Relapse can happen to anyone trying to maintain a sober life. Sometimes the triggers can come from problems beyond your control. Whatever the reason for your relapse, you need to know how to get back on track.
Do you need a drug and alcohol detox center? If so, call us today at 269.280.4673.
How To Come Back From a Relapse
If you relapse, don’t panic. In fact, there are many things you can do to put your recovery back on track. Take the following tips with you as you step back into sobriety:
Stay Sober For The Next 24 Hours
If you just stopped using your drug of choice, the next 24 hours are hugely important. Don’t worry about how you are starting over or how long your sobriety might last. Just do everything you can to stay sober for this 24-hour period. You’ll find more ideas about how to do this below.
Talk To Someone About It
Talk to your sponsor, go to a meeting, call the drug rehab center you attended, call a friend or family member—anyone you trust to help you stay on track. If this is your first relapse, you might feel embarrassed or ashamed. It’s normal to feel this way, but you don’t have to let these emotions keep your attention. Talking about your situation can purge some of the emotion and negative thinking. Just getting yourself out of isolation can be a big help, too. You know you aren’t alone on your journey and you can still keep going forward.
Dig Out Your Drug Treatment Recovery Plan
In drug rehab, you created a recovery plan. This also included several ways for you to avert relapse. All the things you do to keep from relapsing can also get you back on into sobriety. You’ll find recommendations that include reducing your daily stress, relaxation techniques, getting good sleep, eating nutritious food, exercising, and even spending time on your hobbies. You may also find a list of triggers that prompt your desire to drink or use drugs. Refresh your memory on your entire recovery plan. It can help you to get a sense of the bigger picture again.
When the Cravings and Negativity Subside
When the most difficult moments of your new sobriety pass by, you’ll be ready to reset your sobriety plan. Take it one day at a time — eat one healthy meal, take a short walk, talk to one friend, go to a meeting. Start simple, but hit the high points on your recovery plan.
You can rebuild your healthy habits slowly. Just focus on moment-to-moment sobriety at first.
Most importantly, stay connected with your support network during this time of rebuilding.
Examine the Pitfalls Behind Your Relapse
You may or may not know exactly what led to your relapse. When you have gotten a little distance from your relapse, take a closer look at everything that led up to it. What did you leave out of your daily routine? Who did you start seeing that wasn’t good for you? What intrusive thoughts start invading your mind? Did others try to intervene when they saw red flags, or was your relapse kept mostly a secret?
These are important questions to ponder. Nobody wants to go through a relapse. But if it happens, you can learn some very valuable things about yourself. If you use this opportunity to understand what happened, you can do a lot to prevent a future relapse.
Don’t Let a Relapse Become a Setback to Your Recovery
Skywood Recovery is here to help you get back on track. Our experienced clinicians understand that relapse is a common occurrence in the recovery process.
We offer a variety of evidence-based treatments to help you manage and reduce your risk of relapse. Our comprehensive approach incorporates therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Our clinicians also provide services such as individual and family counseling, support groups, and case management.
We understand that each person’s recovery journey is unique. We work with you to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our caring professionals can help you develop coping skills and strategies to build a stronger foundation for long-term sobriety.
If you have recently experienced a relapse, don’t let it become a setback to your recovery. Reach out and get the help you need. Skywood Recovery is here for you. Contact us today at 269.280.4673 and take the first step toward achieving lasting sobriety.