You made it through recovery, started working, and found a place of your own to live. You have been sober for a while, but now you have had a relapse. You’re probably feeling shame, disappointment, and perhaps anger.
Relapse is common; you are not the only person to relapse. The first thing you need to do is stop beating yourself up, and you have no reason to feel shame. Consider this; addiction is a disease just like leukemia or other forms of cancer in which a person has relapsed. Why is a relapse of addiction any different than any other condition that is in regression? It isn’t.
What to do
Now that you understand a relapse is part of your disease and nothing to be ashamed of, it is time to plan on getting a handle on the condition.
The first thing is to change your view of relapse. You are not a failure.
Next, get support. Call your sponsor or a trusted friend. Visit a meeting such as AA or NA. Share that you are in relapse, and that is why it is so crucial for you to be there today.
You might wish to consider and outpatient recovery to work through the anxiety, fear, anger, shame, and other issues that were the cause of your relapse. Those same feelings could trigger you to relapse further.
You may wish to go back to a recovery center for 60 to 90 days. This will help you work through the issues that led to the relapse. You will also have time to brush up on your skills.
After you treat your relapse
After treating your relapse, it is time to continue moving forward and living. Make a plan to deal with any new stresses or triggers that you are now aware of to reduce the risk of future relapses. It can be challenging to stay positive, especially in uncertain times, but you do not have to do it alone.
Continue to work the 12 step program.
Call your sober friends to set up a football game, watch a movie, or have a cookout. Surround yourself with people who like you are living a sober life and encounter the same issues. Being able to be around positive people will help you stay positive and remember one of those in your group may need some positive reinforcement themselves.
The biggest thing you can do for yourself after a relapse is to remember you are not alone, others are in the same position, and change your view of yourself and relapse. Get the help you need and move forward with sober living.
449 Recovery can help you with relapse. We offer a continuously monitored detox program. Call us today (855) 435-7449 to learn more about group, individual, family therapies, and outpatient treatment options. If need be, you can re-enter recovery for 90 days and brush up on the skills, tools, and techniques to help deal with future triggers. 449 Recovery is here to help you.