01 / 07
Relapse Shows Up in Many Recoveries
Relapse is something that can happen in people who are trying to overcome an addiction to drugs or alcohol, but it is also not inevitable. Relapsing may happen after a person has spent a long time away from drugs or alcohol and feels like they have their recovery under control. However, a relapse does not mean treatment failed or that the person's chances of recovery are gone; it only means that treatment may need to be adjusted.
Relapsing may also occur because of something as simple as stress, not having a support system, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday problems.
Relapse during alcohol recovery can appear differently depending on the nature of the relapse:
A return to drinking that includes a change in thinking about alcohol, such as: "I can stop whenever I want."
Drinking heavily at one time, then returning to treatment for help.
Continuing to drink despite problems caused by it.
Returning to active substance use (e.g., drinking) after an extended period of abstinence.
The following are some signs that a person might return to heavy drinking:
Thinking about alcohol more often than before, or thinking of using alcohol in specific situations.
Increasing time spent thinking and talking about alcohol.
Starting to drink alone, for example on the weekend when they usually drink with others.
Starting to hang out with people who use alcohol.
Drinking alcohol earlier in the day than they used to.
Starting to miss meetings with counselors or sponsors.
Being less interested in hobbies, family, friends, or work.
Feeling like drinking is a good idea, even though it's a bad idea.
Experiencing more cravings for alcohol.
02 / 07
Signals That Relapse Risk Is Rising
Rising relapse risk often shows up as changes in behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and relationships. For example, people who are at high risk for relapse may start drinking again during periods of stress, like a death in their family or divorce. They might also drink heavily when they're with people and places that remind them of previous problems with alcohol.
The risk of relapse also increases if a person stops attending regular support group meetings, starts avoiding friends who are trying to help, or starts denying the importance of recovery goals.
When these kinds of changes occur, it's important for you to pay close attention to your behavior. This can be hard to do on your own, so it may help to talk with someone about what you're experiencing. If a loved one notices that something is wrong, talk with him or her about the problem and ask for help.
Relapses are possible at any time during the course of treatment. A relapse is often preceded by changes in behavior or thinking about your drinking. Learn how to identify signs that you're falling into a pattern of relapse so that you can get back on track.
- You start thinking about why you started drinking again, including all the reasons you gave for wanting to quit.
- Your thoughts focus increasingly on the act of drinking and not on other things in your life. For instance, you may find yourself constantly fantasizing about your next drink.
- You think that one more drink won't hurt-and may even help you control your drinking in the future.
- You start using excuses for drinking. Maybe it's just for a special occasion or to celebrate an anniversary at work, or maybe because of a stressful event.
You may notice these signs before you are tempted to drink. If you do, it's important to take action and get help right away.
To prevent relapse, learn from your past mistakes. Think about the circumstances that led up to your first episode of drinking following treatment. You can use this information to plan how you will manage similar situations in the future. If some people or places trigger cravings, avoid them. And watch out for signs that are a warning that you may be tempted to drink again.
03 / 07
Structured Aftercare Options
Structured aftercare programs can help you continue working on your recovery and reduce the chance of relapse.
Aftercare should be individualized for each person depending upon his or her needs. It is important that people in recovery remain engaged in their treatment program, regardless of where they are receiving treatment. It may include additional counseling, attending a support group, or taking medications to help stay sober.
Continuing care plans name services and programs to help reduce the risk of relapse and maintain recovery. They should be developed during active treatment, based on individual needs, preferences, and goals. A continuing care plan may include:
- Ongoing counseling or therapy
- Support group meetings
- Regular monitoring by a doctor or mental health professional
- Referrals to other services for specific issues
Structured aftercare after alcohol treatment may consist of:
- Meeting with an addiction counselor in your community
- Regular attendance at therapy sessions
- Continued participation in an outpatient treatment program
Continuing Care is not just a series of one-off events or services. It includes a range of ongoing activities and services that support your continued recovery and help you maintain abstinence over time.
04 / 07
Medicines That Lower Relapse Risk
Naltrexone (oral and long-acting injectable) blocks the effects of alcohol on your brain, reducing cravings for alcohol and the pleasure you get from drinking.
Disulfiram produces a strong aversion to alcohol if you drink while taking it. It does this by producing unpleasant effects when you consume alcohol such as nausea, flushing, and palpitations (fast heart rate).
05 / 07
Peer Meetings and Recovery Networks
In recovery peer meetings, people share their experiences with alcohol or drug problems, talk about how they managed to stay sober, and help each other face challenges of daily living and relapse. These meetings may be held regularly in a number of locations, including the meeting location itself, schools, homeless shelters, treatment facilities, health care settings, faith-based organizations, prisons, jails, and work sites.
Recovery networks connect people experiencing problems with alcohol or drugs; formerly addicted or problem users who have access to a wide range of social and community supports; and family members or friends. These networks can offer guidance and practical tips for avoiding relapse. People in recovery are often encouraged to link up with peer support groups, which are led by other members of the same recovery network. Examples include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Smart Recovery.
For example, peer support is an important part of recovery for many individuals who have a substance use disorder. Some people with substance abuse disorders find that participating in support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous helps them to maintain sobriety.
In addition to clinically based treatment, Recovery Support Services (RSS) can help a person with substance use problems stay abstinent. The RSS include:
- Self-help groups
- Mutual support groups
- Peer recovery coaching and peer support services
- Recovery communities
- Recovery homes or sober living environments
Some examples include:
- Smart Recovery
- Women for Sobriety
- Secular Organizations for Sobriety
06 / 07
Steps After a Return to Drinking
After a return to drinking, the next step is for you to get back on track with your recovery. The first step in this process is to talk about what happened and why with a medical professional, such as a doctor or counselor. You can also talk with friends or family members who are sober. Then, you will work together on steps to return to the recovery path.
The following steps may be helpful:
Identify the situation that led to your relapse. Ask yourself what factors caused you to slip back into your old behavior and what you could have done differently to handle it in a healthier way.
Talk about the incident with someone who understands addiction, such as a doctor or counselor. The person can help you learn from what happened so you will be better able to avoid future relapses.
Find out if there is any additional treatment available that would help you return to recovery.
Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Eat well, exercise, rest, and take time for quiet reflection.
Ask your friends and family members who are sober to support you as you begin again. They can offer encouragement and understanding.
If you have returned to drinking after a period of abstinence, do not try to quit on your own. Instead, talk with your doctor about returning to treatment or seeking additional help.
Relapse is not the same as treatment failure. Don't let anyone tell you that if you relapsed once, you will always relapse. Everyone has different triggers and vulnerabilities. Your own personal relapse triggers may be different than someone else's. You can work with your doctor to figure out what may have led to a return to drinking. The important thing is to get help immediately.
It is also important for friends and family of someone in recovery to have a plan if there is a relapse. Some people are triggered to drink by events such as losing a job, the breakup of a relationship, or the death of a loved one.
07 / 07
Recovery Supports Available in Ohio
Peer support and recovery housing sit among a broader spectrum of recovery supports available in Ohio.
Recovery supports available through Ohio boards include but are not limited to:
- Recovery coaching
- Recovery housing
- Employment and educational opportunities
- Family peer support services
County boards plan recovery supports to the extent funds are available through the Block Grant. Each county board has a continuum of care program that is designed to meet the needs of individuals as they move from active treatment to community living, employment and other goals related to recovery.
Recovery Support Services (RSS) includes activities such as peer support groups, social skills training, educational classes, advocacy, and life skills development. Recovery Support Services are individualized based on each person's unique strengths, challenges, goals and needs.