There would be no relapse or need for further counseling after addiction treatment has begun in a perfect world. Unfortunately, relapses do happen and can be a part of the recovery process for many patients. The critical thing to remember is how a relapse does not have to be the end of recovery. It can be a positive learning experience in which someone can learn about triggers and how to deal with future goals toward sobriety. If you struggle with fears of relapse, please reach out to Red Oak Recovery today at 866.457.7590 for assistance.
Focus on the Steps Toward Recovery
The 12-step program toward recovery has proven its efficiency. After a relapse, the same program is equally efficient but may need to be reevaluated. In some cases, the person can pick up where they left off before their relapse. Other situations might require a closer look into how the steps were performed before deciding how to proceed. The 12 steps our programs follow are as follows:
- Powerless over addiction
- Recognize a greater power
- God as we understand it
- Self-inventory
- Admit the wrong actions caused by substance abuse
- Become ready to submit to God’s will, as we perceive God
- Ask God to remove our shortcomings
- Make a list of harms caused and how to apologize
- Make amends, if and when appropriate
- Continue treatment
- Continue through prayer to maintain sobriety
- Pass the message along to others
Evaluate What Happened and Why
Determining which step you have completed and which was the next to accomplish requires a realistic evaluation of yourself. It requires understanding what led to relapse and realizing that relapse prevention isn’t always an easy task. If it was as simple as deciding one day that drugs or alcohol are no longer going to part of a lifestyle, anyone could quit. In such cases, centers such as Red Oak Recovery in Asheville, NC wouldn’t be needed. After a relapse, there might be a need for medical detox, further residential treatment, or at the very least closer contact with an advisor who can help maintain goals toward sobriety. Ongoing outpatient care after residential treatment is always going to be an essential part of the process.
Resuming Treatment Versus Starting Over
Sometimes starting over is the best solution after a relapse. Relapse prevention begins with a good foundation in which each step is conducted fully and properly rather than in words alone. There are other situations in which the foundation was firm, and the relapse was simply an accident. In such a case, the addiction might require a quick review of the steps which led to sobriety. Then, relapse prevention is more a matter of evaluating the aspects of life when using drugs or alcohol as opposed to the tangible benefits of not using.
Learning About Relapse Prevention in the Future
A vital tool addiction treatment provides strategies for relapse prevention in the future. Relapse prevention is an essential part of recovery because addiction changes the chemical makeup of the brain. As a result, relapse is rarely a one-time issue. It happens to many people. Therefore, it is essential not to let a relapse determine the course of your life. It is much better to recover and get back on track with sobriety.
Finding Assistance in Asheville, NC
For substance abuse and addiction issues in North Carolina or across the country, Red Oak Recovery offers a traditional, proven 12-step approach to treatment and recovery. Addiction won’t wait for tomorrow, and neither should you. Give us a call today at 866.457.7590. Then, we can begin to plan your addiction treatment, whether it’s your first time or if you’re suffering through a relapse.
