Relapse Does Not Mean You Have Failed

Addiction recovery is an ongoing process and requires continued attention and commitment. Those in recovery must always be aware of their surroundings, feelings, and potential triggers to keep themselves on the road to long-term recovery. Like other chronic diseases, it is something that must be managed. And also like other chronic disease, there is always the possibility of relapse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that between 40 and 60 percent of people who go through addiction treatment relapse at some point in their life.

Relapse is not a rarity, but it also doesn’t have to be the norm. There are many clients who go through treatment and make positive changes in their lives that allow them to remain substance-free for the rest of their life. There are also those who face setbacks and may go through treatment more than once before achieving long-term recovery. Relapse is a not a sign of failure. It does not mean that treatment has failed or recovery is impossible. Rather, it means that an individual must re-evaluate their situation and adjust their relapse prevention plan. There are changes they must make in their actions, behaviors, and thought processes to decrease their risk of future relapses.

Common Triggers for Relapse

Relapse does not happen unexpectedly. There are warning signs leading up to it and changes that indicate things may be going downhill or temptation is creeping up. It can be difficult to stick with necessary life changes to support recovery, but they’re essential. Here are some common triggers that may lead to addiction relapse:

  • Spending time with people who are still in active addiction or do not support your recovery.
  • Going to places where you used to go to drink or use drugs, or places where there is a lot of temptation or pressure to use.
  • High levels of stress and not practicing healthy coping mechanisms.
  • Unmanaged mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
  • Isolating yourself from others and not having a strong support system in place.

You may feel strong and confident following addiction treatment, but early recovery is a delicate time. Letting yourself slip back into old habits or spending time with friends who are a negative influence can take a toll on the progress you’ve made. It can increase your temptation for “just one” drink or “just one” use of drugs. This can quickly spiral back into active addiction.

Not taking care of your mental health can also be detrimental. It requires conscious effort to focus on your own well-being and know your limits. When you feel yourself becoming stressed out, or anxiety is creeping up, it is important to implement strategies to keep these things under control. You may have to say no to a person, project, or obligation, and that’s okay. Focus on what is best for you and your recovery.

Trying to go it on your own can also be unhealthy. When you isolate yourself from others – even if you’re doing so to keep temptation at bay – this can lead to boredom and depression, which can be triggers for substance use. Surround yourself with people who are supportive of your recovery and will engage in sober activities with you. Have people that you can turn to when you’re having a tough day and who will celebrate with you when you’re having a great day.

Bouncing Back from Addiction Relapse

One of the most important things to remember is never to give up. Just because you relapsed does not mean that your journey is over or that you can’t be successful in recovery. Remember, you are in a different place in your life now. You are not the same person you were before. You achieved sobriety once and you can do it again. There is always more to learn and new things to try. Don’t give up on yourself or your goals. You are deserving of another chance.

If you do relapse, stop and get yourself back into treatment. You may go back to the same treatment facility you were in before since they already know you and you know them, or you may choose a different program if you feel somewhere else may be a better fit. The important thing is to admit that you need help and to get it. Once in treatment, you can get yourself back on track and make adjustments to your relapse prevention plan. Some things to consider:

Try a new program: Be open to different types of therapy or counseling. You never know what will stick for you. If you weren’t in outpatient treatment before or didn’t stay in a sober living home, these may be good options. Talk with your treatment team about what might be most effective for you and your goals.

Explore new activities: Keep yourself from falling into a rut by trying new things. Look into community classes, activities at the gym, new hobbies, volunteering, or other things that pique your interest. These can give you something to look forward to and a way to continue having fun and learning while in recovery.

Identify breakdowns: Figure out where your recovery started to go off track and what may have led to your relapse. Then do your best to prevent these issues from occurring again. Decide what changes you can make and how to hold yourself more accountable. What strategies and support structures can you put in place in case you struggle? Set yourself up for success.

Keep a positive attitude: This is often easier said than done, but don’t let a relapse deter you from trying again. You can be successful with the right strategies and support. Recovery is possible and there is hope.

Above It All provides clients with comprehensive services and support to help you stay on track and overcome addiction. If you are going through a difficult time, speak up and ask for help. The team at Above It All is on your side and will help you along each step of the way. Whether it is your first time in treatment or you’re trying again, now is your chance to make a positive change in your life.

[cta] If you or a loved one is concerned about relapse or has relapsed, call Above It All today to get the support you need for recovery. [/cta]

Inpatient Treatment vs. Outpatient Treatment: Does it Matter?

No two people are exactly the same—and neither are any two struggles with addiction. That’s one of our guiding principles here at Above It All. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment because we understand that what works for you may not work for the next client. Everything is individualized, and everything is tailored to fit specific needs.

This is true even on a big-picture scale—such as the question of inpatient versus outpatient care. Some clients stay with us to receive residential treatment while others continue to live in their homes and go to school and work as usual. Which approach is better? Neither; it all depends on the specific needs of the client.

Certainly, there are many clients who do better in a residential setting. These are the clients who need more medical attention and supervision. That’s one of the main advantages of inpatient care: There’s around-the-clock medical care and guidance available for those who need it.

This intensive approach may not be what everyone needs, though. For other clients, the best thing we can do for them is to point them in the right direction, but also give them plenty of independence to work toward their recovery goals. That’s what outpatient care allows for.

Moreover, there are some cases where clients may do better beginning in inpatient care but then stepping down to an outpatient level as they work on their life skills and relapse prevention—an additional level of flexibility that Above It All provides.

The bottom line: There’s no one way to pursue addiction recovery, and the necessary starting point is to see which approach to treatment is best for you. Begin the process today by speaking with one of our addiction care specialists for an evaluation.

[cta] Contact us today to begin your recovery journey. [/cta]

Addiction and Anxiety: A Vicious Cycle

Addiction and anxiety may seem, at first, like two separate conditions—and to be sure, there are many people who experience them independently from one another. Just because you have a substance use disorder, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have an anxiety disorder, and vice versa.

In other cases, though, one of these conditions may contribute directly to the other; in fact, anxiety and addiction can feed off of each other, and end up becoming a vicious cycle.

Often times, someone who has an anxiety disorder may turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of self-medicating, which can quickly spiral into a problem with addiction. At the same time, high levels of alcohol consumption or drug use can actually cause anxiety to worsen or deepen. (The common conception of alcohol as a way to sooth anxiety is only true when alcohol is consumed in moderation.) Thus, the two conditions can exacerbate each other and grow increasingly intertwined over time.

More specifically, there is evidence to suggest that alcohol and drugs can actually cause panic attacks—and if you already have an anxiety disorder, your risk rate for this is heightened. Meanwhile, anxiety is a key symptom of PTSD, and addiction is incredibly common among PTSD patients because it is seen as a way to calm that anxiety—but in reality, it makes the symptoms of PTSD far more pronounced.

All of this points to the need for dual diagnosis care: If you are struggling with both addiction and anxiety, it is important to have both conditions diagnosed and treated, not just one of them. Seeking a treatment plan that encompasses the full breadth of your mental health concerns is a key factor in finding lifelong recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out for the dual diagnosis care you require.

[cta] Contact us today to learn about dual diagnosis care. [/cta]

How Do I Tell My Children I’m Going to Rehab?

Making the decision to pursue rehab and to embrace recovery is one of the best things you’ll ever do. It will also be one of the toughest. One challenge is telling the people you know and love about your choice—and in particular, telling your children.

It’s important to be honest with your kids, of course, but you also need to be intentional in the way you convey the information. You want to make sure you’re being age-appropriate, candid, sensitive, and hopeful, all at once. That’s a tough balancing act, but here are some tips that can help you find your footing:

  • Don’t mislead your kids. You can be age-appropriate without lying or speaking in euphemisms. You may not feel your kids are old enough to hear all the details about your struggle with addiction, but telling them you’re just going on vacation isn’t the right solution.
  • Make it clear to your kids that it’s not their fault you struggle with addiction. Reassure them. Let them know that what you’re dealing with is a disease, and it’s not because of their actions.
  • Encourage your kids with the knowledge that you’re seeking help to get better!
  • Educate your kids about what addiction is. Again, make sure they know that it’s a real, mental health condition. Also use this as a teachable moment, advising them about the dangers of substance abuse.
  • Make sure to get your kids the support they need; if you feel like they need to speak with a therapist, by all means arrange it for them.

Kids are strong and resilient, and you may be surprised by how supportive your own little ones can be. Even so, it’s important that you speak with them in the right way—honestly, openly, and sensitively.

[cta] Choose recovery today. Contact Above It All about addiction rehab. [/cta]

Overcoming Barriers to Treatment

It’s been proven over and over again: Clinical treatment really does work for those who struggle with addiction. By seeking the right medical intervention, you can be freed from addiction’s hold, and you can live a life of wholeness, health, and happiness.

The question is, why do so many people choose to suffer with addiction, instead of seeking the treatment they need? The reasons are numerous. For some, it’s a fear over affordability. For others, it’s the perception that they just don’t have time. For many, it’s the social stigma associated with addiction treatment.

In the end, however, none of these are good reasons to decline addiction treatment and recovery—so let us address each of these common barriers one at a time.

The first barrier: Addiction treatment is too expensive. The truth is that insurance will often pay for addiction treatment—and when it doesn’t, financial assistance is often made available. Ultimately, people aren’t turned away from treatment due to lack of money; all you need to do is contact an admissions representative to talk through the financial angle.

Another common barrier: You don’t have enough time. It’s true that addiction treatment will take you outside your usual work and school responsibilities—but employers will generally give you the time off that you need to get healthy again. And in the end, this is your wellbeing we’re talking about—your very life. Who doesn’t have time to get better and to live life more fully? There is nothing more important!

A final barrier: Social stigma. We have just one thing to say about this: Who cares? You’re not seeking treatment to impress anyone else. You’re doing it for yourself—and that’s that.

Don’t let these or any other barriers keep you from seeking treatment. Choose recovery. Contact Above It All to learn more.

[cta] Choose recovery. Reach out to Above It All today. [/cta]

Finding Your Place: The Benefits of Support Group Meetings

Addiction recovery does not end once a formal treatment program is completed. It is an ongoing journey. One essential element of recovery is having a strong support network and people to turn to in times of trouble and celebration. Many people find this support in family, friends, therapists, and addiction recovery support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

Joining a support group – and attending regular meetings – can have a multitude of benefits for your recovery:

  • You realize that you’re not alone: There are countless others who have gone through similar experiences and situations. You automatically have something in common and someone who understands addiction and recovery firsthand.
  • You can be honest: When you’re surrounded by others in recovery you don’t have to try to downplay your struggles or gloss over small accomplishments. They understand the gravity of these issues. You can just be you.
  • You can get feedback: Having a rough day? Learn from others about how they overcome challenging situations and stay positive. You may pick up some new strategies or ideas for activities to try.
  • You can find inspiration and be inspirational: Not only can you find hope in others’ stories, others can find hope and strength in yours. You never know who will relate to what you’re going through, or who you will inspire (or will inspire you) to keep pushing forward.
  • You can find support practically anywhere: Support groups are held at all different times and on different days. You can also find them throughout the country and world. No matter where you are, chances are you’re not far from a support group that will welcome you with open arms.

There are plenty of people who want to see you succeed in addiction recovery and will stand by your side. Above It All can help you get on the right path through comprehensive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction as well as dual diagnosis. We create a plan that meets your needs and work with you along each step of the way. It’s not too late to overcome addiction and turn your life around.

[cta] Start your journey to recovery and begin building your support network at Above It All. Call today to see how we can help. [/cta]

Setting Realistic Recovery Goals

Goals are important, in life and in recovery. It’s important to have something to reach for, something to strive for—some way to tell if you are making progress, moving forward, and improving yourself.

Not all goals are created equal, though, and in fact it is possible to set misguided goals for yourself—goals that may actually do more harm than help.

There are different ways in which goals can fall short. Of course, you can set goals that are much too small—goals that don’t denote any real accomplishment—but you can also aim too big, causing yourself to feel disappointed and demoralized rather than encouraged and inspired.

As you think about setting goals for your recovery, consider the following tips.

Set goals that are realistic. Your goals should stretch you a bit, but they shouldn’t be outright impossible to achieve. Don’t set yourself up for failure, and don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can achieve lasting recovery overnight.

Set goals that are measurable. The best goals are the ones that allow you to see results and track your progress. Don’t make your goals too subjective or esoteric!

Have both short- and long-term goals. It’s good to have a mixture of goals that you can work toward. Have some big-picture goals that can keep you moving forward, but also some smaller goals to give you encouragement and strength along the way.

Be kind to yourself. Recovery is a process, and it always has ups and downs. You may not meet every single goal you set, at least not initially—so don’t beat yourself up about it. Adjust your goals and keeping moving forward in your recovery!

The ultimate goal, of course, is to sustain your recovery over the long run—and the best way to do that is to aim for specific milestones along the way.

[cta] Share your tips for recovery goal-setting! [/cta]

Detox 101

The first step in a drug and alcohol treatment program is the detoxification or detox process. No, this isn’t quite the same as an at-home detox to cleanse your body of toxins, but it is used to rid the body of any addictive substances. Trying to detox on your own at home can actually be a dangerous decision due to how the drugs and alcohol affect your body. You may experience withdrawal symptoms that are too uncomfortable to handle on your own, and ineffective detox can increase your risk of relapse.

Why Detox Matters

Before you can truly focus on your treatment and recovery, your body and mind need to be out from under the influence of drugs and alcohol. You need to get a fresh start and learn to function without these substances. Sobriety can allow you to put your energy and attention into what you are learning in rehab and really implement necessary changes.

How Above It All Supports Clients Through Detox

Detox can be uncomfortable and exhausting. Clients at Above It All receive round-the-clock care and monitoring as they go through the detox process to ensure a safe and effective experience. Addiction Recovery Specialists and medical staff can provide non-addictive medications to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and keep clients more comfortable. Staff also provides ongoing support and encouragement to motivate clients and reduce risk of relapse.

An effective detox program can provide a solid foundation on which to continue building throughout the recovery process. You will be able to start healing your body and mind and making healthier decisions for your future. Detox is just the first step of the journey, but it is a crucial one. It can set the tone for the rest of your recovery, so you want to ensure that you are in the hands of highly trained professionals like those at Above It All who want to see you succeed and move forward in your recovery.

[cta] If you’re ready to overcome addiction, don’t try to detox yourself at home – contact Above It All for safe, supervised care and comprehensive treatment. [/cta]

Are You Unknowingly Enabling Addiction?

It’s hard to watch a dear friend or loved one struggle with addiction. You want to see their life get better. You want to help them. You do what you can to be an asset and an encourager.

Only, what if you’re not actually helping? What if, despite your best intentions, what you’re really doing is enabling?

It can happen, and the line is a fuzzy one. Ultimately, real help always has the end goal of seeing your friend or loved one seek treatment and long-term recovery. Enabling, meanwhile, makes it easier for your friend or loved one to continue using drugs or alcohol—not changing, not getting better.

You may be enabling without quite realizing it. Here are some of the most common ways in which well-meaning friends and family members enable addiction:

Lending money. The only time it’s ever really wise to lend money to someone struggling with addiction is if it’s needed for healthcare—that is, if it’s really life-or-death. Otherwise, a money loan is more likely than not going to go toward more drugs or alcohol.

Having drugs or alcohol available. Don’t keep them in your home. Don’t do anything to make these things more easily accessible to the person with addiction.

Lying on their behalf. Subsets of this include making excuses or keeping secrets for your friend or loved one who has addiction—all forms of enablement.

Denying the problem. Finally, and most crucially, note that it is a form of enablement to be anything less than real about the true gravity of the problem.

What then can you do to offer real help? Pledge your ongoing support and encouragement—and urge your loved one to seek recovery through an addiction treatment program. That, ultimately, is the best thing you can ever do for someone with addiction.

[cta] What tips would you offer to someone who struggles with enablement? Let us know! [/cta]

Celebrating Your Independence from Addiction

It was 240 years ago on the 4th of July that America celebrated its independence as a new nation. While your time in sobriety may seem to pale in comparison, your independence from addiction is certainly something worth celebrating. Whether you’ve been in recovery for two weeks, two months, two years, or two decades, it’s an accomplishment. As you’re enjoying picnics, barbecues, fireworks, and family, take some time to stop and think about what your independence means to you.

Reflect on the progress you’ve made. Consider how much your life has changed for the better and how far you have come from your days of active addiction. What are some things that you’ve accomplished that you never thought possible before? How has your physical and mental health improved?

Appreciate your freedom to choose what you do. Drugs and alcohol no longer dictate your life – you do. You have the ability to make healthy choices and pursue your goals and dreams. Without the influence of addiction, you can think more clearly and remember life’s special moments.

Re-evaluate where you’re headed. The year is a little more than halfway over. Are you still on track with your goals? Review what you want to accomplish and how to get there. It may be time to set some new goals for yourself.

Set yourself up for success. There will be lots of events going on for the 4th of July. Remember that you don’t have to accept every invitation. Focus on finding sober activities, or host your own party so that you’re more in control of the environment. Know your triggers and how to minimize them so you can still have fun.

If you can’t fathom a 4th of July without a few drinks, it may be time to consider addiction treatment. Above It All Treatment Center can help you get on the path to sobriety and a lifestyle of recovery that you can be proud of.

[cta] Leave a comment and let us know how you’re celebrating your independence from addiction and how it’s changed your life for the better! [/cta]