Relapse is not uncommon after completing time at an Arizona treatment center. While many cite a familiar Journal of American Medical Association study that documented relapse rates are between 40 and 60 percent, these rates vary widely depending on the drug of choice, the stage of the disease, the presence of co-occurring disorders and other factors.
Nevertheless, relapse is still a very real possibility, particularly in early recovery when your coping skills are still in progress, and you may not have worked through all of your struggles. It’s important to know that if relapse does happen, it is not failure on your part. What’s important is how you respond to the relapse.
Typically, when a person acknowledges their slip-up right away and asks for help, they have a much better outcome than if they continue to fall back into old habits. It’s also worth noting that relapse is not a single act that happens spontaneously. Relapse is a process, and there are signs that indicate that you are headed in this direction.
What are Common Relapse Triggers?
There are many risk factors that can increase the likelihood of relapse in addiction recovery. They include:
- Environmental triggers. Certain environments, such as being around people who are using drugs or alcohol, can trigger cravings and increase the risk of relapse.
- Stress. Stressful life events, such as the loss of a job, relationship problems or financial difficulties, can trigger relapse.
- Lack of support. A lack of support from family, friends or a recovery community can make it difficult to stay sober.
- Mental health issues. People with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or PTSD may be more vulnerable to relapse if they are not properly treated.
- Overconfidence. Feeling overconfident in your ability to stay sober can lead to complacency and a failure to take necessary steps to prevent relapse.
- Poor coping skills. Inability to manage stress or negative emotions in a healthy way can drive you back to drug or alcohol use.
- Poor self-care. Neglecting physical or emotional self-care, such as eating healthy, exercising or getting enough sleep, can make it harder to stay sober.
What to Do if You Relapse after Arizona Drug Rehab
Coping with relapse in addiction recovery can be a challenging and emotional experience, but it’s important to remember that it’s a common occurrence and doesn’t mean that you have failed in your recovery journey. Relapse is often seen as a setback, but it can also be a learning opportunity that can help you develop better coping mechanisms and strategies for staying sober.
Here are some tips on how to cope with relapse in early recovery.
Acknowledge and accept the relapse.
It’s important to recognize that relapse is sometimes a part of the recovery process and not a sign of failure. Instead of beating yourself up for relapsing, accept what happened and learn from the experience. Acknowledging the relapse and being honest about it can help you move forward and get back on track.
Reach out for help and support.
Addiction recovery is an ongoing process, and it’s essential to have a support system in place. Reach out to your therapist, support group or sponsor and share your experience with them. They can provide you with the necessary support and guidance to help you get back on track with your recovery.
Identify triggers and learn from them.
Relapse can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, trauma or social situations. Identifying the triggers that led to the relapse can help you learn from the experience and develop strategies to avoid or manage them in the future. Keeping a journal and reflecting on your thoughts and feelings can also help you identify triggers and learn from them.
Practice self-care.
Taking care of yourself is crucial during the recovery process. After a relapse, it’s essential to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating and getting enough sleep. Practicing self-care will help you feel better physically and emotionally, making it easier to make good choices for yourself.
Set realistic goals.
Setting realistic goals can help you regain a sense of purpose and motivation. However, it’s crucial to set achievable goals that are not too overwhelming. Breaking down goals into smaller, achievable steps can also help you stay motivated and focused.
Seek professional help.
If you find it challenging to cope with the relapse, it’s essential to seek professional help. A healthcare professional or addiction specialist can help you develop a relapse prevention plan and provide you with the necessary support tools and guidance.
Wolf Creek Recovery Can Help You Get Back on Track after Relapse
Relapse is common, but it doesn’t mean that your recovery is ruined. You need to continue learning and growing from your experiences.
Wolf Creek Recovery is an outpatient treatment center that offers evidence-based and alternative treatments. We frequently work with clients who have relapsed and are able to get them back on track with our Phase Two level of care or our Extended Care program. Contact our admissions department to learn more about how we can help you get through relapse.
