Addiction recovery is not black and white. Every path to recovery is different and unique. Mistakes are bound to happen on the road to sobriety because of the challenging life changes one is undergoing. In most recovery stories, relapse is likely to happen. According to the American Medical Association Journal, about 50% of people relapse within a year of treatment. Addiction is a disease and a hell of a battle. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts before successfully staying sober. The Beachcomber Drug and Alcohol Rehab in South Florida ensures that clients are educated, uplifted and supported on the recovery journey to lessen the likelihood of relapsed.
Signs to Watch for When Concerned About a Loved One Relapsing
As a close family member or friend to someone going through recovery, you may have a gut feeling when the suspicion of relapse arises, especially if you were very involved in their recovery process. It is important to educate yourself on what to look for when suspecting a relapse with a loved one. Although relapse is common, it is preventable. Being open, honest, and aware can prevent the dangers of a potential situation.
What To Look Out For
- Hanging out with people from the past. If your loved one is showing unfamiliar behaviors after hanging around a former group of people associated with addiction, it is important to recognize relapse may be the cause and confront the potential dangers in a gentle manner.
- Stops talking about recovery or attending meetings. In the case of a possible relapse, negative emotions about the recovery process may take over.
- Defensiveness. If you decide to bring the topic of relapse up for discussion and your loved one is extremely defensive and angry, this could be a sign of unprocessed guilt and other negative emotions relating to recovery.
- Extreme signs. One of the most obvious signs of relapse is displaying symptoms of withdrawal. If these are shown in your loved one, it is important to notify their supervisor, be open, and honest.
- Isolation, social anxiety, and neglect. Along with other intense emotions, these three are important to look out for and recognize.
Call to Action
When you suspect that a loved one has relapsed, you may feel extremely helpless and scared. A recovery support system and a healthy emotional outlet are necessities when going through the recovery journey with a friend or loved one. Although you cannot save them from addiction, you may feel obligated to help.
Ways You Can Be a Positive Influence to a Friend or Loved One in Recovery
- Stay positive and encourage them.
- Remind them that they have overcome addiction before and can do it again.
- Set healthy boundaries with firmness and love.
- Offer to drive them to a meeting.
Keep Your Eye On The Prize
The journey to recovery is not an easy one. Relapsed happen. If you suspect that your loved one has relapsed or strayed away from recovery, a great way to promote positive change is by offering them help in a recovery support group. The Beachcomber Drug and Alcohol Rehab in South Florida caters to their client’s needs in a non-judgmental environment. The Beachcomber Relapse Prevention Program follows the CENAPS© model and is facilitated by counselors who have been trained and certified in the leading form of relapse prevention. The CENAPS Model is effective because it integrates group supervision, direct treatment application, and results in clients giving and getting immediate feedback about how they are responding individually and in a group. Browse our services today.