What should I do if I relapse? 

Recovery isn't easy, and ups and downs are common, especially at the beginning of your journey. While some sail through the process with a breeze, others may find themselves returning to substance use. This is a moment no one wants to find themselves in, but relapse is a pretty normal part of the journey. Studies find that more than 50% of people relapse after treatment. 

If you've relapsed, you may feel devastated, disappointed in yourself, and confused about the next steps. While these feelings are perfectly normal, try not to be too hard on yourself. Even after a relapse, recovery is possible. Try not to feel defeated and understand that you are perfectly capable of doing this.  

What is a relapse? 

A relapse happens when someone who once used drugs or alcohol begins to partake in them again after being sober. A lapse refers to a temporary slip where someone may return to drugs but be able to stop on their own quickly, while a full-on relapse points to a return to using without this power. 

Recovering from an addiction can be quite challenging, and scary feelings may linger because of the high chance of a relapse. Relapses happen, and people still go on to live sober and fulfilling lives after the fact. Understanding relapses and how to push forward after one occurs is helpful to recovery. 

Allow yourself to feel your emotions and use them to fuel your next steps.

Understanding your feelings is one of the first things to do after a relapse. It's normal to feel a wide range of emotions, from anger to sadness. It's completely okay to be disappointed in yourself after a relapse, and it's much better to feel your feelings instead of pushing them down. 

Consider why you feel like you do, and give yourself a moment to process it all. These feelings don't need to be a bad thing and can help fuel your next steps. Relapsing at any stage in your recovery journey may hurt your ego, but it doesn't define your future or who you are. 

Forgive yourself and understand that things like this happen; recovery is difficult. Relapse is typical for this reason, and it doesn't mean there's no hope. People mess up because we are only human, but you have the potential to keep pushing forward and get back on track. 

Ask for help

Just like recovery is hard to deal with all alone, so is relapse. After a relapse, it is important to seek help. Contact someone if you're in a program or have been working with a professional on your recovery journey. This will help you get through the early emotional part of a relapse, but even more vital is it will help you figure out a new plan. If you've relapsed, it's clear that your current process isn't working, at least not entirely. Something likely needs to change, whether that's your coping methods or habits. Contact a friend, coach, counselor, sponsor, or specialist you may have been working with. 

Get excited about the future again.

Relapse happens, and it does not define your future. Feel your emotions, but don't let them hold you back. This is just a short part of your life. Harness your power and take control. You don't have to do this on your own.

Use this as a time to think about what you want your future to look like. Visualizing these things or writing them down in a journal can be helpful. What do you want your next five years to look like? What do you want your next ten years to look like? What do you dream of accomplishing? It will take work, but you can achieve your dreams. 

Consider going back to treatment.

It often takes more than one attempt at recovery to resolve an alcohol or drug problem, and treatment centers create a safe space for healing. Many people return to treatment multiple times before they feel independent enough and ready to take on the stressors of life on their own.

LGBTQ treatment centers like Pride Detox offer a place to recover while receiving care from understanding professionals. Gender-affirming care breaks down barriers and builds a community of acceptance. Start your journey toward a healthier life and call Pride Detox at 1-866-465-6889 today.