Life and Support After Rehab
As an ongoing process, recovery from substance takes dedication, focus, and a lot of hard work. Because of this, it is common for people to slip along the way, since every battle cannot expect to be won right off the bat. The temptation of drugs or alcohol will always be present and sometimes it will be too much for certain people to handle.
Considering this, there is never any judgement cast towards someone who is struggling or has relapsed. It does not mean that individual has failed or will fail, it just means they hit a bump in the road and need to get back on track as soon as possible.
Relapse is common, but can be avoided by having a plan for post-rehab life, and knowing what the signs of relapse are and how to act upon them. Resisting temptation is the key to continue down the road of recovery.
Drug Relapse Causes
Everyone’s journey through recovery is different, since everyone’s story to addiction is different as well. No two people are alike, but for all drug use habits can be hard to break. Some reasons people decide to relapse are because they are bored, stressed, or anxious. They may also relapse when they have lost confidence in their ability to fully recover, or when they are going through a tough time such as a relationship breakup.
It is important to consider the differences in gender as well. Men have certain qualities that contribute to their relapse such as feeling angry, having more money, or prematurely stopping their treatment because they are too confident. Women on the other hand are more prone to feeling depressed, lonely, and discomfort towards withdrawal.
Cravings are also a big factor when it comes to relapse, because they will always be there. The good news is that these cravings will become less and less strong as time goes on. While they may never truly go away, they will get easier to cope with and resist depending on the type of support this individual has.
Consequently, a lack of support from family, friends, and professionals can play a role into relapse as well. Social support should include encouragement from others to stay abstinent, enhancement of self-worth, and assurance that this individual is loved and accepted.
Preventing Drug Relapse
Relapse is not uncommon, but it is very dangerous. Beyond the immediate harms of the substance being used again, relapse can easily cause an overdose. This is because users generally go back to taking their pre-recovery dose, which they may no longer be able to tolerate. This is especially true for those who have abused heroin.
Relapse can also retrigger psychological struggles within an individual. First off this person will feel like they failed. They will feel like they do not deserve the love and support of their family and friends, and may drive them to give up all together. Yet, relapsing is not a sign of failure, it is instead a door into what other areas this individual needs to work on.
Support After Rehab
Having a sense of support and place to turn to when things get tough is extremely important for an individual going through recovery. They need to feel encouraged, accepted, and cared for not only by their family and friends, but also through support groups and professionals.
Halfway houses are therapeutic communities, or sober living homes, that can provide an environment that focuses on recovery and successful re-integration into society. They are entirely composed of recovering addicts to encourage support from people who understand.
Outpatient treatment programs are another form of support that includes ongoing therapy and counseling. Much like inpatient treatment, outpatients undergo rigorous treatment programs but get to go back to their homes at night.
Lastly, there are many types of support groups a person can join depending on their individual situation. The most popular may be Alcoholics Anonymous, which includes a 12-step program with predetermined steps for recovery. Other programs include SMART, Secular Organizations for Sobriety, and Women for Sobriety.
Family And Friends
Finally, helping a friends or family member through this challenging time can be healing for everyone involved. To support a loved one, it is important to offer them a safe and sober environment. You must also avoid judgement at all costs, and only offer compassion.
Since the effect of substance abuse touch the people closest to the individual as well, it would be beneficial for family members and friends to seek treatment for themselves. This way they do not feel helpless when a loved one seems to be declining, and can offer support that will move the person forward in their recovery.
Recovery from substance abuse involves many people, not just the user. It can be a challenging and long road, but with proper education and support, it can be a successful feat. To learn more about the road to recovery and how you can help, give us a call to talk to a treatment program support specialist.
