Recovery is a lifelong process. The first step is seeking treatment, but the journey does not end upon completing treatment. In fact, departing treatment is just the beginning, and when people reenter their everyday lives, many new challenges await them. Unfortunately, these challenges often lead individuals to relapse.
Many people may wonder if they can help a loved one through relapse. The good news is that the answer is yes. Support systems are crucial so people can turn to their loved ones in times of trouble. If a loved one requires treatment, contact NorthStar today.
Many professionals consider relapse a natural part of the recovery process. However, more treatment facilities are implementing relapse prevention programs to help clients prevent relapse. These relapse prevention programs focus on teaching clients tips to maintain long-term sobriety and create recovery plans for post-treatment care.
Many facilities also offer alumni programs following treatment. NorthStar’s alumni program offers clients the chance to stay involved with their recovery community post-treatment. As the real work begins when clients return home, individuals can continue mastering healthy coping skills, habits, and behaviors necessary for sobriety. Alumni groups connect clients with peers who can help. Our program offers many benefits, including:
Alumni and relapse prevention programs are undoubtedly beneficial ways to prevent and recover from relapse among peers. However, the question still remains, how can family members and friends support a loved one through a relapse?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Treatment of chronic diseases involves changing deeply rooted behaviors.” Relapse does not constitute failure. If a relapse occurs, individuals should regroup with their doctors or mental health professionals and may even consider further or alternate forms of treatment.
The first thing individuals can do to help a loved one through a relapse is to encourage them. Upon relapsing, the recovering individual will likely feel guilt and shame. Perhaps they even begin experiencing exacerbated symptoms of co-occurring disorders. They may feel like a failure, and their loved ones' job is to remind them they are not.
Shaming individuals back into recovery never works. Instead, loved ones can focus on emotional support while avoiding enabling behavior. Dismissal and guilt rarely help, so they can be replaced with words of encouragement to help shift the focus off relapse and onto recovery. Friends and family members can also encourage them to reach out to their support group.
Additionally, loved ones of those in the midst of relapse should not forget to take care of themselves. Being someone’s emotional support system is trying. Individuals can not care for others if they do not care for themselves. In relapse situations, it is easy for loved ones to be taken advantage of. Despite the need for compassion and encouragement, friends and family must stand their ground to avoid being taken advantage of or exhibiting enabling behaviors.
There is no one way to help a loved one avoid future relapse. One can, however, continue to support the individual in recovery by being open and asking them what they can do to help. It’s human nature to want to offer people advice or help unsolicited. The best thing individuals can do is ask their loved ones what they need, if they want to talk about it, and how best to help them maintain sobriety.
Friends and family members can also help a loved one avoid future relapse by continually educating themselves. The more people know about addiction, recovery, and relapse, the more they can be a resource for someone experiencing a relapse.
Additionally, spending time with recovering individuals helps them avoid relapse. Feeling isolated or lonely can be triggering. Going for a walk, doing an activity together, or even just taking a quick drive together can be enough to prevent a potential relapse or get back on track following one.
Relapse does not mean treatment was ineffective. However, individuals may consider seeking additional or alternative treatment methods after relapsing. The individual in question should decide what they think is best while loved ones serve as a sounding board as they try to determine the right path. They may consider returning to their treatment program, trying a new support group, or finding a more holistic treatment option that focuses more on relapse prevention.
The threat of relapse is daunting for many. Luckily, knowing they have a loving support system can make all the difference. Remember, though, this is their battle alone. Loved ones can be there for support, but they can not do the work for those in recovery. Recovery after relapse is possible, and sometimes all people need is a little help from their friends.
The journey of addiction recovery is a lifelong process. Relapse does not have to be a part of that journey, but, unfortunately, for many, it is. The work of maintaining recovery long-term while coping with triggers, cravings, and relapse can be difficult. That is why recovering individuals need support from their friends and families. You can help your loved one rebound from relapse by simply being present, listening to them, and asking how you can help. While you must acknowledge that the fight is not yours, you can offer them the encouragement needed to get themselves back into treatment and recovery. If you are trying to help a loved one through a relapse and need help, consider reaching out to us at NorthStar Transitions. We implement relapse prevention from day one and have a thriving alumni community. Call us at (303) 558-6400 today.
