Is It Likely I'll Relapse After Rehab?

What is Relapse?  

A condition that is worsening after it is improving is called relapse. This is a complicated issue that can affect many people who quit using or drinking drugs. It may be a temporary slip, a few lapses, or a complete relapse, where the person returns to their old ways of using. But what percentage of addicts remain clean after treatment?   

Rehab is designed to give a person all the tools and skills to recover from addiction. However, there are many factors that can lead to a person’s relapse, including stress, temptation and triggers.  

In the first few years of leaving drug rehabilitation, you will face many challenges and need to deal with finding a way to change your thoughts and behavior. You also need to avoid certain friends or relationships that could trigger a relapse and stay away from substances.  

Relapse prevention programs can help you recognize high-risk situations that could lead to a rebound and give you strategies to deal with these situations. These are some common triggers:  

• Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or trauma that are not treated properly can lead to serious mental health problems.  
• Boredom  
• Stress  
• Relationship issues  
• Peer pressure  
• Participating in holiday celebrations, festivals, or parties  
• Friends who are addicted to drugs  
• Returning to the same places you used to take drugs  

Relapse can lead to serious consequences, including overdose.  

Long-term recovery requires that you learn to manage your triggers. But our behavioral therapists, and addictions specialists are here to help you to avoid unnecessary stress and find ways for you to move on with your lives. You will learn new behavior techniques and lifestyle modifications such as relaxation strategies, diet and exercise counseling, and better sleeping habits. Cognitive therapy interventions will help you reframe your thoughts and teach you coping skills.  

A New Crossroad is here to help you when you have a relapse. We offer therapy as well as counseling. Our goal is to make sure your body, mind and spirit are at their best. We offer individual and group therapy, 12-step integration, education groups, case management, and support for those who are struggling with drug addiction. Our goal is to help you stop using long-term, achieve your goals, become employed, and live a happy, independent life.

Relapsing after Rehab  

Many people are curious about the success rate of recovering addicts. Between 40% and 60% of those suffering from substance abuse disorders will relapse at some point. One in five people who go through a rehabilitation program in their first year will remain sober for the rest of their lives. This means that nearly 80% of those who have completed the program will relapse within the first year. There is also a 40% chance of them relapsing during the second year. Relapse isn’t a sudden event in most cases, but it can happen over time. Relapse can occur in the following stages:  

• Emotional Relapse: While you might not be thinking of returning to substance abuse, your emotions and behaviors may be causing you to fall back into a dangerous addiction. This could be characterized by social isolation, anxiety or poor self-care.  
• Relapse in mental health: You might start to think about the drug again, and you may end up thinking about the people and places that were associated with it.  
• Relapse to physical drug use: This phase is when you’re more at risk to return to regular drug use.  

How to deal with relapsing 

You don’t have to give up if you have a relapse. Learn how many addicts remain clean after treatment. Accept that you are not the only one who is experiencing a temporary lapse and move forward with your recovery. It is important to speak with a doctor right away and to always remember that you will not be punished for making a mistake.  

It is important to go back to treatment to get to the root cause of your addiction. If you’re not getting results, you might also consider other treatment methods.  

There is no need to feel ashamed or be a failure. If you need help, support is available. It’s not that your journey to recovery is impossible, it’s more so that your current plan or approach isn’t working to address your individual needs, and might need to have a few revisions made to it. 

It’s hard work to recover and requires constant commitment and support from family, friends, peers, professionals, and colleagues. Sobriety can be learned over time, but requires a lot of trial and error. This is just a part of the process and you should be patient with yourself during times of weakness.

  It’s best to continue your recovery by:  

• Following your treatment plan. If you have any questions, talk to family members and friends. They will support you and hold you accountable! You can also join an anonymous support group and/or begin group therapy.  
• Even if your addiction brain tells you otherwise, avoid people and places that can trigger you. This simple action will help you stay away from alcohol and drugs, and eliminate the stress caused by peer pressure and fighting within yourself.  
• Follow a relapse prevention program that includes identifying the most beneficial things for you when you are having trouble. You might want to attend a meeting or reach out to your support network in other ways. It is your best chance to stay sober by creating a plan and sticking with it when things get difficult.  
• To get to the root of your addiction, visit a treatment center.  

Your relapse could be caused by many factors and you may need professional help for self-destructive behavior or a mental issue that needs to be addressed. It doesn’t matter what the situation, it’s better to get it addressed sooner than later.  

For lasting recovery, build a support system

 There are many great ways to create a support network:  

• Attending 12-step meetings: These meetings are completely free and offer support for all stages of recovery. It is a great place to get to know others who are going through the same thing.  
• Building strong family relationships: although this can be difficult, your family might be able to help you if you work together to heal your relationship. Family therapy is a great way to start this journey.  
• By participating in a group exercise such as yoga or any other type of workout, you can develop positive habits, decrease stress, increase natural endorphins, and heal your body. You also get the chance to meet like-minded, positive and health-conscious people.  
• Be selective when you meet new people: Not everyone deserves access to your life, especially if these people are drug or alcohol users. Protect and choose your sobriety.

AA and NA Meetings   

Relapse is a normal part of recovery in 12-step programs like NA and AA. These groups will recognize your slip-ups, lapses, or relapses as an indication that you need to go through the 12 steps again. These steps will help you regain control of your life, your inner strength and accountability.  

It can be awkward and embarrassing to present yourself as a newcomer after less than 30 days. However, it is an important step to not only start your journey again, but also to show others how relapses are possible.  

Sharing your experiences with others will create camaraderie and help you get through difficult times. You may benefit from the experience of others and learn from their mistakes. To help others, you can also share your own relapse story.  

You have the ability to forgive yourself and create a new life where you accept responsibility and live up your expectations by following the steps. Contact us to learn more about the relapse prevention program and how addicts recover from rehab. We are available to help you immediately.

Don’t let your addiction or trauma stop you from living the life you love. Contact A New Crossroad today if you are suffering from addiction. We are here to help and want to aid you on your road to recovery and healthy living.