If you do not have a network of supportive people, you should try to find one; fortunately, you have options. You may use AA, SMART Recovery, or other support groups to help you in this process. Alternatively, you may start to look into more formal what to do after a relapse treatment. Often, the initial image of relapse you may imagine is when a person either in short– or long-term recovery starts drinking again. While this is true, much more goes into a relapse than just drinking or using substances again.

So, sitting down and figuring out what triggers you to crave alcohol/drugs, can help you avoid the triggers, face them, or get help to combat them. Being able to accept that you made this mistake will help you to stay motivated during the beginning stages of relapsing. You have to accept that you need help in order to actually get the help that you require.

How Common is Relapse?

According to an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) survey, 75% of people relapse during their first year of recovery. Half of cocaine addicts will relapse within a year of completing detox. In general, 40-60% of drug users will relapse at some point during recovery. If you’ve suffered a relapse, it’s important to look at this event https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/tips-to-get-started-on-the-road-to-recovery/ as a learning experience. You’re now better equipped to handle your recovery and achieve success, because you know what not to do and what to look out for. If you can demonstrate to those closest to you that you are making an effort to include them in your recovery, then you will start to feel more motivated to continue.

This lapse, in turn, can result in feelings of guilt and failure, i.e., the “abstinence violation effect. This abstinence violation effect, along with a perceived positive outcome, can increase the probability of a relapse. Viewed at with reference to our topic of addiction relapse, that’s a huge number of people potentially going through this same event as you. When such a significant event occurs, it is not just the event itself that directly impacts us. When we are talking about relapse, our reaction can make a world of difference. However, the high number of people going through the addiction recovery process has never been successfully dealt with.

Get Professional Addiction Recovery Help

Remember that a relapse doesn’t mean failure — it simply means you need to adjust your recovery plan. Though it may initially feel like failure, it isn’t considered a failure if you follow these steps to get back on track. Remember to discuss relapse prevention techniques and make this a key area of focus in your revised recovery plan.

Relapse can be a natural part of the recovery process for many people suffering from drug or alcohol addiction. If you have suffered a relapse, and you’re worried about what the future holds, you are not alone. More importantly, you can regain your sobriety and continue your path to recovery. You may find—besides stopping alcohol consumption—other negative behaviors and feelings still exist because they have not been addressed in a healthy way. Your relationships may become even more strained, as some friends and family members who considered you to be “fun” while you were drinking now perceive you unpleasantly.