How to Know It’s Time to Go Back to Rehab After Relapse

Substance abuse recovery is a lifelong journey. Completing treatment can be a vital milestone, one that empowers you and gives you the tools to succeed in the long term. Still, maintaining sobriety can be difficult. People in recovery can have moments of vulnerability, leading to old habits resurfacing and sobriety becoming a lot more difficult.

Relapse doesn’t mean that recovery has failed, but it can indicate that someone could benefit from more support. A relapse can be the beginning of a journey toward recovery that’s stronger and more comprehensive. Regaining sobriety after relapse is doable and can be aided by the right help and guidance. Professional relapse support is out there; knowing when to seek it can be part of moving forward

Challenges to Maintaining Sobriety

Part of recovery can be understanding the various mechanisms at play under the surface. Aside from daily commitment and resilience, sobriety is more likely if you understand the various challenges that can affect it, such as the following:

Changes to Brain Chemistry

Addiction isn’t just a personal battle; it alters your brain’s chemistry, particularly in areas associated with pleasure, reward, and impulse control. Treatment doesn’t immediately undo these changes. Long after detox, craving and compulsive thoughts can linger as your brain is adjusting, which can make sobriety feel like an uphill fight.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Early in sobriety, even after a brief period of abstaining from substance abuse, some can experience withdrawal symptoms. The physical discomfort, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and depression often caused by these symptoms can drive people back to substance use as a means of relief.

Absence of Support Following Treatment

Many may complete rehab only to find that they don’t have the continued support that can help greatly in their ongoing efforts to stay sober. Counseling, group therapy, and sober living environments can provide accountability and encouragement. Relapse may be much more likely without such supports.

Triggers

Emotional triggers, including places, people, and emotions associated with substance use, can be very powerful. Without managing these triggers, even small stressors can lead to lapses, which may eventually become a full relapse.

Pressures of Day-to-Day Life

Day-to-day life can be challenging, even without adding the struggle of staying sober on top of it. Work, relationships, responsibilities, and personal expectations can all add pressure, and moments of exceptional stress can make substance abuse a tempting means of escape.

Lapse Vs. Relapse

It’s important to keep in mind the differences between a lapse and a relapse. A lapse is a momentary break in sobriety, such as using a substance a single time, without going back to past behaviors. While serious, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve lost all your progress; you might just need some extra support.

A relapse, by contrast, is an extended return to substance use and its associated behaviors. If you relapse, you may once again be caught in the cycle of dependency, fighting to regain control. At this point, immediate action to get away from harmful environments, such as seeking inpatient treatment, may be the best move.

Experiencing a Relapse

Relapses rarely come out of nowhere, but rather unfold over time and follow a pattern. Emotional relapse is often the first step of that pattern, with mood changes, isolation, and avoidance of support systems causing vulnerability to bubble up under the surface.

Mental relapse typically follows. This may include fantasizing about substance use, even romanticizing it to avoid thinking of the negative consequences. You might start subtly making plans to use substances without others noticing, or intend to use only a single time.

Physical relapse is when you start regularly using the substance again. This can lead to other addiction-driven behaviors, like secrecy, neglecting responsibilities, and withdrawing from support systems.

Recognizing these steps early can help you put a stop to the downward spiral before it begins.

Reaching Out

When you spot these signs, it’s vital to reach out for help. The sooner you do, the easier it can be to stop and get back on the road to recovery, preventing long-term damage. Remember, asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.

Reaching out can lead to accessing professional support, medical oversight for detox and withdrawal, and evidence-based therapies designed to address the root causes of addiction. Seeking help after relapse can provide individuals with insight, resilience, and tools for long-term success.

Rehab After Relapse

Returning to rehab is a step toward recovery. Accessing a safe, structured environment where you can focus on recovery can help you avoid the complications of external distractions and triggers. In rehab, you’re able to rebuild the tools you need to maintain sobriety. More importantly, you can explore what led to your relapse and reflect on what you can do or what support you can use next time to grow stronger in your recovery.

Seek Treatment from Jackson House Recovery Centers

At Jackson House Recovery Centers, we offer compassion, understanding, and expert care, including to those who have experienced relapse. We can help you get back on track with tailored programs. Whatever factors led to relapse, we are committed to addressing your unique needs and helping you recover stronger.

Our treatment programs offer a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery, including therapy, medical care, and access to support networks. We also offer an aftercare program to provide ongoing support you may need, from counseling, group support, and sober living environments to help you stay connected and committed in your journey to a sober life.

Treatment After Relapse

If you or a loved one is seeking treatment after relapse, Jackson House Recovery Centers offers professional, personalized care designed to foster lasting recovery. We recognize that relapse can be emotional and provide an environment where healing can begin again. Contact Jackson House concerning treatment for you or a loved one following relapse.