Addiction is a complicated, chronic disease that requires lifelong management. Due to its complexity, you may find yourself falling victim to a relapse even with the proper treatment and support. As disheartening as this might be to you and your family, relapse is a common part of the drug treatment process.
While breaking sobriety should not be a source of shame or guilt, it should motivate you to fully re-commit to your drug treatment program. Here are a few methods you can utilize to overcome a relapse and get your life back on track.
Seek Support Immediately
While it will be disappointing to your loved ones, informing them immediately shows that you are not trying to conceal your drug addiction any longer. Tell them what happened and what steps you are planning to take to maintain sobriety in the future. Being honest is the best possible option, as your loved ones are bound to feel hurt and betrayed if they learn about your relapse from someone other than you.
Think About What Led to Your Relapse
Your relapse is the perfect opportunity to think over the events that brought you here. Perhaps you had a drink with a friend after work and things go out of control. Or maybe you experienced stress in your life and used drugs to cope. By identifying possible “triggers”, you will be able to develop plans to deal with them in the future. Effective addiction recovery isn’t solely about stopping drug use, it also involves identifying the reasons you feel compelled to use and taking steps to resolve them.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up
The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that between 40% and 60% of people struggling with addiction will relapse. These statistics illustrate just how challenging maintaining sobriety can be, even when you have the best intentions. You’re not a bad person because you relapsed, and a relapse doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to stay sober. The best way to deal with the bad feelings your relapse is causing is to do the work you need to overcome your drug addiction.
We’re Your Partners in Sobriety
Renewed drug treatment may also be necessary when dealing with a relapse, which is where Duke City Recovery Toolbox comes in. We can help you navigate the initial withdrawal symptoms and cravings after relapse using medically assisted therapy, as well as enrolling you in an outpatient treatment program. From there, we’ll provide behavioral therapy and counseling to get to the root of your addiction.
Our goal is to help you forge a strong foundation to build your new sober life on. Feel free to contact us today for more information on our services and how we can help. You can also call (505) 224-9777 to learn more about our intake process.
