Should I Go Back To Rehab?

Should I Go Back To Rehab If I Relapse?

Recovery is a challenging journey, and relapse is very common. Relapse doesn’t mean your treatment has failed; it just means that your treatment plan needs to be revisited and potentially modified.

Deciding whether to go back to a rehab center can depend on several factors, including whether you’ve returned to regular substance use. Ultimately, the most important thing to consider is your own health and safety.

Because relapse rates are so high, ongoing treatment is frequently recommended for people who have graduated from a rehab facility. Twelve-step programs are one way to address this issue. Having a plan on how to respond to relapse and a support system to help you through it is important to maintain your long-term recovery.

Signs That You Should Return To Rehab

Relapse is a complicated concept. Relapse is often separated into two categories:

• A “slip” is a brief relapse that may last for a single use or a very short period. With a slip, the person generally realizes that they are at increased risk and can stop using before sliding back into previous patterns. A slip, or lapse, is generally a minor setback.
• A full relapse is more serious. Use is either over a longer period or is more intense. People experiencing a relapse may isolate themselves from their support system, their sponsors, or skip their 12-step meetings.

Getting back on track after a slip may be as simple as discussing the lapse with a sponsor or counselor, going to a 12-step meeting, or avoiding your triggers. Seeking support and redoubling your efforts to remain sober are critical for people in this situation.

If a slip becomes a relapse, or if use is more intense, returning to rehab may be necessary.

Should I Go Back To Rehab If I Feel Like I Might Relapse?

Relapse is not necessarily a single event; it is more of a process. Relapse can be considered in three stages:

• Emotional relapse is the first stage of relapse. This is where isolation, skipping meetings, and changes in sleeping or eating habits may occur. Recurrent substance use may not happen in this stage.
• Mental relapse is the second stage. This stage usually consists of an internal struggle between cravings and wanting to use and wanting to stay clean and sober. At this stage, the risk of relapse increases. Mental bargaining may occur to justify use.
• Physical relapse is the final stage of a relapse. This may be in the form of a slip or lapse, where use is brief. A lapse or slip may turn into a more serious relapse.

If you feel like you might relapse, you may choose to turn to your support network, sponsor, or 12-step program. If you feel physically or mentally unsafe, it is not unreasonable to seek rehab at this stage.

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Why Didn’t Treatment Work The First Time?

Relapse doesn’t mean that the treatment program didn’t work — it simply means the treatment plan needs reinforcement or adjustment. It is difficult to change habits, and many people treated for a substance use disorder experience a setback.

Addiction is often worse with subsequent relapses. In addition to the struggles with the substance itself, feelings of guilt and shame worsen the substance abuse, which is often an attempt to cope with mental health disorders. The longer a person uses, the more difficult recovery can be.

Am I A Failure If I Relapsed?

Experiencing a relapse does not mean you’ve failed. As previously mentioned, addiction is a lifelong disease. Relapse is common and is an opportunity to adjust your treatment program.

If you’ve relapsed, it’s important to seek care immediately because relapse can be life-threatening. Your body may no longer be able to handle the same amount of a substance that was previously used, and overdose can occur. Whether it’s outpatient treatment or inpatient rehab, taking care of your physical and mental health is vitally important.

Why Do Relapses Happen?

There are many reasons why someone may relapse. It may take time for the brain to return to normal functioning during addiction recovery. Relapse rates are highest (up to 50%) in the first 12 weeks after intensive inpatient programs.

Additionally, like relapses, recovery occurs in stages. The abstinence stage starts as soon as use stops and may last for a couple of years. Cravings are often present, and support is necessary to cope with these cravings and avoid relapses. Relapses are most common during this stage.

The other stages are the repair stage, where the individual works on repairing the damage caused by addiction, and the growth stage, where the individual is developing skills that they missed due to addiction.

Benefits Of Returning To Rehab After Relapse

Relapse is a common and often normal part of recovery for many people. As mentioned previously, use after relapse is usually more severe than the original use. Returning to rehab after relapse may help keep you safe from the life-threatening risks of substance use disorder and withdrawal.

Rehab allows you to seek support and reaffirm your efforts to remain sober. The sooner you seek help, the better.

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Find A Treatment Center

Whether a person is struggling with addiction for the first time or experiencing a relapse, finding a treatment center to meet their needs is vitally important. From intensive outpatient treatment to residential rehab facilities, there are options available for everyone.

If you or a loved one has relapsed, help is readily available. Contact a treatment provider today or explore our rehab directory to discover your treatment options.