Once someone completes addiction treatment for drug or alcohol abuse, their journey to sobriety isn’t over. Individuals need to work to maintain their sobriety, which can be difficult. There is a high percentage of people in recovery who relapse. Close to 80% of recovering addicts experience a relapse. However, the causes of relapse are most often identifiable and preventable, especially if you know what to look for. Thus, to recover fully it’s important to acknowledge that relapse is a real possibility. Yet, we all also must remember that there are ways to prevent it. Fortunately, Westwind Recovery® can give individuals the tool and resources they need to prevent relapse as well as how to get back on track to sober living if relapse occurs.
Understanding Relapse
First of all, you should recognize that relapse may be simply part of the recovery experience. As already mentioned, most recovering addicts will relapse at least once, and some will relapse more than once. But that doesn’t mean to give up when it happens. It simply means that relapse is a part of a process. Recovery is like taking two steps forward and one step back. You may go backward from time to time, but overall, you’re making progress. If you can remember that when you relapse, you might have more confidence in getting back on the road to recovery if/when you fall.
So, the first step when it comes to relapse is to recognize that it may actually happen. At Westwind Recovery®, we provide patients with several therapies that help them lay the foundation for a lasting recovery. Some of the therapeutic services we offer include:
- Family Therapy
- Life Skills Training
- Music Therapy
- TMS Therapy
- Trauma Therapy
- Virtual Reality Meditation Therapy
Thus, if relapse does occur, individuals can turn to therapy to get the help they need to return their sober path. Relapse is not an event that should completely knock you off your feet. Instead, just shake the dust off, recommit to your sobriety goal, and start again.
Recognizing Risk Factors for Relapse
At the same time, if you’re doing well in your recovery, there are certain factors that tend to get in the way of a person’s sobriety, and that tends to cause a relapse. The next step is to identify whether you have these factors in your life and work to avoid them or heal them. For instance, the following are typical factors that tend to impair a person’s ability to stay sober:
- weak networks of support
- existing mental health disorders
- drug use/addiction began early in life
- addiction to multiple forms of substances
- unresolved trauma
- poor coping skills
Those who chronically relapse might have one or more of the above factors. For instance, not have the coping skills to manage the emotions that were leading to drug use in the first place might cause a person to return to drug use if emotions continue to feel overwhelming. Learning new coping mechanisms, healing unresolved issues that lead to those challenging emotions, and creating strong support networks can help keep relapse at bay.
Preventing Relapse with Westwind Recovery®
If relapse continues to occur, then likely there are still underlying issues that have yet to be resolved. Healing all the circumstances that led to drinking or using drugs in the first place should reduce or eliminate the likelihood of relapse during recovery. Additionally, having a strong network of support can help strengthen one’s recovery. The support of others can promote a feeling of connection, hope, and confidence in staying sober.
If you don’t already have a community of friends who are sober, find a support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or another 12-step meeting. You might also seek the support of a therapist, make amends with sober family members and friends where it’s possible, and give back to your community. Staying connected to others can help prevent loneliness as well as relapse.
These are suggestions for preventing relapse, especially if you have any of the triggers for relapse mentioned above. If you feel your sobriety is in danger, seek the support you need by calling Westwind Recovery® at 855.340.8832.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
