Alcoholism Relapse Prevention Tools How to Stay Sober

If their return to drugs and alcohol looks more like a relapse where they have moved back into active addiction and old lifestyle habits, a return to drug rehab might be the best decision. Inpatient treatment can give them space and time away from triggers, so they can focus on themselves, what they can learn from the relapse, and how to move forward. Proper self-care will make you feel better about yourself, and will be sending a message to yourself that you care about your wellbeing. Alcohol Relapse Conversely, poor self-care sends messages to yourself that you don’t care about your wellbeing and can trigger a relapse. For example, eating a diet that is unhealthy, low in nutrients, and/or high in sugar may result in poor physiological and neurological health that can lead to low mood and cause alcohol or drug cravings. Weight gain can lead to individuals feeling depressed, and trigger thoughts that their substance use might help them lose the weight they have put on.

If you find yourself having relapsed, it is crucial to first accept that the relapse happened and then to find a way forward. Let go of guilt and shame surrounding the slip and create a strategy for avoiding relapsing again. The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

Does a Relapse Mean That You Need to Attend Alcohol Rehab Again?

It is important to know that relapse does not represent a moral weakness. It reflects the difficulty of resisting a return to substance use in response to what may be intense cravings but before new coping strategies have been learned and new routines have been established.

If you or someone you love is struggling with chronic relapse, now is the time to reach out for help. At Burning Tree, you will find knowledgeable and compassionate professionals that structure treatment to fit individual needs, including the identification of co-occurring disorders.

Connection and support are key to recovery

In some circumstances, temptation might be too hard to resists. But if a slip does occur, it is important you return to your recovery plan immediately. We understand what you’re going through, and we can help both you and your loved one bounce back from this relapse.