A relapse is the return of any disease that has gone into remission or recovery. This includes addiction. A drug relapse is common but not inevitable. An important benefit of receiving addiction counseling at an accredited rehab center is the preparation patients receive to prevent or handle a relapse. Drinking relapses can be caused by stress related to withdrawal symptoms as well as social, health, and environmental factors. The withdrawal stage is one of the most common times to experience relapse, but if you are a recovering drug addict, relapse can happen at any point, even many years after quitting.

How to Respond to a Drug Relapse

If you or a loved one are a recovering drug addict, relapse is not a given, but it is expected. A relapse should not be viewed as a failure but as a common, albeit frustrating, part of the recovery process.

If a relapse occurs, the first step that should be taken is to determine whether the individual should return to rehab. If a person is committed to not letting the behavior happen again, they may not need treatment after a relapse. Drinking once, for example, is not necessarily a sign of a major relapse. Rehab is only necessary if it seems likely that the behavior will become a pattern.

In the event that a person returns to rehab, their treatment should have a strong emphasis on treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Art therapy, yoga, and equine therapy can also prove useful. If you are trying to support someone you love during recovery, patience and understanding are key, but you should also remain strong in making sure they receive the treatment they need. It is helpful for both addicts and their loved ones to understand that recovery is not an event; it is a process.

Find Treatment for Addiction

If you or someone you care about is struggling with the possibility or reality of a relapse, BetterAddictionCare is here to help. We understand the frustrations of relapse and want to help you get back on track. Our professional addiction care specialists will speak to you confidentially about your history and needs. Together, we can create a customized plan for recovery at a rehab center near you. Call today or fill out our contact form to get sober and back on track. BetterAddictionCare believes that no one should struggle with relapse alone.