Relapse is an unfortunate but common reality in the struggle with addiction. It can be a disheartening experience and cause feelings of being overwhelmed, helpless, and frustrated. However, relapse does not have to be the end of the road. With the right resources and support, it is possible to come back from relapse and continue on the journey to long-term sobriety. In this blog post, we will explore the steps you can take to return to recovery after relapse and how to stay on the path of successful recovery.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
It is important to acknowledge the emotions that often accompany a relapse. It can leave you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and discouraged when this happens. You may even have moments of shame and guilt as you recall the decision that led to the relapse. This is a normal response. It’s important to be honest with yourself about your feelings.
The biggest pitfall after a relapse is getting stuck in these negative feelings. It can be tempting to wallow in disappointment, but it’s important to not let the situation spiral out of control. Instead, take this as an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and make positive changes.
Understand Relapse Triggers
Relapse usually starts with a trigger. These triggers can be anything including a party, a stressful event, isolation, or loneliness. It is important to recognize and be honest about the triggers you experience. According to research published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, recognizing these high-risk situations will remove the impetus to go back to using substances.
Take the time to analyze and reflect on the situation. What led up to the relapse? Were there any red flags you ignored? What was going on in your life at the time? All of these questions can help you better understand your triggers so that you can work to avoid them in the future.
The more you become aware of what causes your triggers, the better equipped you will be to handle them. Start by making a list of all of the possible triggers you have faced in the past. Consider any potential triggers that might arise in the future. Understanding your triggers is an important part of recovery and relapse prevention.
Reach Out for Support
In times of relapse, it can be tempting to feel embarrassed or ashamed and to try to go it alone. However, this is often the worst thing you can do. It is far more beneficial to reach out for help and support from a friend, family member, therapist, or other professional. Doing so can help you gain perspective on the situation and make it easier to find a way to move forward. According to research published in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, having a support group can make relapse prevention far more effective than doing it alone.
You should never feel ashamed of a relapse. After all, we all make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them and use them as an opportunity for growth. Seeking out support can help you do just that. It is important to find someone who will listen without judgment and be there for you in your time of need.
Make a Plan
By understanding what puts you at risk, you can then create a plan of action that will help you to avoid these situations or healthily prepare for them. This plan should include activities and people that provide comfort, support, and a safe space for you.
It’s important to also create a list of healthy coping mechanisms that you can use in times of need. This could include anything from meditation and mindfulness to physical activities or creative outlets such as writing or drawing. Having these activities on hand can help to reduce the risk of relapse in moments of distress.
Take It One Day at a Time
Relapse can be discouraging, and it can be tempting to want to give up. However, it is important to remember that every day is a new opportunity to start fresh and make progress toward your goals. Long-term sobriety is a daily process that requires a lot of self-care and patience. Each day presents a new challenge and an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and make better choices for the future.
The key to successful recovery is to focus on the present moment rather than worrying about the future. Set small goals for each day and acknowledge any positive progress, no matter how small. Continue reminding yourself that you are capable of achieving long-term sobriety. Don’t be afraid to admit when you are struggling and don’t forget to show yourself compassion and understanding along the way. Above all, remember that you deserve happiness.
Always Supported in Relapse Recovery
No matter how often you may relapse, know that you are always supported and never alone in your recovery journey. At First Steps Recovery, our team is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment and resources to help you get back on track after a relapse. We offer a range of evidence-based therapies, resources, and support services that can be tailored to your individual needs.
Our compassionate and understanding staff are here to guide you through this difficult process and provide support when you need it the most. We understand that relapse can be a challenging and stressful time and we are here to help in any way we can. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, we want to make sure you know that you are always supported.
An addiction can feel like a constant fight for your life. Addiction not only robs you of your time but also of all hope for a brighter future. We at First Steps Recovery believe there is hope for everyone. We will give you tools to help you break your relationship with substance misuse while bringing out the true you. Not only is your recovery conceivable, but we can also assist you in making it a reality. You must recognize the problem you are facing and decide that you want to recover from the deadly disease of addiction in order to achieve this future. For more information about our services, please call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.
An addiction can feel like a constant fight for your life. Addiction not only robs you of your time but also of all hope for a brighter future. We at First Steps Recovery believe there is hope for everyone. We will give you tools to help you break your relationship with substance misuse while bringing out the true you. Not only is your recovery conceivable, but we can also assist you in making it a reality. You must recognize the problem you are facing and decide that you want to recover from the deadly disease of addiction in order to achieve this future. For more information about our services, please call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.
