When a person goes through a rehab program, she may think that she has defeated her addiction and is able to live a carefree life without the worry of using the substance ever again. However, the reality of addiction recovery is that many people experience relapse at various stages of the process. While this can be frustrating and discouraging to a recovering user, it is important to know that relapse does not have to equal failure. Instead, someone who relapses can take the opportunity to learn more about herself and to improve her recovery in the long run.
Definition of Addiction
Some people think that addiction is a choice that people have complete control over. However, scientific research suggests otherwise.
- Inability to consistently abstain
- Impairment in behavioral control
- Craving
- Decreased ability to recognize serious problems related to one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships
- Dysfunctional emotional response
How to Overcome Relapse
Addiction recovery is a long process filled with both victories and setbacks. Kat McGowan clarifies that, when it comes to addiction recovery, “relapsing is the rule, not the exception.” She goes on to explain that, instead of looking at relapse as a sign that the recovery process has failed and that the person should give up all hope of maintaining sobriety, she should instead look at the experience as a learning opportunity.
- View it as a brief lapse in judgment instead of a defeat, because doing so allows people to understand that short-term failure does not mean long-term success is impossible
- Analyze the situation to identify what led to the relapse. When people figure out what they were feeling and thinking, what their surroundings were and which people were around them during relapse, they can then learn to identify similar situations in the future, and they can avoid or manage problems without relapsing.
- Develop a specific coping plan for counteracting or avoiding negative situations. These plans can include anything from using distractions to thinking about the consequences of the behavior, but they should help people avoid drug abuse in the future.
Avoiding Future Relapses
- Stay away from tempting situations
- Find a positive support network
- Develop a healthy routine
- Avoid complacency
Find Out More Information About Addiction Relapse
A person who is going through the addiction recovery process should realize that recovery is not simple. It often involves difficult situations that can lead to relapse, but relapse does not have to mean failure. Instead, it can be an opportunity to reevaluate their strategies and to strengthen their long-term recovery plan. If you or someone you care about has experienced a relapse in the recovery process, know that all is not lost. Give us a call today at 615-490-9376 to find out more about how to work through relapse to continue on the road to long-term recovery.
