While relapsing can bring about shame and feelings of failure, a relapse is generally accepted as an expected part of the recovery process for most people. It doesn’t mean that you’ve failed in your recovery. It can be compared to someone having a flare-up of their diabetes or hypertension symptoms.
It can be important to distinguish between a full-blown relapse and a slip-up. With a relapse, you fully go back into old patterns of out-of-control drinking, which can require going back into treatment and other steps to get back to sobriety.
With a slip-up, you might have a drink, but you quickly realize it’s the wrong path for you, and it doesn’t go further. With a relapse, the situation can become dire because of the shame and guilt, particularly if it’s not dealt with early on.
How To Prevent Drug or Alcohol Relapse
There are a lot of things that can help you avoid a relapse, including:
Practice self-care.
Understand the stages of relapse.
See yourself as someone who is a non-user.
Practice honesty with yourself and others.
Accept that you are someone with an addiction.
Develop healthy alternatives to using alcohol like yoga, running, or anything you find enjoyable.
Continue to engage in self-help groups, even if you’re feeling more confident in your recovery.
Give back to others through volunteering and other similar opportunities.
Re-evaluate your lifestyle at certain intervals to make sure you’re on track.
Avoid the people, places, and things you associate with alcohol use.
Ask for help instead of trying to do everything on your own.
Do things to reward yourself, like getting a massage, watching a movie, or simply finding time to relax.
Don’t try to find loopholes in your recovery or bend the “rules.”
Express yourself through art or crafts.
Do tasks that are empowering around the house, like cleaning or laundry.
Find a hobby you love, like reading, DIY projects, or a sport.
Helping a Loved One Avoid Relapse
As the loved one of someone in recovery, there are ways you can help preserve their recovery and prevent a relapse.
Keep communication open. Without a solid communication foundation, your loved one may not feel comfortable telling you when cravings and unwanted thoughts start. Ensure the person knows you are available day and night to aid the process.
Offer love and support. Employing anger, guilt, and shame will not encourage your loved one in their recovery. You cannot force someone into recovery. Your loved one needs to know you will provide love and support without judgment to assist their recovery.
Reinforce the prevention plan. You should have a copy of your loved one’s relapse prevention plan. When you see signs of a relapse, you can take action or encourage them to use their recovery skills.
Know your limitations. Some people become so focused on maintaining their loved one’s recovery that they take too much responsibility. No one can stop your loved one from a relapse. If they relapse, it is not because of something you did or did not. Only they are responsible for their actions.
Remember, you are an important part of the treatment team with enormous power to do good for your loved one. Taking these steps can help make their long-term recovery a reality.
Get the Help You Need Today
If you need help or feel like you could be on the cusp of a relapse, remember that addiction is a chronic disease. You wouldn’t expect that you could self-treat hypertension or diabetes without the help of medical professionals. You should keep the same in mind with addiction. If you need support, help, or have questions, please contact our team at The Recovery Village. You don’t have to do it alone.