Relapsing is a common occurrence for people in recovery. It can be an incredibly difficult and disheartening experience, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your progress or your journey in sobriety. If you’ve recently experienced a relapse in your recovery, it’s important to remember that you are not alone, and there are steps you can take to get back on track.
To learn more about how to bounce back from relapse, contact Vertava Health’s addiction treatment center at 844.470.0410 today. We have plenty of advice for what to do after relapse. Remember, you are not alone in your recovery journey.
When you contact us, we will provide individualized treatment plans and connect you with the resources necessary to get back on track. We understand that it may be difficult to reach out for help, but your safety and well-being come first. Our team of compassionate professionals is here to help you heal and move forward in your recovery.
What Is a Relapse?
A relapse is defined as a temporary return to old behaviors or habits related to substance abuse. This can include:
- Using and abusing drugs or alcohol
- Engaging in risky behavior
- Feeling overwhelmed with stress
- Experiencing depressive symptoms
It’s important to remember that relapses are not failures; instead, they are opportunities for growth and learning. With major health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, relapse is a normal part of the recovery process. The same concept should be applied to addiction recovery.
How To Bounce Back From Relapse
Wondering what to do after relapse? Here are a few tips on how to bounce back from relapse:
The First Step Is Understanding Why You Relapsed
It’s important to understand why you relapsed so that you can work towards avoiding that same situation in the future. Ask yourself questions like:
- What was going through my head before I made this decision?
- What emotions did I feel?
- What were the circumstances that led up to me making this decision?
Having an honest assessment of your relapse will help you identify triggers and give you insight into what needs to change for your next attempt at recovery.
Reach Out for Support
After a relapse, it’s easy to feel embarrassed and alone—but it doesn’t have to be that way. Reaching out for help from people who understand what you’re going through can give you hope and make relapsing seem less overwhelming. Whether it’s family members, friends, or professionals such as addiction counselors or sponsors, talking about what happened in a safe space with someone who cares about you can bring clarity and positivity into this difficult process.
Be Kind To Yourself
It goes without saying that after a relapse, self-care should be top priority. Don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go perfectly—you already know how devastating feeling guilty can be on your mental health. Take time for yourself by doing activities like:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Writing in a journal
- Taking leisurely walks outside
Anything that brings peace and joy into your life will help put things into perspective during this trying time in your recovery journey.
Learn Tips For Bouncing Back at Vertava Health
Relapsing is part of the recovery process for many people struggling with addiction; however, one lapse does not have to set them back forever. By understanding why they relapsed in the first place, reaching out for support from loved ones or professionals specializing in addiction treatment, and taking care of themselves both physically and mentally—anyone struggling with an addiction can bounce back from their lapse stronger than ever before. Vertava Health offers comprehensive treatment programs designed around individual needs. Contact us at 844.470.0410 today to learn more about what to do after relapse.
