Relapses: What to do when they happen

1
Relapses What to do when they happen
2
Relapse is all too often a reality for those who
have fought their way back from addiction. It
seems almost inevitable that most recovering
addicts face the temptation or threat of
relapsing. If relapse does occur, individuals
should know how to get back on the road to
recovery. First, its important to understand
that relapse does not mean failure. Relapse often
means that smart people have made unwise choices
and found themselves back in the middle of bad
situations.
3
Once addicts realize that they need help, there
are several steps that can be taken to get back
to recovery.

• Outpatient treatment
• Many times, recovering addicts can find quality
  Outpatient mental health programs.
• These include certified therapists, Outpatient
  drug and alcohol treatment centers and addiction
  group therapy.
• If an individual has a dual diagnosis for some
  form of mental illness along with substance
  abuse, it is essential to get treatment through a
  organization that is also licensed for mental
  health.
• Patients who take on Outpatient treatment should
  be prepared to address their addiction issues in
  their current situation and with their current
  support system.

4

• Rehab facilities
• Outpatient treatment is sometimes not sufficient
  to help address the needs of people who have
  relapsed.
• For those individuals who need more intensive
  help, long-term drug rehab is necessary.
• Many of these programs last for 30 days or longer
  and have a step-down component after treatment,
  typically into a halfway house.
• Benefits of these longer rehab programs include
  the intensive therapy involved as well as removal
  from triggers that may encourage another relapse.

5

• Peer support
• Anyone who is struggling with a stressful
  situation can benefit from sharing their struggle
  with someone else who has been there. Addicts are
  no different.
• Some of the most successful relapse recovery
  programs utilize peer counselors and mentors who
  have personal experience with addiction.
• These peer mentors have a unique perspective and
  ability to empathize with the struggles of
  someone in the middle of a relapse.

6

• Lifestyle changes
• Regardless of therapy or treatment choices,
  relapsed addicts must make fundamental lifestyle
  changes.
• These may include housing changes, employment
  decisions, changing where they spend their time
  and who they spend their time with, and how they
  use their money.
• These changes are not easy, but are necessary
  regardless of the drug of choice. Addicts cannot
  continue to live in the same world where they
  once used.

7
To Learn More Follow Us-

• https//plus.google.com/Sovcal
• https//www.facebook.com/SovereignHealth
• https//twitter.com/sovhealthofca