Recovering from an addiction is challenging. Recent studies show that more than three-quarters of people who receive addiction treatment relapse within the first year. Nonetheless, healing is possible for everyone. Because of how common addiction setbacks can be, particularly in the first weeks following treatment, it is critical to understand and recognize potential addiction setbacks early to avoid a relapse that could delay achieving sobriety.
At BoardPrep Recovery Center®, we’re committed to providing addiction treatment for patients in the Tampa area, regardless of what stage of recovery they are in when they come to our treatment center. To talk to an addiction specialist about recovery from addiction setbacks, contact us online or call us at 866.796.4720.
Three Common Stages of a Relapse
Before diving into the common addiction setbacks to look out for, it is essential to be aware of the three stages that commonly comprise a relapse.
Emotional Relapse
The emotional relapse stage generally involves experiencing the emotions and feelings associated with previous drug use. While not actively using drugs, people in this stage may start to consider drug use. Irritability, isolation, or relationship issues often accompany this stage of relapse.
Mental Relapse
The stage of mental relapse is when a person begins to think about using drugs again and may begin to rationalize the potential behavior to themselves or loved ones. Bargaining and mental turmoil are common as people feel the urge to use drugs but recognize that future substance abuse will obstruct their recovery.
Physical Relapse
The third and final stage, physical relapse, is when someone in recovery begins using drugs again. It may result in the necessity to return to a rehab or recovery center to best support the healing process.
Common Addiction Setbacks
Addiction setbacks come in many shapes and forms. A situation that may lead to relapse for one person may not affect someone else. Some common recovery setbacks to watch out for if you believe you or someone you love may be in danger of relapse include:
- Being surrounded by friends or family who misuse alcohol or other substances
- Having to work in a stressful environment, such as a hospital, law enforcement, or the military
- Experiencing relationship issues like divorce or a break-up
- Attending parties or get-togethers where alcohol or drug use is present
- Undergoing stressful life situations, such as career changes or a family death
- Unaddressed mental health disorders contributing to a dual diagnosis
If any of these are or become true for you, it does not make addiction recovery impossible, but it may make the chance for a relapse higher. With that in mind, it can be helpful to create a relapse prevention plan to avoid addiction setbacks from derailing you from the life you hope to achieve.
Preventing Addiction Setbacks
Many people benefit from a relapse prevention plan to avoid addiction setbacks. These plans generally include a mixture of the following:
- Engaging in an aftercare treatment program
- Attending a 12-step program
- Avoiding common triggers or compromising situations
- Leaning on a reliable support network of family, friends, and caregivers
- Identifying and using healthy coping mechanisms
Avoiding a relapse may also involve fundamentally changing aspects of your lifestyle to make daily life more conducive to long-term recovery. This could look like altering your social circle to reduce the chance of encountering alcohol or misuse of another drug, attending sober social activities, or engaging with a therapist.
Seek Treatment at BoardPrep Recovery Center®
Wherever you are in your healing journey, BoardPrep Recovery Center® in Tampa, Florida, is here to support you. Whether you have never sought care previously or you recently encountered an addiction setback resulting in relapse, we know healing is possible for you. Relapse does not mean you are a failure.
To learn more about how you can embrace your future and take your next steps on the road to restoration from an addiction setback, contact us online or at 866.796.4720.
