period of abstinence. It is a common occurrence, especially during the early stages of outpatient treatment. There are several reasons why relapse may occur during outpatient treatment. First, patients in outpatient care are not in a controlled environment. They are free to come and go as they please, and they may be exposed to triggers that can lead to drug use.
Second, patients in outpatient care may not have the same level of support as those in inpatient care. They may not have access to 24-hour supervision or counseling, which can make it difficult to stay drug-free. Finally, patients in outpatient care may not be receiving the same level of medical care as those in inpatient care. This can lead to problems such as withdrawals, which can trigger a relapse. For many individuals in outpatient drug treatment programs, a relapse can be a major setback. Not only does it mean that they have failed to abstain from drug use, but it also increases their risk of overdosing. If unchecked, relapses also cause people to lose their homes and jobs, and strain relationships with family and friends.
In some cases, a relapse can even lead to death. So, it’s crucial for people in outpatient drug treatment programs to know what could happen if they relapse into using drugs or alcohol. They can, of course, also take steps to keep that from happening.
What Can You Do to Avoid a Relapse?
Relapse is a big concern for everyone in drug treatment, but especially for people who are moving from an inpatient program to an outpatient program. This is because people in outpatient programs have to stay at home and take care of their own recovery without being monitored all the time by professional staff members at a treatment center.
However, there are steps that participants can take to reduce the risk of relapse. First and foremost, it is critical to identify and avoid triggers. For instance, if you have a history of using drugs when you are feeling stressed, it is wise to find healthy coping mechanisms that do not involve drugs. Also, it’s necessary to build a strong network of family and friends who can encourage you and hold you accountable.
Finally, it is critical to stay involved in some form of treatment, whether that means attending weekly meetings or seeing a therapist on a regular basis. By taking these steps, you can make it more likely that you will be able to finish an outpatient drug treatment program.
What Should You Do If You or a Loved One Relapses?
If you or someone you know experiences a relapse during outpatient drug treatment, remember that this is not a failure. Relapses are common, and they can happen even when you are following all of the treatment recommendations. The most helpful thing to do if you experience a relapse is to reach out for help. Many outpatient programs offer crisis counseling and support groups to help struggling people.
You might also want to talk to a therapist or counselor. They can help you figure out how to deal with triggers and avoid relapses in the future. If you are feeling overwhelmed or helpless, please don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Remember that it’s not a sign of weakness to admit that you need more help to beat your addiction.
If you need help with a relapse, don’t hesitate to reach out to our counselors at 844-639-8371. They will direct you to outpatient programs that offer crisis counseling and support groups to help people struggling with a relapse.