10 Biggest Reasons People Relapse After Rehab
- Addiction affects body and mind, as well as the family
- Stress, loneliness, and boredom as potential triggers
- How a lack of a support system can lead to relapse
- Relapse prevention strategies to reduce the risk of relapse
Relapse after rehab is unfortunately more common than people think. And it’s completely understandable—addiction is a very complex illness that affects every aspect of an individual’s life. Complete recovery can be very challenging to achieve, and we all make mistakes.
To decrease the chance of relapse after rehab, it’s important to recognize why it occurs. So, we have identified the 10 most significant reasons why people relapse after rehab and developed strategies to address each one.
1. Co-occurring Mental Conditions
Addiction rarely occurs in isolation insofar as it occurs alongside co-occurring mental illnesses, also called co-occurring disorders. Common co-occurring disorders include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Complete recovery from addiction is unlikely by treating just the addiction alone. These co-occurring disorders must also be addressed, otherwise a recently recovered individual might be at risk of using substances again as a coping mechanism.
This is why most rehabilitation centers take a dual diagnosis approach that attempts to treat more than just addiction. At Higher Vision Wellness Center (HVWC), we offer dual diagnosis programs that are overseen by certified medical and mental health professionals.
2. Lack of a Support System
Many people who undergo rehab leave feeling completely renewed and excited about starting their new life. But just after a few weeks, they fall right back into relapse. This is often due to a lack of a support system outside of rehab. Relationships with friends and family can remain or become complicated after leaving rehab, making it hard for individuals to feel supported in their recovery.
To ensure that recovering individuals have a strong support system, we offer continued support through our aftercare program.
3. Triggers at Home
Addictions are often considered a “family disease,” because of its impacts on the entire family, or its roots in family dysfunction. Home environments that do not provide a healing environment for recovering individuals can reintroduce hardships into their lives, potentially causing them to fall back into relapse. This is why family therapy is also heavily advocated for and often included in many rehab programs.
Some family members are resistant to therapy or cannot be present for sessions. Even families who have undergone therapy don’t necessarily fully reconnect. Therefore, in such situations, we recommend to our patients to find another place to stay after rehab, whether it be in a place of their own or at a sober living home.
4. Stress
Everyone experiences stress, whether it stems from work or relationships. But the way each person deals with stress differs. Those who suffer from substance abuse often have poor stress management skills and thus resort to using substances as a coping mechanism for stress.
Most rehab centers try to keep their environments as stress-free and comfortable as possible for recovering individuals. But going back out into the real world can reintroduce stress back into these individuals’ lives. Without proper stress management skills and techniques, there’s a chance that the individual can fall back into relapse.
That’s why knowing how to manage stress is crucial to a complete recovery. At HVWC, we offer a dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) course that offers mindfulness and behavioral training to help people safely manage stress and other difficult emotions.
That’s why knowing how to manage stress is crucial to a complete recovery. At HVWC, we offer a dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) course that offers mindfulness and behavioral training to help people safely manage stress and other difficult emotions.
5. Loneliness
High relapse rates among recently recovering individuals can sometimes be attributed to isolation. Returning to an empty home can feel lonely, especially after having been in rehab around caretakers and fellow recovering survivors. Such feelings of loneliness can feel so overwhelming that they cause individuals to fall into relapse.
When lonely, people in recovery might reconnect with old friends who are still using substances. This is why finding the right friends after rehab is important, and why sober living homes that provide a healthy social environment are often very useful during recovery.
6. Boredom
Recovered survivors might have used substances as a way to have fun with friends. After rehab, they might be at a loss of ways to enjoy themselves, without the use of substances. Boredom can also affect survivors much deeper than just not having a way to pass time. Free time allows people to question personal aspects of their life, and start to wonder who they are without substances.
Finding new and healthy ways to enjoy life are incorporated into holistic rehab treatments. We, like many centers, offer art and music therapy, meditation, and other activities to help recovering survivors try new things, unleash their inner artist, and pursue healthier pleasures in life. Such opportunities will allow individuals to leave themselves open to acquiring new hobbies.
7. Accessibility to Substances
Immediate and easy access to substances can be the sole reason people relapse. Even recovered survivors who have been out of rehab for years can still fall victim, given the right circumstance. In such situations, substances that are readily accessible can pose a serious threat.
This might seem obvious, but it bears repeating: keep substances out of the home and away from you as far as possible. Though this doesn’t mean survivors can never be around alcohol again, keeping distance from substances for at least several months following rehab will significantly decrease the chance of relapse.
8. Holiday Seasons and Special Occasions
During festive times, alcohol is usually present at every event. This can pose a threat to recently recovered survivors, and even seasoned survivors who have been out of rehab for a while. And as discussed, easy access to alcohol can post a threat to one’s hard-earned sobriety.
Special occasions, like the holidays, can also evoke especially challenging emotions. Stressful memories or feelings of loneliness are often amplified during such times.
The presence of alcohol, coupled with the stress of these festive occasions, can make for a dangerous cocktail of conditions. Self-control—knowing how to properly manage stress and stay away from readily available alcohol—is key in such situations.
9. Unhealthy Relationships
While we have previously discussed the negative impact of a harmful home environment on individuals leaving rehab, it’s important to note that family relationships are not the sole influencers in one’s recovery journey. Newly formed relationships can quickly become toxic, particularly if the other person has not prioritized personal growth.
Navigating relationships can be challenging for people who have recently left rehab. Some experts suggest refraining from pursuing romantic involvements for a period of time. Although not obligatory, caution is advised when reentering the dating scene.
After completing rehab, it is essential for individuals to continue their therapeutic progress. Whether they opt to continue working with their assigned therapist from the recovery center or seek out an independent therapist, discussing new relationships with their therapist is crucial to avoid falling into unhealthy patterns.
10. Unexpected Life Challanges
Unexpected challenges can arise, making the recovery journey difficult. Continuous therapy and support can help individuals navigate these challenges without reverting to old habits.
Effective Relapse Prevention Strategies
Preventing relapse goes beyond simply avoiding triggers. Rather, it requires creating a lifestyle that supports long-lasting recovery. Here are some effective strategies to consider:
- Individual Therapy: Regular sessions with a therapist can address underlying issues and equip individuals with tools to handle triggers more effectively.
- Support Groups: Joining groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provides a supportive community, shared experiences, and a sense of accountability.
- Healthy Habits: Adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and prioritizing sufficient sleep contribute to physical well-being, which in turn supports mental health.
- Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and foster self-awareness of emotions and triggers.
- Building a Support System: Surrounding oneself with supportive family and friends who understand and encourage the recovery journey can make a significant difference.
- Education: Gaining knowledge about addiction and its patterns helps individuals recognize early signs of potential relapse and empowers them to take proactive steps.
- Avoiding High-Risk Situations: Identifying situations or people that may trigger old habits and developing strategies to avoid or cope with them is crucial for successful relapse prevention.
- Creating a Daily Routine: Structuring the day with purposeful activities helps reduce feelings of aimlessness and creates a sense of stability that can aid in relapse prevention.
- Having an Emergency Plan: Preparing a list of trusted contacts or engaging in activities that divert attention can be vital during moments of strong cravings or triggers.
- Staying Engaged in Recovery: Participating in outpatient programs, workshops, or support group meetings even after leaving rehab helps individuals stay connected to their recovery journey.
Implementing these strategies can substantially strengthen one’s commitment to a life without substance dependence and limit the chances of relapse after rehab. Recovery is an ongoing journey, and while relapse can be a part of it, it shouldn’t define it. Remember, relapse prevention is a continuous process, and it’s okay to seek help whenever needed.For those seeking comprehensive care that prioritizes both recovery and relapse prevention, American Recovery Center is here to guide you every step of the way. Call 866-484-2502 today and take the next step in your recovery journey.
