It doesn’t matter how diligently you have pursued your recovery or how committed you were to staying sober. If you have been addicted to alcohol in the past, there is a chance that you could relapse in the future. According to studies done on the subject, between 40 and 60 percent of addicts relapse during recovery. You may be wondering if a residential alcohol recovery center will help you after a relapse. The answer is yes. Read on to learn more about alcohol addiction and the recovery process.
Relapsing and Alcohol
After a person relapses, they often feel ashamed, angry, and regretful. If you have been sober for some time and then suffered a relapse, you may begin to feel as though you will never win the fight against addiction. You could even feel like giving up on the whole sobriety thing. These feelings are perfectly normal, but you can’t let them get in the way of starting over.
A relapse from alcohol should be viewed as a learning tool. Take a close look at why you relapsed in the first place. Were you around people who caused you to drink? Were you having trouble managing your emotions calmly? As you dig deep into the root of the issue, your relapse will begin to make sense. You can then use it as a foundation for your next recovery. After all, you are looking at the exact trigger or triggers that caused you to relapse in the first place.
Why a Relapse Happens
It’s very common for addicts to relapse at some point during their sobriety. About half of all recovering addicts will experience some form of weakness that causes them to begin drinking again. One way to way to avoid a relapse is to be aware of some of the red flags that could cause you to relapse:
• No support system- If you are newly sober, it is important to have a solid support system in place. If you can, have a sponsor to talk to when you feel like drinking again. You could also ask a family member or friend to hold you accountable. You cannot and should not go at it alone.
• Not quitting for yourself- Too many people attempt to quit not for themselves, but at the urging of their family members and friends. You have to want to quit to make it stick. If you are only giving up alcohol to appease others, you will have a greater chance of relapsing.
• Blowing off your sobriety- It is important to make your sobriety the number one priority in your life. That takes hard work, time, patience, and dedication. You have to be willing to attend support groups, 12-step meetings, and additional rehab if necessary.
• Ignoring underlying problems- Mental and physical health concerns often lead to relapse. Always include therapy or counseling sessions in your plan for any co-occurring mental health issues, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Being around alcohol- This can be a tough problem. You’ll find alcohol at all sorts of events, and it can be hard to say no when everyone else is drinking. If you cannot avoid being in a place where everyone else is drinking, make sure to keep in close contact with your sponsor.
Can I Go Back to Rehab?
No matter how many times you have relapsed in your quest for sobriety, a reputable alcohol rehabilitation center will help you. An experienced doctor or therapist will understand just how hard it was for you to quit in the first place, and they are aware of the rate of relapse for alcohol addiction. Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed that you relapsed, either. Many addicts feel as though they will be laughed at for having to attend rehab again. This is not true- it is a sign that you are strong enough to go through the necessary steps to sobriety.
If you are still struggling after going through treatment for alcohol addiction, there is plenty of help available. Get enrolled in a program that suits your individual needs better if the first rehab didn’t help as much as you thought it would. There are many options for rehab that will suit your needs and budget. Don’t ever allow one relapse to derail you on your journey to sobriety. It’s simply a temporary setback that can be salvaged.
If you have relapsed and are ready to get back into rehab, we are here to help. Give us a call today at 772-266-5320 for more information.
