Reentering Recovery for a Relapse
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.
Relapses are a fact of addiction recovery. For those who go through a relapse, and for those who have gone through multiple, it can be hard to find the confidence to continue the process. However, it is a necessary part of healing. Therefore, at Twilight Recovery Center, we are committed to our residents and are ready to accept anyone that requires further treatment. Individuals who have been through our program must realize that a relapse does not mean failure, it simply means that they need to explore new avenues in their treatment process. At our facility, we are prepared to take individuals back through a modified program after a relapse. Call us today at (888) 414-8183.