There’s no reason to feel bad after a relapse, as it’s actually more common than you think. Knowing how to handle it may be the most challenging part. The reality is that recovering from alcohol addiction is complicated. Overcoming withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and even a co-occurring disorder is a lot to handle, especially without the right level of support. Even after you successfully recover, it still requires serious dedication and discipline to maintain sobriety. Relapsing doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Alcohol relapse in women is quite common, and the team at Crossroads can help you come back strong from a relapse. You can then back on the track to sobriety.

Why Someone May Relapse

A relapse is when a person fully returns to using drugs or alcohol after they get sober, while a lapse is more of a brief slip where a person drinks. However, after that drink, they immediately stop again. Both scenarios should be taken seriously, and treatment should be sought out for those who relapse entirely.

The reasons that people recovering from alcohol addiction tend to relapse are many. They could be facing stressful factors or situations that remind them of their old habits. They could start drinking again to cope with a co-occurring disorder that they are unaware of. No matter the reason, getting back into treatment is the priority. You made it through recovery treatment before, so you can do it again and be even more successful this time around.

A relapse can be frustrating. Getting over those feelings of guilt and shame associated with the relapse will be a big part of this next phase of your recovery. Statistics show that roughly half of the people that attend addiction treatment programs will relapse at least one time. Full recovery is a journey, and that journey can have many setbacks along the way.

Tips for Dealing with an Alcohol Relapse

One of the most important things to remember after a relapse is that you have already made progress in your sobriety journey. You recognize that you still need help, and you’re seeking it out. This one mistake will not derail your path to your end goal; it’s just a hurdle. Here are some tips for starting back on the right path after a relapse.

Acknowledge Mistakes

Getting over the guilt of relapse and taking ownership that you slipped up will make your continued recovery easier. This allows you to focus on what you need to change in your life to avoid making a mistake again. Figure out where you went wrong, and work to eliminate those triggers in your life.

Recognize and Remove Triggers

Once you’ve identified what they are, get rid of any triggers that could cause you to relapse again. This could include certain people, places, or activities. They aren’t worth the risk.

Get Peer Support

This could be attending a 12-step meeting to help you recommit to getting and staying sober. You can also continue to build your sober support network among family and friends. Even if you can’t get to an in-person meeting, join a virtual meeting or take advantage of other online resources available. Ask your former treatment counselors for guidance if you’re unsure where to find the support you need.

Keep Busy

It’s essential to find ways to keep yourself busy so that you’re distracted from the temptation to drink again. Spending too much time alone is one of the reasons that people fall into depression and use alcohol. Consider a new hobby, volunteering with a local organization, or an exercise regimen to occupy your spare time.

Attend Treatment Again

It might seem obvious, but it’s critical. Don’t feel ashamed to ask for help and return to treatment. Going back to therapy can only strengthen your recovery and reinforce what you need to do to be more successful in your recovery. If you have a co-occurring mental health issue, a treatment center can help with additional therapy or medication to address both conditions.

Contact Crossroads To Learn More About Alcohol Addiction Treatment

A relapse can happen at any time. Some who struggle with alcohol addiction get sober and relapse shortly after they leave recovery. However, others are able to stay sober for many years before they slip back into addiction. Having a positive outlook, recognizing triggers, and putting the right support system in place are the best ways to recover successfully from a relapse can help you rebound from an alcohol relapse. Learn how to get back on the path to recovery. The first steps to getting yourself back on track with your recovery are to get over the guilt that you made a mistake, accept that the relapse happened, and then seek the help you need to get back into recovery.

At Crossroads, you’ll have the chance to continue to treat your substance use disorder and develop a plan to avoid a relapse again. You’ll be with peers and professionals who understand what you’re going through. We will also develop an individualized treatment plan with our team to set you up for success in your sobriety journey.

Treatment programs at Crossroads include: