Anyone who is fighting addiction must be aware of relapse. Recovery is a long, difficult process and relapse is one of the bumps that cover the path to a healthy life. Studies show that about 50% of people in recovery relapse, but this fact is not something to be discouraged by. If your loved one experiences relapse, it does not mean that they will never recover. Relapse is sometimes necessary to reach recovery, and it is not your responsibility to prevent relapse. However, there are many actions you can take to help prevent and reduce the chance of relapse.
After the addicted person is clean of the drug, make sure that their therapy and treatment continues. Follow up treatment is necessary in avoiding relapse. As the loved one, you should make sure that the treatment approach is effective in treating the addiction, whether it is through medication, behavioral treatment, or Alcoholics Anonymous. It is necessary to be aware of your actions, and make sure you are not pushing the addict into the treatment that you think will be beneficial. Try to talk to the addicted person about what they think will be most effective, working together to find the best treatment to prevent relapse and help in recovery. Once you have decided on treatment, be supportive. Follow up by encouraging the person to talk about their improvements and struggles, and offer to accompany them to their appointments. Moral support can be extremely helpful, and it is important to make the addict feel love and support.
Treatments usually involve relapse prevention. Triggers, temptations, and stress are all great contributors to relapse. Learning how to deal with the problems of everyday life is essential to recovery. It is important to understand what your loved ones triggers are in order to help them avoid them. Common triggers are people associated with the drug, times of day that they may have used the drug, places, or even stressful and emotional situations that may have caused use. Talk to your loved one about these triggers, and make sure they understand that you are here to help them through this difficult time. By providing support and reliability, you are helping them become stronger and healthier. You may even suggest new activities, friends, jobs, or environments to aid them in the recovery process.
No matter what, you should never drink or use drugs around them. Avoiding drugs is especially important during the first few months of treatment, as withdrawal symptoms and cravings are stronger during this time. Remember, if relapse occurs, you need to minimize your frustration and anger. Relapse is not a failing on your part or the fault of the addicted. Relapse does not mean that recovery is never going to be achieved or that your efforts are for nothing. In some cases, relapse is a part of the recovery process. If it does occur, try to help your loved one evaluate the treatment to see if it is right for them, and try to quickly and efficiently manage the relapse. Recovery is possible, and your support is essential in the recovery of your loved one.
Lead Recovery Center can help you through the difficult process of recovering from addiction. The trained professionals and calming environment is key to help your loved one avoid relapse and realize healthy ways to deal with stress and triggers. Life can be tough, and no one should go through addiction alone. Call (800) 380-0012 today to get the help you deserve.