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Overcoming Relapse By American Addiction Centers he fear of relapse keeps many people who need help from entering treatment. No one wants to fail, and for those who have relapsed before, it’s especially easy to give up the hope of achieving long-term recovery. But even though setbacks are common - and are to be expected - patients can improve their odds.
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An ample length-of-stay is crucial, but so is aftercare. Following treatment, aftercare consists of regular or occasional outpatient therapy or counseling with the intention of keeping the patient focused on recovery even after treatment commences; recovery is a forever process. Patients enrolled in long-term recovery benefit greatly from maintained relationships with counselors and the resources they provide.
1. The Right Length-of-Stay
4. Support Groups
Some people are in too much of a hurry to complete the rehabilitation process, anxious to get back to their everyday lives and uncomfortable in a sober setting – and rightfully so. No one says it’s easy. But when it comes to treatment, hastiness has negative effects in the long run. A person must go through the entire treatment process before entering the world alone. Without that needed length of time set by professionals, a person can’t truly develop the skills, tools and attitude needed to stay sober long-term.
2. Uncovering the Roots There are reasons why someone begins using in the first place – underlying issues hiding beneath the surface. If these triggers, stresses or negative influences aren’t identified and corrected, it will be very difficult to avoid returning to the substance abuse. It usually takes a combination of a change in friends, reduction of stress and development of coping skills to keep a newly sober individual clean.
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3. Long-term Care
As much as we hate to admit it, it’s nearly impossible to recover on one’s own. Support groups provide encouragement, companionship and a sense of belonging. There are groups for nearly every kind of substance abuse and social situation - for recovering heroin addicts, for teens, for Christians, elders, nurses; the list goes on and on. It’s important and beneficial to share and work with others who are experiencing similar, if not the same, thoughts and feelings. To know that someone else is making it through this struggle is very empowering.
5. Lifestyle Overhaul Recovery from drugs or alcohol requires changes in all aspects of life – eating habits, socialization, exercise, hobbies; a recovery plan should take into mind complete wellness for all-around health. The idea of relapse can be terrifying, but the possibility of recovery makes the journey worth the effort. With the right care and by sticking to a treatment plan that includes aftercare and support, relapse can indeed be overcome. «
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