There can be a number of roadblocks for those going through recovery. For some people, staying at a treatment center may only be the first step. Also, a large percentage of people have a high risk of a relapse. Although it sounds awful, the fact that it is so common means that treatment centers are prepared to assist reentering recovery for a relapse.

When this happens, people need to realize that reentering society may be harder than they thought. However, they will receive a different level of care should they need to re-enter a program.

How Treatment Programs Work

When a person initially enters a treatment program, they undergo a detox process and a full assessment. This will determine their state of mind, what medical needs they have, and treatment options. It will also explore any trauma and what will happen once the individual leaves the facility.

A person will be in treatment for as long as necessary until they are deemed ready to reenter society. This may take thirty days, or it may take significantly more. It all depends on the individual and the extent of their needs.

What Is a Relapse?

When individuals reenter society and find that they cannot keep up with their recovery process and are instead drawn back into the grip of addiction, they are said to have relapsed. Over 40-60% of those in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) relapse. This is a fact that must be realized by individuals and their loved ones. Regardless of how it might sound, the fact remains that there is an obvious stigma behind it.

People who relapse often feel that they have failed themselves and those around them by succumbing to their addictions. However, addiction is something that exists in perpetuity. It never goes away and requires constant vigilance. Therefore, there are a number of reasons a relapse may happen.

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Significant life change
• Inability to feel comfortable
• Pressure from others
• Overwhelming desire for illicit substances

Regardless of the reason, when a person goes through a relapse they may feel that their treatment program failed them. However, in many cases, they have experienced changes that need to be addressed. This is why they will be encouraged to reenter treatment.

Second Time Around

When a person re-enters a treatment facility the process will remain largely the same, though the direction will often be different. The process will start with detox to make sure that the person is free of substances. This piece may take longer than previously as many people who relapse often begin using more than before. When this happens, there will be more in their system, and they may require extra medication and time depending on the situation.

Following detox, the individual will undergo a full assessment. Unlike the first time, this assessment will take in all factors relating to the relapse situation but also any previous assessments and treatments. This will allow the medical staff to review what they, or another facility, may have done and how they approached the individual the first time.

For people who have relapsed, it may be for a different reason than their original reason for taking illicit substances. If they have begun dealing with trauma or a dual diagnosis, the relapse may be environmental. Also, the continued analysis of their trauma may have sparked additional memories or pain that was too much to handle. Regardless of the reason, everything will be taken into account. This includes any concerns or questions the person has for the medical staff.

As the individual makes their way through the recovery process, it may seem very similar. Groups will concern themselves with the same topics and even the staff may seem to have the same approach. However, it is important to realize that they are making sure the individual is being handled differently. They want to make sure that people who relapse are cared for in a way that handles the shame and promotes healing.

Shame and Relapse

The concept of shame can play a large role in the relapse recovery process. Society looks at the concept of relapse as a direct failure by the individual. The overall opinion seems to be that if people really worked hard during the recovery process then there is no reason for them to go back to illicit substances.

This is categorically false. One of the problems with this pervasive mindset is that it negatively affects those who are on the verge of, or in the middle of, a relapse. This shame is unfounded and a person who has made the effort to go through recovery may feel bad or sad about what has happened, but the goal is to help them back on the horse and not push them further into their own issues.

How Twilight Recovery Center Can Help

At Twilight Recovery Center, we understand that when it comes to addiction, nothing is guaranteed. Because of this, we welcome back any former residents who have fallen into a relapse. It can be hard to admit that mistakes have been made, but we are not here to make people feel worse. We are here to find the missing pieces that will keep people sober and help people back on their feet. Whether a person comes to us initially or during a relapse, we are ready to help.

Many people who go through a treatment program expect to come out the other side feeling completely fine. They may also feel they are guaranteed never to touch illicit substances again. Unfortunately, this is often untrue. A person who returns to using these substances is said to have relapsed.  Studies have shown that 40-60% of those in recovery relapse at least once, regardless of treatment.

How Does Relapse Treatment Work?

The goal of any rehabilitation program is not only to help a person heal from their addictions. There must also be an educational component to teach them about the concept of relapsing and what it can mean for them in the future. Often, people entering a treatment program are reticent about being there in the first place.

It is the responsibility of the treatment facility to make these people understand their situation will be a lifelong struggle. They need to know that relapses can and likely will happen. However, an excellent treatment center will explain what they can do to avoid relapsing.

How to Spot Triggers

One of the main things to learn for avoiding relapse is how to spot triggers. When people leave treatment and are adjusting back into society, they may find that certain things make them crave a return to substances. These triggers could be:

• People
• Situations
• Locations
• Advertisements

These are just a few of the many triggers that can exist for people in recovery. It is often said that addiction is a chronic, life-long struggle. Recovery is never over. This does not mean that recovering individuals always give in to temptation, but they are constantly at risk.

Finding Help

The good thing about the possibility of relapsing is that many different resources are available to those who are tempted to return to their addictions.

Often, relapses can be averted by having a network of people the recovering individual trusts and knows will not judge them. These people can be family, friends, or even peers in recovery that the individual connected with while in rehab. All they need to know is that the person can be trusted and will help.

Another place to find help is through group meetings. There are nationally known programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). However, there are also local groups run by cities, towns, and even local recovery centers. These groups are free, meet at regular intervals, and exist mainly to help people help other people.

One thing to remember is that people do not need to limit themselves to just one group. In fact, some recovering individuals require multiple meetings a day to keep them sober. These people can find solace in the fact that no matter where they live, there will be a meeting and a program when it is needed. In fact, to find where meetings are being held, a person can always call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) hotline.

Twilight Recovery and Relapsing

While in treatment, work to recognize all their signs and triggers that can bring about relapses. They will also be advised about how to seek help from both medical professionals and local group meetings.

However, one of the biggest lessons to learn is that there is no shame in returning to rehab. This can be hard for some people to admit. In fact, shame over relapsing can lead people to avoid a return to rehab because they feel they have somehow failed those around them. When people do relapse or find themselves on the verge of relapsing, it may be best for them to re-enter rehab. Regardless of how much of a failure they may feel like, relapse is never the end of recovery. Getting further help is essential for their health and well-being.

We are Prepared

At Twilight Recovery Center, we are prepared to accept back anyone who relapses following our program. We know that this decision is not easy, but we want to make it as seamless as possible. At our facility, we are aware that relapse is not the fault of the individual. If they are seeking further treatment, they are on the right path.

With so many negative outcomes that can arise from a relapse, we want to be there as the best option. Clients who have been through our program understand our dedication to the individual. That dedication does not end when they leave. In fact, we encourage contact and want to know how you are doing and whether you need any assistance that we may be able to provide.

Twilight Recovery Center is a proponent of support in all forms. We want to be the ones who set you up for success but make sure you are aware that if you do relapse, you are not a failure.