Recovering from an Addiction Relapse

You worked hard to make it through treatment for your addiction to drugs or alcohol. You were set up for success and were following the right path. And then it happened: you relapsed. A friend asked you if you wanted to have a drink or you were super stressed out and though that a “bump” would help to relieve some of your tension. You were only going to use one time, but before you knew it, your alcohol or drug use was spiraling out of control again.

Relapse is one of the hardest things that a recovering addict goes through. It’s harder than admitting you have a problem in the first place, and it’s more difficult than going through treatment. When you relapse, you are left feeling guilty, embarrassed, and ashamed. It also tempts you to just give up on sobriety and start becoming a full-blown addict again.

If you’re recently relapsed, take comfort in knowing that you aren’t alone. According to research, as many as 60 percent of those who have received treatment for substance abuse and addiction relapse at least one time; a large percentage relapse several times before they are finally able to attain lasting sobriety.

While it is certainly comforting to know that you aren’t the only one who has relapsed, it’s important to know how to handle using drugs or alcohol again after you have completed treatment for addiction. Don’t give up hope. Recovery is still possible, even if you have relapsed.

Here are some tips that you can use to help you navigate a relapse so you can bounce back stronger than before and achieve lasting sobriety.

After you relapse, there’s no doubt that you are feeling extremely guilty and totally humiliated. In fact, you are probably feeling more guilt and humiliation than you felt when you first admitted that you had a substance abuse problem.

If you want to get back on track and really recovery from addiction disorder, it’s important to accept your mistakes. Know that relapse is extremely common among recovering addicts and that it is nothing to be ashamed about. Those who are about you won’t fault you; and you shouldn’t either. Unless you throw in the towel and completely give up recovery, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, acknowledging and accepting your mistakes will make your desire to fully recover even stronger.

If you’ve started using drugs or alcohol again for only a brief time, or you have gone on a full-blown bender, once you sober up and accept your mistakes, seek help. Support is crucial for your recovery. Contact anyone who helped you along the way when you sought treatment the first time. For example, if you are in a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), contact your sponsor; or, if your treatment took place at an inpatient rehab, reach out to your counselors.

Remember that your support network isn’t going to cast judgment on you; in fact, if they are recovering addicts themselves, there’s a chance that they may have relapsed at one point, too.

This might be the hardest part about rebounding from a relapse, but it’s crucial; letting your loved ones know that you have slipped up is so important. While you may have support from a sponsor or counselors, the support of the people you love the most will help inspire you to recover, and for good this time.

When you do speak to your family and friends, make sure that you are completely honest and transparent. Don’t beat around the push or sugarcoat your drug or alcohol use. Also, make sure that you commit yourself to the promises that you make to your loved ones.

If you only slipped up one time, a second round of treatment may not be necessary; but, if you started abusing drugs or alcohol the same as you did before you went to rehab – or worse – then you may want to consider getting treatment again. By entering a treatment program again, you will be able to receive the support, care, guidance, and abstinence education that is needed to help you recover for good.

After you relapse, you might feel as if your world has come crashing down again. Don’t let your relapse define you or destroy your efforts to recover. Think of this as an opportunity to learn and grow. Relapse can be a powerful motivators to help you come back even stronger than you did the first time you received treatment so you can achieve life-long sobriety.